Hi, John,

I’d like to take a minute to tell you about how our team at the Alliance spent this past Sunday and how we went from inspired to horrified in just a few short hours.

Early in the afternoon we were all at the powerful United We Stand For Gun Safety event that the Alliance co-hosted. The gathering, held at a Jewish temple in Seattle, brought gun safety advocates from all walks of life and belief systems together to discuss the gun violence epidemic.

We welcomed Tyah-Amoy Roberts, who survived the Parkland shooting less than two years ago and Rev. Sharon Risher, whose friends and family members were murdered in the 2015 Emanuel AME church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. After our discussion, we watched the documentary "Emanuel" – which told the story of how a man opened fire at the bible study killing nine.

Hearing these incredible survivors speak and watching the moving documentary reminded our team of why we do the work that we do. We left the temple feeling inspired to return to work the next day and fight harder than ever.

But then, only hours after the event, I saw the horrifying video created by President Trump’s supporters showing the president violently murdering his perceived political rivals inside a church. You know the one I mean. I am not going to link to it here.

Needless to say, I was shaken. I still am. This graphic depiction of the leader of our nation committing unspeakable acts of gun violence inside a place of worship is a terrifying reminder of what’s happening in our country and what happened in Charleston just a few years ago. Our opponents treat gun violence like a joke. I don’t find it funny.

This is what we’re up against, and it’s why we need to recommit to gun violence prevention. If you’re committed to staying in this fight with us, please show your support right now with a financial contribution. Every dollar you give goes directly toward saving lives from gun violence.

As Rev. Risher said, “We have to be the ones to continue this fight, and I know that there are times when we are tired and we are weary, but we are people of good strength.”

Thank you for being strong and fighting with us.

Maureen