John–
We are continuing to see the devastating impact of the gun lobby's "guns everywhere" agenda, as communities experience more gun violence in more places: movie theaters, classrooms, block parties, music festivals, night clubs, grocery stores—and now, youth sporting events.
This violence isn't just happening every so often—it's happening with alarming frequency. As ESPN recently reported, gun violence is on the rise at school sports events. Young people, rather than enjoying a night with their friends and classmates, are being traumatized.
We're as committed as ever to fighting the policies that enable this violence. Our children deserve better. Add your name if you agree.
We know why this is happening: Research shows that states with weaker gun laws, like those with permitless carry, have higher rates of gun violence. And even though shootings at school sports events have happened across the country, the ESPN story found they are most tightly clustered in states with fewer gun restrictions.
As a mom watching footage from football games like the one in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday where people were running for their lives rather than cheering for their teams, I'm terrified and infuriated for our country's young people. Kids running from gunfire at sporting events is the logical, dystopian reality of the gun lobby's deadly agenda: Guns for anyone, anywhere, any time, no questions asked.
Youth sports are meant to help our children grow, develop, and have fun—not traumatize them. It's time for lawmakers to prioritize public safety to end this crisis.
Thank you for being a part of this movement.
Shannon Watts
She/Her/Hers
Founder
Moms Demand Action