Teachers Unify: Principal’s Injury in Selfless Act of Bravery During Hawkins Shooting is a Reminder that Every Parent Should Commit to Safe Storage of Their Firearms

Some two-thirds of School Shootings are the Result of an Unsecured Gun in the Home

Danbury, CT — Abbey Clements, survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook School tragedy and co-founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence, released the following statement in the aftermath of the shooting at Pauls Valley High and the injury of Principal Kris Moore, who was shot while tackling the former student and shooter: 

“Principal Kris Moore showed a tremendous amount of bravery to protect his students in the midst of tragedy. And while his courage is notable, American teachers and staff should never have to choose between their safety and the safety of their students.” said Abbey Clements, co-founder and executive director of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence. “This tragedy should send a message to parents everywhere to lock up their guns and commit to safe storage of their firearms to protect their kids, teachers, and the community.” 

According to a study by the Secret Service, around two-thirds of school shootings take place because a firearm was not properly secured in the home. A study from the University of Michigan found that 1 in 3 U.S. Homes with a child under the age of 18 have a firearm and 45 percent of those firearms are unlocked. Guns are the leading cause of death for children in America. More than 398,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine. 

Last fall, Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence launched Project Lockdown, a new national campaign to educate parents and students about the importance of secure firearm storage. The campaign, located at projectlockdown.org, includes social media fact sheets and striking videos that contrast today’s lockdown gun drill culture at schools and asks parents to lock up their guns and prevent the next school shooting.

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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. Its co-founders have over 75 years teaching experience combined and two are survivors of our most horrific school shootings – Newtown and Parkland.