Think of these kids, not as somebody else's, but of as your own. Think of those last words that you had with your child just this morning before you sent them into school. You kissed them on the cheek.You got them set up with their shoes. You pushed them a pouch of applesauce. Maybe these were little annoyances, but the truth is that there's this common and beautiful thing.We love our children. Make these changes not out of hate. Make them out of a simple and beautiful foundational love for our kids.And so ...

Gun Violence & Policy - The mayor emphasizes that thoughts and prayers are not enough and action is needed [2] - The mayor calls for an assault weapons ban nationwide and a high-capacity magazine ban [8] - The mayor requests the ability for local governments to protect their constituents if federal or state governments do not act [9] Impact of Shooting - The shooting is described as an unspeakable tragedy and a horrific moment for the families involved [3][1] - Two children were killed, and many others were injured [6][5] - Heroic teachers, faculty, and students protected younger children during the shooting [5] Call for Change - The mayor stresses the need for change to prevent future shootings [3] - The mayor highlights the prevalence of mass shootings and the abundance of guns in America [7] - The mayor urges people to consider the victims as their own children and act out of love [3][9]

Gun Violence & Policy - The United States has the highest rate of gun violence globally, making it a leading cause of death for young people and teenagers [5] - The shooter legally purchased the rifle, handgun, and shotgun used in the shooting [6] - The country has more guns than people, lacks universal background checks, and does not have bans on assault weapons [6] - Weaponizing the shooter's identity is a distraction from the issue of easy access to guns [6] - Thoughts and prayers from politicians are insufficient responses to gun violence [3][4][10] Legislative Action & Activism - Anger over mass shootings can be channeled into activism, which can pressure elected officials to change laws [7][8] - Following mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde in May 2022, families of victims lobbied Congress [8][9][11] - Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act 42 days after the Buffalo shooting [14] - The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act expanded background checks for gun buyers under 21, toughened laws against gun trafficking and straw purchasing, funded state enforcement of red flag laws, and closed the "boyfriend loophole" [13][14] - The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was not perfect, but it was a step towards addressing the nation's gun problem [14][15]