A Letter to Congress from a Mass Shooting Survivor

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Dear Congress,

I’m reaching out today after hearing the disturbing news about yet another tragic mass shooting, this time in Roseburg, Oregon. We learned that ten lives were taken and at least seven others wounded.

This letter comes from the perspective of a survivor. I witnessed firsthand the terrifying reality of a mass shooting—a horrific event that claimed the lives of my twin brother, Alex, and my younger sister, Mia, in December 2007. I write this not just to share my story, but to foster a conversation about the impact of gun violence in our nation.

I want to clarify that I’m not strictly anti-gun. My experiences place me in a unique position to discuss this matter. Three years ago, I enrolled in a class to obtain a conceal-carry permit. Having once been a victim of gun violence, the fear of facing it again was overwhelming. Although I still have nightmares about such incidents, I felt that obtaining a permit was the only way to ensure my safety.

However, as I completed the class, I began to grapple with a troubling thought: what if I had to actually pull the trigger? Could I live with that? I vividly remember the faces of my siblings in their final moments. In that instant, I realized I could never take another life, regardless of the circumstances. Even if the shooter was someone who committed a terrible act, they too are human, with their own loved ones. By retaliating, I would only perpetuate the cycle of violence that has caused me so much pain.

This reflection led me to decide against carrying a weapon. Some argue that I could use a permit for protection against wildlife during my hikes. Yet, the possibility of harming another human being is something I refuse to accept.

I don’t share this story to criticize conceal carry but to illustrate my thought process. I believe the issue isn’t about being pro- or anti-gun; rather, it’s about the responsibility that comes with gun ownership. Our government often fails to enforce adequate background checks for those purchasing firearms or obtaining conceal-carry permits.

Why is this the case? We know that gun violence occurs with alarming regularity. If we cannot properly vet who owns guns, then the guns themselves become a significant issue.

I must stress that many people have not fully considered the implications of gun ownership in our society. This lack of deep reflection is evident in the regulations—or lack thereof—that govern gun ownership. Consequently, individuals feel compelled to arm themselves out of fear, believing it’s their only means of protection.

The fundamental duty of our government is to safeguard its citizens. This responsibility has been neglected, leading individuals to take their safety into their own hands, often at the expense of human lives.

I’m not advocating for the repeal of the Second Amendment or a blanket confiscation of firearms. Instead, I urge you to reflect on your duty to the people. Just as I pondered my responsibility toward human dignity in my decision not to carry, I implore you to consider your own responsibilities regarding guns in America. Embrace the weighty obligation of preserving human life and explore how we can implement checks and balances to honor that dignity.

Let’s initiate a genuine dialogue—one that acknowledges the human faces behind this issue. See my face as a survivor and recognize the faces of those who feel the need to protect themselves. As my childhood teachings remind me, “Come, let us reason together.” Let’s bring humanity back into this discussion.

Please consider my story and the stories of countless others who have endured similar tragedies. I urge you to think about how we can prevent such horrors, so future generations won’t have to echo the words, “I survived seeing my loved one shot and killed.”

Put yourself in my shoes; feel the weight of that experience. Ask yourselves what you can do to end this madness.

Sincerely,
A Mass Shooting Survivor