John,

On April 19, the US experienced its worst mass shooting in two years. And while the media quickly moved on, it’s hard for those of us in the movement to turn away so quickly. 

It wasn’t the type of shooting we’ve come to expect, as sad as that sounds. It didn’t happen at a school, or a mall, or another public space. It took place across several private residences in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

A 31-year-old man murdered eight children, seven of whom were his own. He also shot and injured his wife and another woman, both of whom were the mothers of his children. The kids were all under 12, with the youngest being just three years old.

Our children rely on us to keep them safe, but our country is failing them every day. Join the fight to create a better future for us all.

This was an incredibly gut-wrenching act of domestic violence, perpetuated by a man with documented mental health issues and a felony gun conviction. Many policy solutions could have prevented this tragedy, especially laws to ensure the secure storage of guns. But this shooting illustrates a more insidious, less discussed aspect of this country’s gun violence crisis: domestic violence, and the disproportionate toll it takes on Black women and children. 

Gun violence has been the number one killer of kids in America since 2020. But it’s been the number one killer of Black children in America since 2006. As officials react, the public calls for change, and survivors face an uncertain future, we must not overlook the communities most impacted by gun violence. 

A safer America is within reach, but we need your help. Can you donate today to help fuel our work to save lives?

GIFFORDS Law Center has been working for decades to improve protections for victims of domestic violence and to remove guns from the abusers who shouldn’t have them. Our experts and attorneys have secured significant wins in states and at the federal level. But until every child and every family is safe from preventable gun violence, our work isn’t done. Thank you for standing alongside us in this fight. 

With gratitude, 
Lindsay

PS: House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to speak with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords following the shooting that occurred near his district. Read more in her open letter calling for action from our leaders.

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Lindsay Nichols
Policy Director
GIFFORDS Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence