I woke up this morning devastated about the loss of life at yet another mass shooting, horrified thinking of the people of Boulder discovering who died while out getting groceries. I am angry and upset that this is the second mass shooting in a week. We are still reeling over the anti-Asian shooting in Atlanta, and the ongoing anti-Asian racism in our country.

I have to ask: What are our elected officials going to do to end this epidemic of gun violence? Just as I was starting to feel hopeful for the end of the pandemic, and getting excited about sending both of my kids to in-person school in the fall, we start to see mass shootings again. I know I am not alone in fearing a “return to normal” that includes not knowing whether our loved ones will make it home safely. While we have missed seeing friends out in the world, and have missed being with community in school and at synagogue, not having to fear for our safety when gathering in those places has been a relief. How horrible is that?

What are Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Angus King, Rep. Chellie Pingree and Gov. Mills going to do to prevent future tragedies? Because the idea that people can survive a devastating pandemic only to be gunned down is, quite frankly, appalling.

We need more than thoughts and prayers. We need actual gun-violence prevention legislation, now.

Emily Connelly
Portland