| It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.
In 10 years time, our world has changed a great deal. While our society has made strides in combatting hate, there has also been a sharp rise in violence by those who are acting on their hatred. And since May 23, 2014, there have been 4,769 more mass shootings across our nation.
The good news is we can all be a part of the solution. When Senator Nancy Skinner and I wrote California’s “red flag law” in 2014, we could not have foreseen just how critical these gun violence restraining orders would become to preventing gun violence. Studies show that in just the first four years, they prevented as many as 58 mass shootings.
But where we still have a long way to go is improving the rates of close family members and acquaintances who are utilizing these lifesaving orders.
If you know someone or come into contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun, you should know what options you have. You can learn more and find valuable resources below, and at SpeakForSafety.org. |
