By Ethan Hudson
Today more than ever, community is a vital force in furthering societal progress, and is often the driving force behind necessary change. Addressing gun violence effectively demands community unity and engagement, which the town of Greenwich exemplified on Monday, June 2, when residents gathered at Town Hall in vibrant orange to designate June 2 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Orange, a color traditionally worn by hunters to prevent accidental shootings, has become emblematic of the struggle against gun-related tragedies—a struggle Connecticut knows all too intimately.
Lauren Rabin of the Greenwich Board of Selectmen began the solemn observance by acknowledging both progress and persistent peril. She remarked, “Today is not a celebration. Connecticut has made so much progress. The latest achievement being the passage of HB 7042, well done, but that news was soon followed by the sickening report of the Waterbury Mall shooting. There is still so much work to be done.”
First Selectman Fred Camillo’s proclamation highlighted alarming statistics: “210 people were killed with firearms during 2024” in Connecticut alone, and “firearms are the second leading cause of suicide in Connecticut and account for more than half of the gun deaths in our state.” Nationally, he continued, “Firearms are now the leading cause of death in children and teens in the United States.” He further underscored, “Abused women are five times more likely to be killed by a partner that owns a firearm.”
Mary Lee Kiernan, CEO of the YWCA Greenwich, spoke regarding the intersection between gun violence and domestic abuse. “Half of all women, and two in five men, report experiencing abuse from a partner, and regrettably, this coercion is a deadly connection between guns, gun violence, and domestic violence,” noted Kiernan.
Highlighting legislative victories and persistent gaps, Kiernan addressed Connecticut’s response to domestic violence through red flag laws, noting the tragic case of Lori Jackson, whose murder led to laws “banning those persons subject to a temporary restraining order from possessing a firearm.” However, she emphasized an ongoing gap, stating, “The federal law still allows boyfriends or dating partners to obtain a gun even though they’re subject to a restraining order.”
Following the formal proceedings, attendees offered further reflections. Selectman Lauren Rabin emphasized the importance of community engagement, “I think it’s really important to just get the community aware, but also to connect it to the broader issues.”
Sheila Phelan and Jen Nappo, two Greenwich residents who felt compelled to join the gathering, expressed their passion and urgency towards solving gun violence.
“It’s horrifying that we’re so used to gun violence in this country, and we need to keep the pedal to the metal,” Sheila said. “There’s a focus on mental health being at the back of it, and most times folks with mental illness are not violent…The guns aren’t necessary. I just don’t think they are. Except maybe hunters, but I don’t know why we need weapons of war.”
Jen agreed, urging people to keep advocating for gun safety. ““Having events like this… not forgetting what our goals are and why we need to have stricter gun laws… We need to come together on this. This is a bipartisan issue. This affects everybody,” explained Jen
The gathering concluded quietly, leaving attendees reflective yet resolute. The sea of orange—vivid yet solemn—signified community, solidarity, and the ongoing imperative to address gun violence comprehensively. Both a symbol for the hunting thing and in tribute to the late Hadiya Pendelton, an innocent Chicago teen who was shot and killed in a park in 2013. The day of the gathering would have been her 28th birthday. As attendees dispersed, conversations lingered, building connections and reaffirming commitments to ensure that future birthdays are celebrated rather than mourned.
Those who were a part of the gathering agree there is still much work to be done, but all recognize that with the rallying of community, it is very much doable work. Holding more events such as the one on Monday are continued steps, no matter how small, towards the right direction.
