Valentine’s Day has a Very Different Meaning for the Survivors and Victims of the
Northern Illinois University and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Mass Shootings

Campaign Issues Statement Remembering 15 years Since Northern Illinois University
and 5 years Since Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shootings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2023 (Croton Falls, NY) – The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus issued the following statement in remembrance of the lives lost and those injured 15 and 5 years ago at Northern Illinois University and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, respectively.

“15 years ago today, a gunman returned to his former school at Northern Illinois University and killed 5 students and injured 21 others before taking his own life.  5 years ago today, a gunman returned to his former High School at Marjory Stoneman Douglas and killed 17 people and injured 17 others with a military-style assault weapon. While many people across the country today are celebrating Valentine’s Day with exchanges of cards, gifts and candy, there are families and friends of the victims in Illinois and Florida for whom today has a very different and difficult meaning.

“Today, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus honors the victims and survivors of both horrific mass shootings. We once again affirm that the answer to our nation’s gun epidemic cannot and will not be placing more guns into our educational institutions. Instead, we call on our leading state and federal officials to fund preventative strategies and turn their focus on the mental health and well-being of young people and away from the foolish strategies including forcing loaded guns onto college campuses and the arming of teachers and school personnel.

“We also call on Congress to pass the long overdue ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and send it to President Biden for his promised signature.

“No single act can prevent all acts of gun violence. Howevert it is imperative that we seek a cultural change that does not normalize mass proliferation of firearms in our society. We must also remain committed to passing evidence-based laws that reduce gun violence. This is the very least that we owe to the victims, survivors, families and friends affected by the senseless shootings at Northern Illinois University and Marjory Stoneman Douglas.”

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN TO KEEP GUNS OFF CAMPUS

The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus works with K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the country to oppose legislative policies that would force loaded, concealed guns on campuses. Since 2008, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is the only national organization of its kind tasked with protecting higher educational institutions and the communities they serve. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:  Andy Pelosi, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus (914-629-6726) [email protected]