This week was the five-year anniversary of the devastating Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 14 students and 3 staff members were killed. Fifteen years ago, a gunman killed 6 and wounded 21 at Northern Illinois University. Tragically, this week, 3 students were shot and killed at Michigan State University. We failed them all.

We hear about mass shootings and acts of gun violence almost daily, but for too long there’s been no meaningful response. The lack of action from our government is inexcusable. 

We must choose to end gun violence and we must do it now.

I served 27 months in combat, the weapons of war I carried had one purpose; mass casualty. Those weapons have no place on our streets or in our schools. It is far past time to disarm hate.

I’m resolved to take action. I ran for Congress to address the gun violence epidemic head-on, and I’m ready to get to work. I was recently named Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and I’m committed to finding common sense solutions to reduce gun violence, address underlying mental health conditions, and ensure that no child should fear that today might be the day they have to run for their life at school. 

If you agree, add your name to my petition calling for action on gun safety legislation.

Here’s the bottom line: The gun lobby has halted progress and held Congress hostage for too long. The majority of Americans agree. It’s time for change.

Yours in service,

Pat