NEWTOWN — Gun violence is preventable if you know the signs, but can be easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for.
That’s the message of a compelling new video produced by Sandy Hook Promise, a national non-profit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Based in Newtown, the group’s intent “is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation by providing programs and practices that protect children and prevent the senseless, tragic loss of life.”
The group’s “Know the Signs” programs produced the 2:30 video titled “Evan,” based on research on practices that help protect children from gun violence in homes, schools and communities.
“Almost 4 years after the tragedy that struck Sandy Hook Elementary School, there continues to be no reduction in the number of gun violence acts committed each and every day,” said a statement from Sandy Hook Promise.
Nicole Hockley, the managing director for Sandy Hook Promise, spoke to FOX 61 on Friday about her son and how she feels about the PSA.
“Knowing that my son’s death was preventable but no one recognized the signs and was able to connect them to give the shooter help that’s part of what drives me to ensure that other families don’t suffer this same tragedy,” Hockley said.
You can learn more about Sandy Hook Promise here.
The Connecticut Citizens Defense League released a statement on the video as well:
While there may be a small number of troubled adolescents in today's world, many of our youth have a natural curiosity of firearms and would not harm anyone.
This is why firearms safety and education should be a priority along with proper school security.
Gun ownership is a constitutionally protected right and we have a duty to make sure that the next generation of legal gun owners are free to exercise those rights.
