My brother committed suicide using a gun when I was 13 years old; he was 16. I have personally been affected by gun violence and the toll it takes on the survivors.

It’s way too easy for anyone to get a firearm. Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States, and we have to take the necessary steps to prevent these senseless tragedies from occurring.

As a coach in the school systems, I have had to go through Active Shooter Training in case my students or I ever have to face that situation.

Parents should feel safe sending their children to school, places of worship, parades, social gatherings, and everywhere else; however, that is not the case right now.

We can and must do more. This issue is extremely personal to me, and I will be a strong advocate for Gun Safety in the Kentucky Legislature. That’s why I:

-support legislation for the safe storage of firearms

-support legislation outlawing the selling of firearms used in crimes

-support legislation outlawing assault weapons from being owned by the general public

-support red flag laws, including CARR, which was introduced this session

-support legislation increasing funding for community outreach/involvement

-support the need for resources/support for survivors of gun violence