On December 13th, the Brown University community was devastated by an active shooter incident that resulted in two student fatalities and nine injuries. The author, a student at Brown, describes sheltering in place and the fear and confusion that followed, including conflicting information about the suspect's status. The suspected gunman, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, 48, was later found deceased in a New Hampshire storage unit on December 18th, after also being linked to the fatal shooting of an MIT professor. The author, an advocate against gun violence, attributes such tragedies to the prioritization of profits by the gun industry and the inaction of politicians influenced by gun lobbyists.
The opinion piece contrasts the U.S. response to gun violence with Australia's swift action following a terrorist attack, questioning why the U.S. continues to tolerate such violence, especially given its status as the wealthiest nation. The author emphasizes the desire for freedom from gun violence, which remains a leading cause of death for young people. The piece highlights the author's involvement with Team ENOUGH, a youth-led gun violence prevention organization, and the personal motivation stemming from a previous shooting scare at their high school.
The author calls for a more responsible gun ownership culture, advocating for secure storage of firearms, and suggests that states should take the lead in implementing gun safety laws, especially as federal funding for research is cut. The piece concludes with a call to action, urging readers to contact representatives, join gun violence prevention groups, vote for advocates, and channel their emotions into collective action to create a future free from gun violence.