Freedom and safety should not be in conflict. The United States has allowed gun violence to become a normalized part of daily life, with devastating consequences for children, families, and communities. Addressing gun violence requires courage, evidence-based policy, and a commitment to protecting life.

I support a comprehensive public health approach to gun reform that reduces harm while respecting responsible gun ownership. As a veteran, I believe in firearm safety and common-sense regulations, rather than fear-based or performative solutions. Proposals like arming teachers or increasing militarization do not make our communities safer and distract from real, effective action.

It is also critical to be clear: people living with mental health conditions are far more likely to be victims of gun violence than perpetrators. Stigmatizing mental illness does nothing to prevent violence and only discourages people from seeking care. Real solutions expand access to mental healthcare, crisis services, and community-based support, without criminalizing or marginalizing those who need help.

Gun reform must start with universal background checks on all gun sales, closing gun show and online loopholes, and banning ghost guns and untraceable firearms. I support mandatory waiting periods, firearm safety training, and safe storage requirements to reduce impulsive violence, suicides, and accidental shootings.

We must also address the root causes of gun violence by investing in housing stability, economic opportunity, and community-based violence interruption programs. Survivors of gun violence deserve long-term support, including trauma-informed care, victim compensation, and community healing resources.

Gun violence is not inevitable. With thoughtful, evidence-driven policy and investments that put people first, we can protect lives, strengthen communities, and ensure that children can grow up without fear of gun violence becoming a defining feature of their lives.