John,
Seven years ago today, students and educators alike began another school day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
By the day’s end, 17 children and teachers were killed and another 17 were injured in one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. In the months that followed, two others died from the intense pain that came in the aftermath of the shooting.
Parkland joined a growing list of cities and towns across the United States — united by a shared sense of loss and anguish.
In the years following the shooting, activists and organizers across the country have made hard-fought progress to defend their communities and schools from the epidemic of gun violence.
These efforts came to a head when President Biden signed into law the first major gun safety legislation in nearly three decades in 2022.
Under Biden, the White House established the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention to reduce gun violence and to implement and expand on key legislative and executive actions taken to save lives.
Despite these efforts, lives are still being violently taken every single day, John.
Just 45 days into 2025, there have been 34 mass shootings that have taken 37 lives.
We know what the solution is. It’s been clear for a long time. Common-sense gun regulation has proven itself to save lives. None of us should feel unsafe in our communities.
The rapid pace of developments coming out of the White House in recent weeks have left many of us demoralized and exhausted. And it’s understandable. But we fight on. Our work to push for a safer future free from gun violence won’t disappear.
We continue to be inspired by the many activists and organizers on the ground doing the hard, but necessary work to push for the comprehensive solutions we need to effectively address gun violence.
To honor the 17 lives we lost seven years ago today — and the thousands since, we will continue to uplift the stories of victims and survivors alike and double down in our commitment to never stop fighting until we eradicate gun violence for once and for all.
In solidarity,
LeftNet
