Father of Parkland Victim Urges Wisconsin Voters to Stand Against Gun Violence and Extremism

It’s a powerful conversation when Fred Guttenberg, father of Jamie Guttenberg, who lost her life in the Parkland shooting on February 14, 2018, joins The Maggie Daun Show. Guttenberg is now an advocate for common sense gun regulations. He is urging Wisconsin voters to stand against gun violence at the ballot box this November.

“It’s important to hold elected officials accountable for their ties to the gun lobby and their opposition to gun violence prevention measures,” Guttenberg says. 

If you care about making our communities safer, then get out and vote. Make your voice heard and send a clear message that enough is enough.

Fred Guttenberg

He specifically points out freshman Congressman Derek Van Orden of Wisconsin’s 3rd District. Gutenberg calls him a representative who has repeatedly put the interests of the gun lobby above the safety of American citizens.

“After my daughter was killed, I set out on a mission not to be anti-gun, but to be anti-gun violence,” Guttenberg explains. “Wanting to stop the next tragedy doesn’t make me against the Second Amendment. It makes me a father who wants to protect other families from the heartache I’ve known.”

Guttenberg uses statistics in his advocacy efforts. He tells Maggie Daun a significant majority of Americans support stronger gun laws. This includes red flag laws, which have already proven effective in states like Florida. But he blames representatives like Van Orden for obstructing progress by spreading misinformation and fear. He says they also often have strong ties to pro-gun groups like the NRA.

“Van Orden has a history of controversial statements and actions,” Daun says. “This includes his opposition to red flag laws intended to reduce veteran suicides.”

Both Daun and Guttenberg call it irresponsible and out of touch, especially with the reality of gun violence in America.

“We don’t need people like Van Orden in office,” Gutenberg says. “If you care about making our communities safer, then get out and vote. Make your voice heard and send a clear message that enough is enough.”

Guttenberg’s mission includes a call to action for voters in Wisconsin and beyond. And he shares a reminder there is power to create change and it can happen at the ballot box in November.