PARKLAND, Fla. – Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, this month, marking the five-year anniversary of the tragic mass shooting that left 17 people dead and sparked a nationwide movement for stricter gun control laws.
The massacre at the high school in 2018 was one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, resulting in the deaths of 14 students and 3 staff members, as well as injuring 17 others. The incident fueled a wave of student activism calling for legislative action to prevent future tragedies.
During her visit on March 23, Vice President Harris will walk through the school with family members of the victims to commemorate their lives and pay respects. The building where the shooting took place is set to be demolished this summer, as it had remained largely untouched since the incident to preserve evidence for the shooter’s trial.
Harris, who oversees the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, has been vocal about the need for stronger gun laws and has taken significant steps to address the issue. President Joe Biden appointed her to lead the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and she has allocated $285 million for mental health support in schools and hosted discussions with state legislators on gun safety measures.
The issue of gun violence prevention is not only a key focus for the Biden administration but also a crucial topic for young voters, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Recent polls indicate that a significant percentage of young people, including young Black voters, prioritize gun violence prevention in the upcoming election.
As Harris continues her efforts to address gun violence and promote gun control, she faces mounting pressure from youth-led groups like March for Our Lives to prioritize issues like climate change and peace efforts in the Middle East. These groups are calling on the administration to demonstrate a commitment to addressing their concerns and advocate for their interests in policy decisions.
In the lead-up to Biden’s State of the Union address, youth activists are demanding more action and accountability from the administration, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the needs and voices of young people in shaping government policies and initiatives.