Content warning: This email reflects on the events in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011. 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.
Today and every day, we remember the victims of the 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona, when six people were killed and 15 were injured at a town hall event outside of a grocery store.
It was also a targeted attack on former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived with serious injuries. The shooting left her partially paralyzed and living with aphasia after she was shot in the head.
During her recovery, she co-founded the organization GIFFORDS to take on the gun lobby and pass lifesaving gun safety laws. She has since become a leading voice for gun safety, and a dear friend to us in the movement to end gun violence.
Gabby’s story of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy inspires us and reminds us of the responsibility we carry as activists fighting against the scourge of gun violence. That’s why we fight day in and day out to honor the lives lost and build a future where everyone is safe and free from this epidemic.
Unfortunately, this type of political violence is still alive and well. We saw it on January 6th, and at rallies and political offices across the country. These attacks are fueled by a culture of gun glorification, disinformation, and irresponsible gun laws. The path ahead is dangerous but we refuse to let violence and fascism continue to prosper.
We believe in a better future, one where we are free from both gun violence and political violence. That’s the future we’re fighting for today and every day alongside heroes like Gabby Giffords.
In solidarity,
March For Our Lives
Today and every day, we honor the lives lost in the Tucson, Arizona massacre on January 8, 2011:
Christina-Taylor Green, 9
Dorothy “Dot” Morris, 76
Judge John Roll, 63
Phyllis Schneck, 79
Dorwan Stoddard, 76
Gabe Zimmerman, 30