Friend, there have already been more than 200 mass shootings in 2023 alone. That's more than one shooting for every single day of the year.

America is in the midst of a gun violence epidemic — and families and communities across the nation are paying the price every single day. It's heartbreaking. It's infuriating. And it's long past time we address this problem head-on.

Today, on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, I'm asking 5,000 people on this team to raise their voices for change by signing my petition to support an assault weapons ban. Please, will you mark this day by adding your name to keep these weapons of war away from schools, off our streets and out of our communities?

Today, it feels as though we're stuck in an endless cycle of gun violence. Even as we mourn the most recent shooting — at a school, a mall, a grocery store or even a family's own backyard — it's impossible to shake the feeling that the next mass killing is inevitable.

But here's the thing, friend: This cycle isn't endless. The next mass killing isn't inevitable. There are concrete, straightforward steps that we can take right now to end the cycle and protect our communities from gun violence. And the vast majority of Americans support these kinds of commonsense reforms.

Last year, we took a meaningful step forward by passing a package of gun safety reforms — including my legislation to end gun trafficking. But there is so much more that we must still do. That starts with getting assault weapons off our streets. You have my word that I won't stop fighting until we pass this legislation and end this epidemic, but I need grassroots Americans like you to stand with me.

So please, if you believe that we can win a future where communities are free from gun violence, will you add your name to support an assault weapons ban? I'm counting on your signature before midnight to know that you're on my side in this fight.

With hope for the future,

Kirsten