Kiley Myrand, one of the initiative supporters, lost a close friend and almost lost her brother in the Oxford School Shooting. The NGO “End Gun Violence Michigan” announced the 2024 ballot initiative on the anniversary of a deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida, when 17 lives were lost.
The Initiative Has Support From Faith Leaders Across the State
Bishop Bonnie Perry of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan is one of the many faith leaders that joined the initiative to stiffen gun regulations. He said that the date for initiative publication was chosen intentionally. Exactly four years before, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings took 17 lives. And unfortunately, the number of children who die from gun violence has been on the rise ever since.
The Citizens’ Initiative Focuses on Precaution Measures
Reforms could include measures such as universal background checks, safe storage measures, and red flag laws for domestic violence. Bishop Perry emphasized that the initiative doesn’t threaten responsible gun owners but tries to limit dangerous individuals’ weapons access and keep young people safe and alive.
Kiley Myrand, One of the Survivors of the School Massacre, Decided to Support the Initiative
Kiley is a 16-year-old Oxford School Shooting survivor. She lost her close friend that day and had almost lost her brother. She says that something has to be done so tragedies like these won’t happen again.