Keep Communities Safe

We Should Be Free to Feel Safe

Every time there’s another mass shooting, we go through the same cycle. Shock. Grief. Anger. Then silence.

I’ve stood in the pulpit the Sunday after one of those tragedies, trying to find words. I’ve talked to parents who are afraid to send their kids to school. I’ve watched teachers turn their classrooms into fortresses. And I’ve wondered—like so many of us—why aren’t we doing something about this?

I’m running for Congress because I believe we deserve to feel safe in our neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship. And that means taking real steps to prevent gun violence.

Here’s what I believe:

• We must pass common-sense gun laws—like universal background checks, safe storage rules, and limits on weapons of war.

• We need to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others, through red flag laws and mental health support.

• And we have to treat gun violence like the public health crisis it is, not a political football.

Let me be clear: I respect the Second Amendment. I’ve known responsible gun owners all my life. But the right to own a gun should never outweigh a child’s right to live. We can honor gun rights and protect our communities. We’ve just chosen not to.

Too many politicians are afraid of the gun lobby. They take money from groups that profit off fear. And they tell us nothing can be done—while our kids practice active shooter drills and our communities bury the dead.

That’s not leadership. That’s surrender.

As a pastor, I’ve walked with families in mourning. I’ve led funerals that never should’ve happened. I’ve seen what gun violence does to the body and soul of a community. And I’ve had enough.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about people.

It’s about the mom who lost her son in a school shooting. The neighbor who never leaves the house without worry. The pastor who locks the doors during Sunday worship. The kid who doesn’t feel safe anywhere.

We know what works. Other countries have figured it out. Even some states have made progress. But until we have the courage to act at the federal level, we’ll keep living in fear—and losing lives.

Keeping communities safe means doing the hard, responsible work of change. It means standing up to special interests. It means putting our kids ahead of campaign contributions. It means refusing to accept this as normal.

Because it’s not.

Our kids deserve to grow up without fear. Our teachers deserve safe classrooms. Our families deserve peace of mind.

We’ve waited long enough. We’ve prayed and wept and hoped. Now it’s time to act.

Let’s pass laws that protect life. Let’s build communities where safety isn’t a privilege—it’s a promise.