There Was a Shooting in my Elementary School: March Fourth Was My Call to Action

Written by Laura Pendleton, Volunteer at March Fourth

When I joined March Fourth I had been trying for too long to find the right way and time to get more actively involved in this important cause. As a school shooting survivor, I have been called for years to be more dedicated to this fight. But if I’m being honest, the whole topic of gun violence is far easier for me to simply set aside from a personal coping standpoint. That said, the massacres in Uvalde and Highland Park really struck a nerve that sent me spiraling to a new level of anger and despair. It is clear, there is no time to waste finding the "right" moment. 

March Fourth, formed with the singular, common sense and bipartisan goal of banning assault weapons nationwide, came to my attention and I immediately knew this was my call to action. 

You see, years ago, there was a shooting in my elementary school and every time there is another similar shooting, and there are a lot, it brings up painful memories I’ve spent years trying to put behind me. And I was a “lucky one” in that I wasn’t physically injured and simply witnessed a portion of the horror. 

The sickening cycle of mass shooting after mass shooting is unbearable. We, parents, friends, survivors, victims, humans…are not ok and this cycle has to end. Please join us and people from across the country who are united in the belief that we do not have to live like this. 

And for everyone who thinks, hopes and prays that this type of experience will never happen to their family or community, I’m so absolutely sorry to say, you are not safe in that assumption. It happened to me and it can happen anywhere. Don’t wait until it’s too late and tragedy is a part of your story to step up, get involved and demand better.