John,

Nine years ago today, a white supremacist walked into Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston and started shooting. He killed nine innocent people and injured one other.

I’m holding the victims in my heart today as we remember those we lost. It’s especially painful to know these lives were taken away in a place of worship, a place where everyone deserves to pray in peace.

As someone who’s lost a family member to gun violence, I know the pain never truly goes away. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about my son Jordan and how he was taken from me too soon. We can’t bring back these victims, but we owe it to them to fight for a safer future.

Gun violence is a solvable issue, but it’ll take comprehensive legislation at the federal level to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people. I’ve been leading the fight in Congress to pass crucial laws to keep our communities safe. However, NRA-backed Republicans continue to do whatever they can to impede our efforts.

We must refuse to stay silent. On days like today – when we remember the lives lost in a deadly mass shooting – we must double down on the need to prevent further tragedies. 

I grieve with all those in Charleston who lost someone nine years ago, and all those around the country whose life has been upended by a horrific act of gun violence. We will not let our spirit get broken.

With love,

Lucy McBath