UNLV students advocate for gun violence prevention amid traumatic shooting aftermath

In a pivotal meeting on April 4, 2025, the Nevada Senate Committee on Government Affairs discussed significant legislative measures aimed at addressing gun violence in the state. The committee heard powerful testimonies from University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) students who recounted their traumatic experiences during a campus shooting on December 6, 2023. Their stories underscored the urgent need for effective solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Emer Cepes Alvarado, a UNLV student and founder of Youth Voice of Nevada, shared her harrowing experience of hiding from an active shooter while hosting a workshop with over 80 peers. She emphasized that gun violence is not merely a political issue but a matter of life and death that demands immediate action. Alvarado's call for leadership resonated with the committee, highlighting the necessity for a unified approach to gun safety that transcends political divides.

Madeline Krieger, another student, presented Senate Bill 156, which proposes the establishment of the Office for the Prevention of Gun Violence (OPGV). This office aims to provide resources, promote public awareness, and support research on gun violence prevention. Krieger noted that Nevada has seen a 24% increase in gun deaths from 2014 to 2023, with an average of 581 fatalities annually due to gun-related injuries. The proposed legislation seeks to address these alarming statistics by creating a framework for community-based initiatives without infringing on Second Amendment rights.

The committee discussed the importance of data collection and analysis to understand the demographics affected by gun violence better. Senator Krasner raised questions about disaggregating data by race and ethnicity to identify specific communities at risk. This approach aims to ensure that prevention efforts are culturally competent and effectively targeted.

The meeting also touched on the role of the Attorney General's office in overseeing the OPGV, with members expressing the need for law enforcement involvement in gun violence prevention strategies. The committee acknowledged the potential for collaboration with community organizations and educational institutions to foster a comprehensive approach to gun safety.

As the discussions concluded, the committee members recognized the importance of moving beyond political rhetoric to implement actionable solutions that prioritize the safety of Nevada's students and communities. The proposed legislation represents a significant step toward addressing the complex issue of gun violence, aiming to create a safer environment for future generations.