Every year, gun violence surges in the summer. And we’re already seeing signs that this summer will be worse than ever. I’ll explain why, but in short, we need proactive solutions instead of thoughts and prayers. So first, I have to ask --

A number of things work in tandem to cause this spike every summer -- scorching heat waves hit communities without access to AC, structured school days end, people are out and about -- but the worst part is, violence in the summer is concentrated among at-risk youth. During the summer there are approximately 20 additional gun homicides of children and teens each month.

With 233 people killed and 618 injured by gun violence over the July 4th weekend, among those a six-year-old in Chicago, an eight-year-old in Atlanta, and seven young people between 11 and 18 in Toledo, this is our painful reality of life in America. Young lives are on the line every day. And it’s especially hard to watch when we KNEW this was coming. This happens EVERY year.

But this year will be even worse. The pandemic exacerbated all of the inequities and drivers of gun violence in our country, and gun violence rates climbed accordingly. Last year, guns flew off shelves in record numbers -- a whopping 39% of American households now own guns. But here’s the thing: Gun violence rates are still higher than they were pre-pandemic, proving that this isn’t a statistical blip. 2020 was the deadliest year for gun violence in decades, but so far, 2021 is worse. As pandemic restrictions ease up, rates of gun violence go up. And with more guns on the street, and more guns in American households, our national epidemic is getting worse. 

That’s why your support this summer is urgently needed. There are proven solutions to reduce gun violence. Advocating for change WORKS. Universal background checks, violence intervention programs, mutual aid, and evidence-based street outreach programs cut summer gun violence in some cities by as much as 50%.

Look, young people should not have to do this work. I’m just in college. I should be enjoying the summer with friends and planning my next semester. But young people are also dying. Our classmates, our siblings, and our neighbors. And so, we relentlessly fight on for the world we deserve. This may be our reality, but it will not be our future. That’s why I’m in this fight, and I’m thankful that you are too. 

Gun violence is a public health epidemic that needs bold solutions as big as this crisis itself. Your support and work on this issue are urgently needed.

I appreciate you. 

Onward,

Daud Mumin
Co-Chair of the Board of Directors
March For Our Lives