Content warning: This email reflects on the events in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.
We’re still reeling from the aftermath of the latest school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
A student and teacher were killed and at least another six people were injured, including two with life-threatening injuries.
We are outraged that this is happening yet again in our country, but not surprised. This tragedy marked the 83rd school shooting in 2024—surpassing 2023 for the most school shootings in a single year.
And yet, already we’ve seen anti-gun safety leaders call for NOTHING more than “thoughts and prayers.”
We’ll say it again and again—we DON’T NEED more thoughts and prayers if they are followed with inaction. We NEED our elected officials to WAKE UP to the reality of what’s happening. We deserve to feel safe, we deserve to live without fear, and we deserve a future without the threat of gun violence.
Representative Mark Pocan, who represents the district where this shooting occurred, said in a social media post:
“Thoughts and prayers without action means more school shootings, more dead kids. More ACTION is needed by our elected officials. And more BACKBONE to stand up to gun manufacturers. This is uniquely a United States problem that doesn’t have to happen.”
We wholeheartedly agree. We demand action.
Today, we’re coming to you with an important ask: to take action with us. If you’re tired of reading the same headlines, if you’re tired of living in fear of going to school, if you’re tired of waiting for our leaders to pass meaningful gun safety legislation, then we need you to join us.
Thank you and take care,
Team MFOL