Hi, y’all. This weekend was a really devastating one for a lot of folks, and in light of the two mass shootings that took place, we’re dedicating this special edition of The Breakdown to recent gun violence and what you can do about it.

When something like this happens, it’s easy to feel hopeless, but where there is evil, it’s met by those with incredible goodness and light. In the past few days, so many people have shown up for the victims and survivors of these tragedies, and it’s a testament to all the good that’s still left in the world.

So learn the facts, consider taking action, and most importantly, take care of yourselves. Let’s Do This.

- Jackie

Do Something: El Paso & Dayton Shootings

What happened and how you can take action

What Happened

El Paso

On Saturday, August 3, a gunman opened fire in a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, killing 20 and injuring 26. Among the dead were six Mexican nationals.
Authorities say that less than an hour before the massacre, the shooter posted an anti-immigrant manifesto online.
The suspect claimed the attack was motivated partly by what he perceived as the “Hispanic invasion” of Texas.
Federal authorities are treating the massacre as a domestic terrorism case, with possible hate crime charges.

Dayton

Within 24 hours of the El Paso shooting, a gunman killed 9 and wounded 27 in the Oregon District of Dayton, Ohio (including his own sister).
Law enforcement officers were already stationed nearby, and shot the suspect dead within 30 seconds after the first shot rang out.
The shooter had a reportedly troubled past, with his high school classmates recalling a “hit list” and “rape list” he kept as a teenager.
However, there is currently no known motive for the Dayton shooting.

On behalf of the DoSomething staff and community, our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by gun violence. We thank law enforcement, first responders, and medical staff, along with all those responding to these tragedies with action and hope.

Further Context

Domestic Terrorism

Domestic terrorism is defined by the federal government as “politically motivated violence designed to coerce or intimidate a civilian population.”
In the past few months, there has been a rise in white supremacist domestic terrorism, and there are gaps in prevention efforts.
The El Paso suspect follows in a trend of mass shooters posting extremist manifestos online, as was the case with the Christchurch and Poway attacks earlier this year.
The Dayton shooter has not yet been linked to domestic terrorism or hate crime charges.

Gun Violence

Current gun control legislation in Texas and Ohio is relatively lax, with no limit for handgun magazine capacity and “shall issue” permitting policies.
Since the Sandy Hook attack in 2012, there have been 2,193 mass shootings in the US.
President Donald Trump has called for stronger background checks, mental health reform, and immigration legislation in response to the attacks.
Since Parkland, youth activism has been key in passing several gun violence prevention measures.

Take Action

1. Flag hate speech online. By reporting white supremacist content, you can help law enforcement prevent violence before it happens.

2. Demand action from lawmakers. Use our easy tool to call or email your senators and Senate Majority Mitch McConnell to demand they pass laws to keep our communities safer.

3. Practice self-care and help others do the same. Check in on your friends and family, and be kind to yourself. Reach out to Crisis Text Line for anonymous crisis help 24/7, by texting HOME to 741-741.

4. Donate (or encourage others to donate). The El Paso Victims Relief Fund and the Dayton Oregon District Tragedy Fund are accepting donations.

5. Sign the March For Our Lives petition. Tell Congress you want universal background checks.