1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The horrific shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia underscores the urgent need for concrete action to address the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our nation's schools. It is unacceptable for politicians like JD Vance to dismiss these tragedies as "a fact of life" that we must simply accept. This defeatist attitude fails to uphold our collective responsibility to protect innocent lives, especially those of children. The time for thoughts and prayers alone has long passed. Congress must take decisive steps by reinstating the assault weapons ban, which previously proved effective in reducing the lethality of such attacks. These military-grade firearms, designed for warfare, have no place in civilian hands and have been the weapons of choice in countless mass shootings, shattering countless families and communities. We cannot continue to sacrifice young lives at the altar of inaction. Reinstating the assault weapons ban is a common-sense measure that can help prevent future massacres and create a safer environment for our children to learn and grow. Inaction is complicity, and we demand that our elected representatives prioritize the lives of their constituents over the interests of the gun lobby.