Easy Access to Devices that Make Firearms Shoot like Automatic Weapons Means Even More Deadly School Shootings

Danbury, CT – Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence co-founder Abbey Clements released the following Statement following media reports that the Department of Justice has entered into a reckless and irresponsible settlement that effectively legalizes machine guns.

“It may not be today, or tomorrow, but the day will come too soon when our students and teachers pay the price with this reckless and irresponsible decision to effectively legalize machine guns,” said Abbey Clements, co-founder and executive director of Teachers Unify. “Guns are the leading cause of death for children in America, and by making it easier for firearms to become even more lethal, I worry that school shootings will become even more deadly. Only the gun industry will benefit from this outrageous decision from the Department of Justice.”

Background: According to Everytown, firearms are the leading cause of death for young people ages 18 to 20. Eighteen to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at over triple the rate of adults 21 years and older. The Trace has reported that every day, an average of 57 shootings occur near a school in the United States.

Abbey Clements is the executive director and a Co-Founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence. She is a survivor teacher of the Sandy Hook School tragedy in 2012, and was an elementary educator for over 30 years. She is a strategic consultant on gun violence issues for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and a member of the ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence National Advisory Council. Abbey has been featured in various events, publications, and documentaries, including the 2024 DNC, Newtown, If I Don’t Make It, I Love You, Bullets Into Bells, AFT Voices, USA Today, AARP, Share My Lesson, The Hill, among others.

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence envisions a future where every school in the United States is a safe haven and a safe learning environment for every child, and where all citizens live without the fear and trauma of gun violence.

May 19, 2025

Contact: Press@teachersunify.org