Approximately one third of U.S. homes with children have guns and nearly 2 million children live with unlocked, loaded guns. Every day, 48 children and teens under age 19 are shot in the United States. More than 2,600 children under 19 die each year from gun violence. In Florida, firearms are the 2nd leading cause of death of children and teens with 185 dying or injured by guns each year. This is a public health epidemic that, if caused by an infectious disease or natural disaster, would prompt universal pleas for a solution.

In the wake of another senseless and preventable mass shooting, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) urges our elected representatives statewide and nationally to support legislation to end gun violence. This includes but is not limited to universal background checks, banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines, supporting smart gun technology, closing gun show loopholes, promoting safe storage, raising the age for gun ownership to 21, and promoting Red Flag Laws.