This is a longer email on the critical issue of gun violence. I hope you’ll give me a few minutes of your time, then sign my petition calling for the GOP-controlled legislature to take action on common sense gun safety legislation.

John —

At the end of August, just days after fall classes began at UNC-Chapel Hill, an active shooter murdered an associate professor on campus.

Just over two weeks later, UNC students, teachers, and staff found themselves locked down again, facing yet another threat to their community.

John, I’m deeply grateful to all those whose quick action prevented further tragedy. But this has to stop, and elected leaders have a duty to implement the policies we know will keep our constituents safe.

When Chapel Hill students called on our GOP-controlled legislature to enact common sense gun violence prevention legislation, Republican leaders mocked them and absurdly suggested the legislature’s next step should be to loosen regulations to allow guns to be carried on campuses.

I’m joining the students’ demand for change. I’m starting a petition for immediate gun safety legislation, John, and I want you to add your name beside mine.

The evidence is clear: America has a gun violence epidemic. We need to act like it. That’s why I’ve done everything in my power as Governor to address this crisis, but I can’t take further action if radical lawmakers refuse to come to the table.

If our legislature passes reasonable reforms like background checks and red flag laws, I’ll sign them — for the students and teachers at UNC, and all North Carolinians who know the danger of gun violence.

Add your name to my petition to call on the legislature to enact reforms like these before it’s too late.

Thank you for standing with me,

Roy Cooper