Key Takeaways:
- A mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island has left two students dead and nine others injured, with the suspect still at large.
- The incident has affected students, including 21-year-old Mia Tretta, who survived a mass shooting in 2019 and has since become a gun violence-prevention activist.
- Gun violence is a growing concern in the US, with gunshot wounds being the number one cause of death for teens, and Black youth in underserved neighborhoods facing the highest risk.
- A small but growing cohort of young adults, including Tretta, have survived more than one mass shooting, highlighting the need for urgent action to address gun violence.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The recent mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island has sent shockwaves through the campus community, leaving two students dead and nine others injured. As the authorities continue to search for the suspect, students and faculty are grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. For 21-year-old Mia Tretta, a junior at Brown University, the incident is all too familiar. In 2019, she was shot in the abdomen during a mass shooting at her high school in California, which left two of her friends dead. Tretta’s experience has driven her to become a gun violence-prevention activist, and she has been speaking out about the need for federal regulation of homemade firearms, also known as ghost guns.
A Personal Experience with Gun Violence
Tretta’s experience with gun violence began when she was just 15 years old. She was shot in the abdomen during a mass shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California, which left her friends Dominic Blackwell and Gracie Anne Muehlberger dead. The shooting had a profound impact on Tretta, and she has since dedicated herself to advocating for gun violence prevention. She has spoken at vigils and rallies, and has even met with President Joe Biden to discuss the issue. Tretta’s story highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the need for urgent action to address the issue.
The Growing Concern of Gun Violence
Gun violence is a growing concern in the US, with gunshot wounds being the number one cause of death for teens. Black youth in underserved neighborhoods face the highest risk, and the issue is not limited to any particular community or demographic. Tretta’s experience is a stark reminder that gun violence can affect anyone, anywhere. The Gun Violence Archive has reported nearly 400 incidents of gun violence in 2025, resulting in multiple casualties. The issue is complex and multifaceted, and it requires a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of gun violence.
A Cohort of Survivors
Tretta is part of a small but growing cohort of young adults who have survived more than one mass shooting. Another Brown student, Zoe Weissman, survived the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, and was also affected by the recent shooting at Brown. At least two students who survived the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan had to endure another school shooting at Michigan State University in 2023. This phenomenon highlights the need for support and resources for survivors of gun violence, as well as the need for urgent action to prevent future incidents.
The Need for Action
Tretta’s experience and advocacy work underscore the need for action to address gun violence. She believes that politicians have a responsibility to keep citizens safe, and that the current lack of action is unacceptable. Tretta’s message is clear: gun violence is a preventable tragedy that requires a comprehensive approach to address the root causes. The recent shooting at Brown University is a stark reminder that gun violence can affect anyone, anywhere, and that it is time for urgent action to prevent future incidents. As Tretta said, "I don’t know what it’s going to take for people – especially politicians – to do something." The time for action is now, and it is up to individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together to prevent gun violence and create a safer future for all.
