Can you imagine if your car was stolen but you couldn’t report it? Now, imagine a stolen gun, one that could have been prevented from ever getting into the wrong hands. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario for me; it’s a tragic reality that has forever altered my life. My 16-year-old son, Jerame, was shot and killed by a 13-year-old who had obtained a stolen firearm. The loss of Jerame is a wound that will never heal, and it shows the urgent need for measures to ensure that guns are securely stored and properly tracked.
Our elected officials must pass lost and stolen gun reporting laws. These laws would hold gun owners accountable but also prevent firearms from falling into the hands of those who are unprepared to handle them. With clear reporting protocols and stringent enforcement, we can work toward preventing the kind of tragedy that ripped my family apart.
Call your state senator and representative, and ask them to support these laws. It is through our collective voice and persistent advocacy that we can bring about the change needed to safeguard our communities.
Cathy Welsh
Turtle Creek