Ten years ago, 20 children and six adults were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. In the decade since, the U.S. has slowly passed more federal gun control measures. But it鈥檚 also seen many mass shootings at schools, including , Florida, and , Texas.
Tom Mauser, during the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, said he often gets asked if he鈥檚 surprised that America continues to suffer through mass shooting after mass shooting.
鈥淢y answer is no,鈥� Mauser said. 鈥淲hy? Because it鈥檚 happening out there. It脝s happening all around the schools. Why should it be any surprise that it happens inside the schools?
鈥淚t鈥檚 a reflection of what鈥檚 happening to our society.鈥�
The U.S., , has struggled for years to pass significant federal gun legislation. But some lawmakers and gun control advocates saw a glimmer of hope this year with the passage of the .
That legislation, which President Biden signed into law in June, enhances background checks, financially supports red flag laws and aims to crack down on gun trafficking. It also invests in mental health services and school safety.
Mauser said that law was a positive step. But he said it took decades for the federal government to take any significant action on guns.
He said he鈥檚 inspired as more and more young people affected by mass shootings speaking out about gun violence and .
鈥淢y generation 鈥� the generation behind me 鈥� really kind of failed to do anything significant about this,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut the young generation can really have an impact on it.鈥�
And as the younger generation works for gun reform, Mauser said he鈥檒l continue his advocacy 鈥� wearing his son鈥檚 shoes as he does it.
鈥淲hen we were clearing out some of Daniel鈥檚 effects, I found out he had the same shoe size as me,鈥� Mauser said. 鈥淚t was very symbolic that I would wear his shoes and do what I think he would want me to do.
鈥淚 only do it when I鈥檓 doing public speaking,鈥� Mauser said. 鈥淏ecause I want the shoes to last for a long time 鈥� be able to pass them on to my children and grandchildren. I think it鈥檚 really important to do things in honor of your child, if it can provide some direction and provide some additional purpose in your life.鈥�
