The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy. When my son, Malik, was killed in an unintentional shooting, I found myself grappling with not only my grief but also a profound concern for other families. Malik was vibrant, full of life, and had a unique sense of style that lit up every room he entered. His passion for fashion was evident; his wardrobe was filled with brightly colored outfits, often accessorized with a perfectly coordinated bowtie. Just before his untimely death, he had picked out a striking green and orange bowtie that he was excited to wear.
Malik was just 14 years old when he was shot by another teenager who was playing with a loaded gun discovered in a dresser drawer. The last time we spoke, he was thrilled about a movie outing with his grandmother, and I told him how much I loved him. Our final exchange was a simple “I love you too, Mama,” before that fateful day robbed us of any more conversations.
Arriving at the hospital, I was met with the words no mother wants to hear: “He did not make it.” My heart shattered, and the weight of grief enveloped me. The pain of losing a child is indescribable, and knowing that Malik’s death was preventable makes it even more unbearable.
The thought that other mothers might endure a similar fate haunts me. Currently, over 4.6 million children in America live in homes where guns are not stored securely. In many cases, these children know exactly where these firearms are kept. The weapon that took Malik’s life was carelessly left loaded and unlocked, tucked beneath a shirt in a drawer.
The surge in gun sales during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates my fears. The FBI reported an unprecedented 3.7 million background checks in March alone, indicating a dramatic increase in firearm purchases. With children home from school and parents distracted by work-from-home responsibilities, the dangers associated with unsecured firearms are heightened. As someone who has lived through this horror, I know all too well how easily curiosity can turn tragic.
Even in times of normalcy, nearly 350 children and teens unintentionally shoot themselves or others each year, with over 75% of these incidents occurring at home. Gun-related suicides claim over 600 young lives annually, and a staggering 80% of the firearms used belong to family members. It’s crucial for adults to secure firearms appropriately, storing them locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition to prevent senseless losses.
The reaction to fear and uncertainty during the pandemic—stockpiling guns alongside essential goods—poses a severe risk if children access unsecured firearms. I have turned my pain into advocacy, joining thousands of other mothers in the Moms Demand Action movement. Through the Be SMART initiative, we educate parents on secure gun storage, reaching over a million families in five years.
As I reflect on Malik’s absence, the memories of what could have been flood my mind. He would now be 18, preparing for milestones such as high school graduation and college applications—experiences that will never be his. If sharing our story can spare even one family from this heartache, I am determined to speak up until every child in America is safe from gun violence.
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Summary
The tragic loss of my son, Malik, due to an unintentional shooting has led me to advocate for gun safety and secure storage. With millions of children living in homes with unsecured firearms, the risks are higher than ever, especially during times of heightened gun sales. It is crucial for parents to take the necessary precautions to ensure their homes are safe.