December 14. Again.

December 14 was the 13th anniversary of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, a day that forever changed Newtown, Connecticut, and the nation. It comes just days after the 13th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, held this past Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Once again, we are in the immediate aftermath of yet another shooting, this time at Brown University in Providence.

This painful convergence of remembrance, advocacy, and fresh tragedy underscores the relentless reality of gun violence in America—and the deep trauma carried by survivors.

Two students were killed and at least nine others were wounded when a gunman opened fire amidst final exams at Brown University.  The individuals who were shot are students, according to university officials, and an additional person was wounded by bullet fragments.

The fact that these college students were elementary school students in 2012 underscores the sobering truth: an entire generation of youth in America has grown up with threats of being shot in a classroom.

“The fact that these college students were elementary school students in 2012 underscores the sobering truth: an entire generation of youth in America has grown up with threats of being shot in a classroom.”

In response, Lauren Levin, chief advocacy officer of Sandy Hook Promise, issued the following statement:

“Thirteen years ago today, 26 precious lives were stolen at Sandy Hook Elementary. It was an attack that could have been prevented if the warning signs had been taken seriously. Now, the Brown University community has been shaken by this same kind of nightmare, students shot and killed in their classroom.

“We at Sandy Hook Promise stand with each of the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Brown University community in demanding further investigation and swift action. While nothing can bring these precious lives back, we can and must do more to support these families, protect our schools, and prevent school shootings.

“A young person in the U.S. is more likely to die by a gun than a disease or an accident. We have to shake ourselves awake from the apathy — reject this being seen as normal — because our children deserve better.

“When we come together to take action, we can stop school shootings and we can save lives. It starts by recognizing the warning signs and stepping up to help. And that responsibility and commitment to looking out for one another must be supported by our leaders at all levels with  policy to help prevent the misuse of firearms.”

Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance, issued the following statement:

“On Wednesday night, we gathered for the 13th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence to honor lives lost, support survivors, and recommit ourselves to ending this crisis. Among those who performed was Mia Tretta, a gunshot survivor of the Saugus High School shooting in Santa Clarita—a young woman who turned unimaginable trauma into strength, music, and healing.

“Just a few days later, Mia found herself once again sheltering in place at Brown University, hiding from gunfire, reliving the terror no one should ever have to experience twice.

“That is the cruel reality of gun violence in America.

“Thirteen years ago today, my neighbor used an AR-15 to hunt and murder 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since then, more than 1.3 million Americans have been shot and wounded or killed, and more than half a million people have lost their lives to gun violence. There have been more than 5,800 mass shooting incidents since Sandy Hook. Survivors are not only forced to carry lifelong physical and emotional scars—they are repeatedly retraumatized by a system that refuses to protect them.

“Mia’s story connects the dots in the most devastating way. A survivor who stood on a national stage Wednesday night, using her voice to honor others lost to gun violence, was forced back into survival mode days later. This is not an anomaly. This is what happens when gun violence is allowed to continue unchecked.

“We hold a national vigil every year because there is no single day that captures the enormity of this crisis. Gun violence does not pause for anniversaries. It does not respect campuses, classrooms, or places of reflection. It follows survivors wherever they go.

“The shooting at Brown University, coming just days after our vigil and on the anniversary of Sandy Hook, is a brutal reminder that thoughts, prayers, and remembrance alone are not enough. We must honor victims—and survivors—with bold action.

“Congress must act now to pass comprehensive gun control laws, including an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, safe storage requirements, investments in community violence intervention programs, and repealing the gun industry’s civil liability shield. Guns should be regulated with the same seriousness and accountability as motor vehicles—because lives depend on it.

“Thirteen years later, the question is not whether we know what to do. It is whether we have the courage to do it.

“Enough is enough.”

The statements above were provided by Sandy Hook Promise and Newtown Action Alliance.