NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One year after a tragic shooting at the Covenant School that claimed the lives of three 9-year-old children and three adults, thousands of people joined hands in a human chain across Nashville in remembrance and solidarity. The event, organized by gun safety advocates, brought together families from the school and students who were present during the tragic incident.
Among the participants was Melissa Alexander, a mother of a 10-year-old student at the private Christian elementary school. She expressed the emotional significance of the gathering, describing it as a beacon of hope and a source of happiness during a difficult time. The event was sponsored by Voices for a Safer Tennessee, a group of local moms who have been advocating for gun safety reforms in the state.
The Linking Arms for Change event has become a symbol of unity and support for the community, drawing in individuals like Sarah Shoop Neuman, a Covenant School mom, who felt compelled to attend with her young child to demonstrate solidarity. The event also saw the presence of Shaundelle Brooks, a mother who has been actively pushing for changes to Tennessee’s gun laws since losing her son in a mass shooting.
As the community continues to heal and seek change, advocates are urging the Republican-controlled state legislature to take action on issues like temporarily removing firearms from individuals considered a threat. While efforts for gun safety reforms have faced challenges in Tennessee, Voices for a Safer Tennessee remains determined, supported by a growing coalition of around 25,000 members from all 95 counties in the state.
The advocacy group’s focus on practical measures like universal background checks reflects a broader effort to promote moderate gun laws that are widely supported by Tennesseans. Despite obstacles and differing political stances on gun control, the community remains hopeful for a safer future, recognizing that change is a long-term commitment that requires perseverance and unity among its members.