John,

Yesterday, cities across the country celebrated the Fourth of July with family and friends – but in an Illinois suburb, the sound of fireworks was overtaken by gunfire. 

Six people were killed and over 30 more were injured when a gunman opened fire on a parade in Highland Park, IL. This shooting broke national headlinesn while even more people were killed in shootings across Chicago just this weekend. Yet again, our nation is reminded that no one is free from the uniquely American threat of gun violence. 

Now, Highland Park joins a devastating list that is years in the making: Uvalde, Buffalo, Atlanta, Parkland, Newtown… These mass shootings persist in communities across the country, and they will continue if we let ourselves become numb to them.  

More people shouldn’t have to die for us to create a country free from gun violence. As a gun violence survivor, I don’t want anyone else to know what it feels like to lose a loved one, to carry the weight of a nation’s epidemic. 

That’s why we can’t stop fighting, and we won’t. The passage of the first major piece of legislation in Congress shows us exactly what can be done when we fight to save lives together, and it’s up to all of us to continue to push our lawmakers toward change. To honor the victims and survivors of our nation’s countless tragedies. 

A nation free from gun violence is possible, and until it’s realized, we will remain resilient. Your support powers this movement and together, I know we can change this country and save communities from more tragedy. 

Liz Dunning
Gun Violence Survivor

Vice President, Development