A national firearm safety organization is calling on Congress to enact comprehensive background checks for gun purchases on the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting.
Leading up to Dec. 14, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will host a “week of action” to honor the 26 lives lost in Newtown, Conn. and bring what the organization is calling “common-sense reforms” to the nation’s gun laws.
Each day of the week, participants will take part in “daily calls to action.”
On Monday, supporters will decorate paper bells with messages directed toward elected officials and post them online. Tuesday through Friday, the organization is asking everyone to use social media, email and telephones to reach out members of Congress and demand for gun law reform.
Christine Licata, Pennsylvania chapter leader of Moms Demand Action, said gun violence is a problem that knows no bounds.
“This is something that affects every single one of us in this country,” she said. “It is not a class issue. It is something that affects every single American every day.”
On the eve of the shooting’s anniversary, Moms Demand Action will host more than 50 “No More Silence” vigils across 35 states, including one in the Campbell Memorial Chapel at Chatham University.
Licata said eight minors are shot and killed every day in the U.S.
“We will not have a moment of silence,” she said. “Instead, we will be ringing bells for 33 seconds to commemorate the 33 people lost every day due to gun violence.”
