Garcia Wilburn honors Sandy Hook victims, calls for common-sense gun safety measures
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) today hosted a Sandy Hook Remembrance Day event at the Statehouse to honor the victims of school shootings and advocate for stronger gun safety laws to protect Hoosier children.
The event, held in advance of the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting this weekend, brought together lawmakers, advocates, faith leaders and community members to remember the hundreds of students who have senselessly lost their lives to gun violence in schools across America.
"Thirteen years ago, 20 children and six educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since then, countless more young lives have been stolen by gun violence in school shootings, on the streets and in homes. Indiana has made it easier, not harder, for guns to fall into the wrong hands," Garcia Wilburn said.
"The state legislature eliminated permit requirements for carrying handguns allowing more guns to land in the hands of the wrong people, like those who have taken the lives of precious school children.
"Today was about remembering lives lost and recommitting ourselves to creating a future with fewer of these preventable tragedies. We should not have to accept school shootings as the new normal or hold our breath for the next tragedy. The defeat of the mid-decade redistricting bill this week showed Hoosiers that bipartisan, common-sense wins are possible if we use our collective voices.
"We can protect Second Amendment rights while being serious about gun safety. It's time for Indiana to pass common sense gun laws—because remembering victims means taking action to prevent the next tragedy."
The event featured remarks from advocates and lawmakers, music, multi-faith prayer, opportunities to connect with gun violence prevention organizations and a children's shoe drive benefiting Grace Care Center in memory of children lost to gun violence.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, more than 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm and nearly 360 children unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else every year. Research shows that safe storage laws—which require firearms to be stored securely and inaccessibly to children—significantly reduce unintentional shootings, youth suicides and school shootings.