John,

Today was the first day back to school for students at Perry High School in Iowa. The hallways should have been filled with laughter and reunions as kids saw each other again after the holidays, sharing stories of trips they took or gifts they received.

Instead, the hallways were filled with the sounds of gunshots, with glass and blood, and law enforcement as they responded to an active shooter on campus.

At least three people, two students and an administrator, are injured following the shooting, classes are canceled, and the community is left to grapple with an all too familiar tragedy. 

As we continue to monitor the details that emerge from Perry, IA, there is a resounding truth that is made clear by yet another violent day at a high school in America: This is not the reality that our children deserve.

Our kids should not have to live in fear of being gunned down in their schools. Should not be subjected to lockdown drills and metal detectors – bandaids to a systemic issue of gun violence that Congress has still failed to address despite over 390 school shootings since Columbine. 

John, it is long past time for Congress to protect our children from gun violence. In the wake of yet another school shooting, will you add your name to Brady’s urgent petition right now and demand that Congress finally take action to save lives?

Thank you for taking action in the face of yet another senseless tragedy, John. 

Kris Brown

Brady President