Connecticut advocates push to raise awareness of gun storage safety

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Two days after the deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, Connecticut, gun violence prevention advocates gathered at New Haven Public Schools to raise awareness on the importance of securing firearms.

This latest school shooting is all too familiar for Abby Clements, a Sandy Hook survivor and executive director and co-founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence.

“The depth of grief that I have for the families, the teachers, the students, and the whole community that’s been impacted, I know, I know what it’s like, and I also know that this is day one for them,” Clements said. “This is the beginning.”

Georgia authorities said the 14-year-old suspected gunman had access to an AR15-style rifle in his home and that his father “allowed him to possess the weapon.”

Teen charged in Georgia school shooting and his father to stay in custody after hearings

Connecticut has a no-exceptions gun storage law, which means homeowners must securely store all firearms in their homes. New provisions also require primary care providers to offer gun safety information to patients beginning next year.

“Why would you allow a lethal weapon open and – especially for a child who could be going through some things? But the thing is – all kids go through things, and that’s part of life,” Clements said.

The group is pushing for other states like Georgia to strengthen their gun storage laws to prevent another school shooting potentially.

“Students can’t learn, and teachers can’t teach if they aren’t safe and don’t feel safe in our schools,” New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.