In this edition of The Tracker, we explore the latest on the Evergreen High School shooting survivors, who remain hospitalized one week after the event. We also outline how our organization is expanding to advance our mission, provide updates on contested firearm legislation, and share new data on pediatric firearm deaths. Plus, you’ll find some good news at the bottom of the newsletter—a reminder that policy works, as the final story illustrates. This is what we’re tracking right now…
1-What We’re Tracking: Evergreen mass shooting survivors clinging to life
It’s been just over a week since a student at Evergreen High School, located about 30 miles west of Denver, opened fire. Two students were shot before the teen turned the firearm on himself. One of the victims, who was adopted as a baby and survived earlier abuse, had grown into a remarkable teenager and acted heroically during the shooting. He remains in critical condition and, if he survives, will face a long road to recovery. The other unnamed shooting victim remains in serious condition at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
At the same time that day, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on a college campus in Utah.
A local news commentator in Minnesota recently highlighted testimony from doctors who treated children who were shot at Annunciation Catholic School in August, as they spoke to a state senate committee to share their experiences from that day.
Safer TN condemns all firearm violence, including incidents on school grounds and college campuses, where students are meant to feel safe, learn, and grow.
After these recent tragedies, Safer TN is more determined than ever to do our work.
2-What We’re Tracking: One mission, two arms
Voices for a Safer Tennessee was founded by concerned parents who, after The Covenant School tragedy, recognized the urgent need to prevent firearm deaths in our state. What began as a small but dedicated group quickly grew into a professional, statewide movement.
Now, we’re expanding into two complementary arms to advance our advocacy mission to create safer communities: one focused on education and outreach, the other on policy and election engagement.
Voices for a Safer Tennessee’s 501(c)(3) focuses on education, outreach, and community programs to help Tennesseans learn about firearm safety and prevention. Our 501(c)(4) arm engages directly in policy and election engagement to advance laws that keep communities safe while respecting the Second Amendment.
Although each has a separate governing board, the two arms work closely together, giving us two powerful ways to create safer communities. We’re excited about Safer TN’s future and are grateful to have you with us. Leadership for each can be found here and here.
3-What We’re Tracking: Tennessee gun laws will be appealed
Last month, a three-judge panel in Gibson County Chancery Court panel ruled two Tennessee laws unconstitutional. One requires a permit to carry a firearm in public parks; the other prohibits carrying a firearm “with intent to go armed.”
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said he plans to appeal, calling the decision “too far.” Gov. Bill Lee supports the appeal, citing the need for clarity around the state’s laws. “We understand that the Second Amendment — and protecting it — is incredibly important in this state,” Lee told Nashville’s ABC affiliate. “[The ruling] calls a lot of laws in Tennessee unconstitutional that we know are not.”
While the appeal proceeds, the laws are unenforceable unless the court grants the state’s emergency motion to allow enforcement during the appeal. Safer TN is tracking these developments and will continue to share updates.
4-What We’re Tracking: Understanding Pediatric Firearm Deaths in Tennessee
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Tennessee recently reviewed violent-death cases of children from 2020 to 2023. The findings highlight the urgent need for firearm safety: nearly half (44.1%) of unintentional firearm deaths in the state involved children. Among these, victims were split almost evenly between ages 2–5 and 12–17. Most deaths involved handguns. In about one-third of incidents, the shooter thought the gun was unloaded; in another third, the shooter believed it was a toy.
These numbers underscore that firearm safety at home and around children is critical. Safer TN is committed to educating families to help prevent these tragedies. Learn more about secure firearm storage and how to talk with other parents and your children about guns here.
5-What We’re Tracking: A law we advocated for sees positive results
One year after Jillian’s Law passed the state legislature, it continues to strengthen public safety in Tennessee. The 2024 law, in part, requires that defendants found mentally incompetent to stand trial must receive treatment rather than be released, closing a dangerous gap that contributed to Jillian’s tragic death.
The state has expanded its mental health capacity to meet the law’s requirements: nearly three dozen new beds are now staffed across Middle Tennessee. More than 150 people have been admitted for treatment since the law took effect, supported by over $6 million in new state funding.
The law also restricts firearm access for those deemed incompetent to
stand trial. Safer TN is proud to have helped advocate for this life saving legislation and will continue to monitor its impact.
