My Sister Died in a Shooting Too. We Must Fix This
Not again. That's what runs through my mind as the breaking news alert flashes on my phone that there has been yet another school shooting. This time a high school in Florida, where 17 people were murdered and more than a dozen others injured.
In an instant, my heart flashes back to December 14th, 2012. On that day, my sister Vicki was shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, along with five other educators and 20 first graders. My family and I have dealt with - and are still dealing with - a level of grief and pain that I would never wish on anyone.
I know what the families in Florida are going through, and my heart aches for them. The agony of trying to locate your loved one and the overwhelming heartbreak when the news is not what you were desperate to hear is something I - and they - will never, ever get past.
Vicki’s students were the light of her life. She talked about them so much that I knew each one by name. As shocking as the news that came out of that day was, one thing didn’t surprise me in the least: Vicki died protecting her students.
I miss my sister every single day. I miss her at Christmas when our family has to celebrate without her. I miss her every time my son celebrates a milestone and I can’t call my sister to tell her all about it. I just miss her.
It is agonizing that our nation is now reeling after yet another a mass shooting where the shooter exhibited warning signs. It was reported that people who knew him referred to him as troubled and as someone who had threatened students. These are red flags for violence.
My own state, Connecticut, has passed a Red Flag Law, as have four other states. It empowers family members and local police to petition for the temporary removal of guns from people who exhibit red flags that they might be a danger to themselves or others. This law can help prevent mass shootings, domestic violence incidents, and suicide. Eighteen other states, including Florida, are considering red flag legislation - they should take action and pass this legislation now.
As we collectively reel from this week's tragedy, know that there is something you can do. Call and email your local officials and urge them to support red flag laws if you live in a state where they have been introduced. If you live in a state that hasn’t passed this law or even introduced it, demand to know why. And regardless of where you live, text "ACT" to 644-33 to get involved with your local Moms Demand Action chapter.
Now is the time for our elected leaders to take action. They need to act or we will throw them out of office.
Thoughts and prayers are not enough. They have never been enough. The time to act to end this gun violence crisis is today, right now.
Carlee Soto is a member of the Everytown Survivor Network.