1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

Following the devastating school shooting at Apalachee High School, there is an urgent need to take action on introducing stronger gun laws in Georgia. While no legislation can undo this tragedy, comprehensive reforms could help prevent future such events. Democrats in the state legislature have proposed measures like universal background checks, waiting periods, safe storage requirements, restricting assault rifles, and "red flag" laws to temporarily remove firearms from those deemed a risk. However, these common-sense proposals have been repeatedly blocked by Republican leadership. This shooting has reignited calls from Democrats for Governor Kemp to convene a special legislative session to finally address gun violence through substantive policy changes. With 34 gun-related bills introduced in the last session alone, there is clearly an appetite for reform that should be heeded. Inaction is unconscionable when children's lives are at stake. The time for partisan obstruction is over - Georgians deserve leaders who will put public safety over narrow political interests. Concrete steps must be taken to keep firearms away from those who should not have them and to promote responsible ownership. Only then can we make progress on this crisis.