LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Friday, June 2, was National Gun Violence Awareness Day. 


What You Need To Know

  • Friday was National Gun Violence Awareness Day

  • There have been four mass shootings in Louisville this year

  • The U.S. has seen 267 mass shootings in 2023

  • Moms Demand Action is an organization dedicated to gun violence prevention and safety

Connie Coartney is a member of Moms Demand Action, an organization dedicated to gun violence prevention and gun safety.

“I had a daughter that was in kindergarten during Sandy Hook, and that just kind of broke me and I knew I wanted to do something. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer,” said Coartney.

Ten years later, she is still fighting for a cause close to her heart.

"Gun violence affects us all, it doesn’t matter where you live,” said Coartney

According to the gun violence archive there have been 267 mass shootings in the U.S. this year and four just in Louisville.

On Friday, Moms Demand Action, gun violence survivors and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg honored National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

"We should not have to hope that today isn’t the day that a gunshot claims our lives it takes someone we love who is on the sidewalk, or in a park, or at a party or at the mall, or their home, at work," Greenberg said. 

Survivors of Kentucky gun violence shared their stories.

"A student who I had known since the third grade lunch table reached into his backpack, pulled out a handgun and opened fire in the crowded lobby," said Hollan Han, a survivor of the Heath High School shooting in Paducha. 

They strive to change current gun laws, such as one that allows firearms confiscated by Kentucky police to be sold again in auctions.

"Let us destroy illegal guns and the guns that are used to kill so that they are never used to commit harm again,” Greenberg said.

Coartney encourages others to join in on the fight to end the violence.

"This is not a political issue, this is about safety and we are going to need everyone to get involved on this issue so we can feel comfortable to sending our kids to the mall, or church or wherever," Coartney said.