Six Sandy Hook survivors, who were first graders in 2012 when a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at their school in Newtown, Connecticut, reflected on the attack during a recent episode of “Good Morning America.” They expressed their frustration with the constant expressions of sympathy and apologies they receive, stating that it does not bring them any comfort. They emphasized the need for real change to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
One survivor, Emma Ehrens, recalled the terrifying moment when the gunman entered her classroom and stood right next to her. She witnessed her friends being shot before she and others were able to escape. Seeing other school shootings since then, such as the 2022 attack in Uvalde, Texas, only reinforces the survivors’ belief that more needs to be done to prevent such senseless violence. They called on those in power to take action and make the necessary changes to protect students and communities.
The survivors are planning to advocate against gun violence in their future careers, whether in therapy, law, or politics. They expressed their concerns about the safety of future generations and the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of such tragedies. They feel that it is up to them, as well as others who have experienced similar trauma, to push for change and hold those accountable who have the power to make a difference.
The families of Sandy Hook victims recently won legal judgments against Infowars owner Alex Jones, who had spread conspiracy theories claiming that the school shooting was a hoax. Despite Jones’ attempts at apologies, some families, like Neil Heslin, whose child Jesse Lewis died in the shooting, felt that they were insincere and too late. The survivors and families of the victims continue to seek justice and hold those responsible for their pain and suffering accountable.
The survivors emphasized that simply offering prayers and sympathy is not enough to address the pervasive issue of gun violence in schools and communities. They stressed the need for concrete actions and policy changes to prevent future tragedies and protect innocent lives. They highlighted the disappointing lack of progress in gun control measures despite repeated incidents of mass shootings, including those at schools.
While the survivors acknowledged the emotional toll that their experiences have had on them, they also expressed a sense of determination to make a difference and ensure that their voices are heard. They are committed to using their trauma as a catalyst for change and advocating for meaningful reform to prevent gun violence. Despite the challenges they have faced, the survivors remain resilient and hopeful that their efforts will lead to a safer future for all.
