“America must address our epidemic of gun violence”

by A.J. Nino Amato

Gun violence in America is not just about individual acts of unconscionable rage — it’s a public health crisis that continues to devastate families, schools and communities. While each tragedy is complex, the collective toll is staggering. It demands bipartisan, thoughtful and commonsense leadership from our elected officials.

Elected officials, especially school boards and state legislatures, must act. 

That means investing in violence-prevention programs such as “red flag” laws and expanding access to mental health care and crisis intervention services in our public schools.

We also need commonsense firearm safety measures — including universal background checks, waiting periods, secure gun storage and prohibitions on gun sales to convicted domestic abusers. 

At the same time, we must break the cycle of violence in at-risk neighborhoods through youth job programs and tax credits for economic development that will expand jobs.

Finally, Congress should end special legal protections for gun manufacturers and violent gaming companies, empowering citizens to seek civil lawsuits.

This is not a cure-all list. But it is a necessary first step toward ending America’s gun violence epidemic. Real change will come only when we elect leaders in 2026 who value lives over gun lobbyists and kids over guns.