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My life is divided into before and after— In 2022, my wife and I were caught in the crossfire of a shooting at Tysons Corner Mall. We made it out physically unharmed, but the experience changed us forever. We both still live with post-traumatic stress disorder. Loud noises and crowded places are constant reminders that our lives are divided into two eras: before and after gun violence. That experience is why I refuse to look away. And it's why I'm asking you not to, either. Donald Trump's administration has made one thing crystal clear: They are putting the gun industry's profits ahead of what matters most — our basic safety. ICYMI: The Trump Administration Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) — the agency whose job is to enforce our gun laws and oversee the gun industry — recently announced over 30 new rules that would make sweeping and dangerous changes to federal gun safety regulations. One of those proposed rules would allow dealers to sell more guns to more customers without a background check at the time of sale simply because the customer has a state-issued permit. Background checks are a common-sense and fundamental tool to keep firearms out of the hands of people who are not allowed to have them. So, when guns are sold without background checks, that puts all of us at greater risk. I know what happens when a dangerous person has access to a firearm. I know what it means to spend years living with the trauma that follows. No one should have to divide their life into "before" and "after" because of gun violence. We can't undo what happened to me or to the countless other survivors across this country. But we can decide what happens next. The 2026 midterm elections are our opportunity to hold elected leaders accountable and demand representatives who will protect our communities — not roll back the safeguards that help keep us safe. Please join me in committing to vote in November. Every election is a chance to shape the future, and every vote is a chance to stand with survivors, families, and communities who know the true cost of gun violence. Don't allow those we lost to be forgotten, and don't allow survivors to carry their pain alone. Commit to vote today.
Thank you, Jacob Ware
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