Dear John,
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility shares in the deep disappointment and grief expressed by the Parkland community following the not-guilty verdict of former Broward County sheriff’s deputy, and Student Resource Officer (SRO), Scot Peterson. We believe this verdict fails to address the pain, loss, and trauma inflicted on the Parkland community, students, teachers, and families of the victims. While we appreciate and acknowledge that some may see the role of SROs in different lights, the fact remains that Peterson was in a position to intervene and failed to do so.
At the core of our mission is the commitment to reduce gun violence and the unmeasurable harm it causes to our communities, families, and, most tragically, to our children. The events in Parkland, and now the verdict that followed, highlight the dire need for robust, comprehensive gun violence prevention measures.
This case has made one thing very clear - putting armed officials in our schools is not the answer.
The focus should remain steadfastly on preventing access to firearms by individuals who pose a risk to themselves and others. Therein lies the potential to significantly decrease the likelihood of such incidents occurring in the first place. We continue to advocate for comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation, effective enforcement, and solutions that address the root causes of gun violence.
This fight is about more than any single verdict or law enforcement officer; it's about building a future where our children can learn without fear, where our teachers can teach without preparing for potential violence, and where our communities can thrive, free from the terror of gun violence.
The path to a safer future requires bold action and commitment from all corners of our society. It requires us to confront and address the structural issues that make gun violence a persistent reality. Let us honor the memory of those lost in Parkland and across the country by redoubling our efforts to end gun violence. Together, we can—and will—make a difference.
In solidarity,
Dylan O'Connor (he/him)
P.S. Continue to support the Alliance’s efforts by making a donation today.
