Rep. Mike Collins’ community in Winder, Georgia, was devastated by a school shooting that left two children and two teachers dead. Some residents, like John George and Guillermo Rosco, believe that gun legislation could have prevented the tragedy. However, in Georgia, efforts to pass gun safety measures have stalled, with the state ranking as having some of the weakest gun laws in the country. Everytown for Gun Safety ranks Georgia 46th out of 50 states for the strength of its gun laws.
The shooting at Apalachee High School has highlighted the consequences of Georgia’s lenient approach to gun safety. Colt Gray, the 14-year-old shooter, had access to firearms in his home that were not properly secured. Governor Kemp, a strong supporter of gun rights, has pushed for expanded access to firearms in the state, including signing a “constitutional carry” law that allows Georgians over 18 to purchase a gun without a license or background check.
Aricka Crossley, a gun owner in Barrow County, believes that both parties are failing to address necessary gun safety measures due to the influence of the gun lobby. She urges for leaders across the political spectrum to prioritize the safety of communities over political interests. As the community mourns the lives lost in the school shooting, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need for stronger gun safety measures in Georgia.
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