CINCINNATI, Ohio—Two years ago, the lives of many in Cincinnati changed forever. As Whitney Austin walked into work, she was struck by 12 bullets. Miraculously, she survived, and decided to use her second chance at life to do something about gun violence.
What You Need To Know
- Whitney Austin miraculously survived after she was shot 12 times in the Fountain Square shooting two years ago
- Shortly after the shooting, she and her husband founded Whitney Strong, a bipartisan organization that focuses on education and legislative changes for reducing gun violence
- As the two year anniversary neared, Austin, along with two other survivors and the three officers that helped save her life, got together virtually to discuss how they're coping
“I’m the luckiest person that ever lived and I better not misuse this gift," Whitney said. Keep paying it forward.”
That was the start of Whitney Strong — a non-profit that focuses on reducing gun violence through education and legislation. Whitney says this year could be critical for the organization.
“I see some legislative wins, especially Strong Ohio," Whitney said. "We need to get that done. It’s a 17-point plan for reducing gun violence in the state.”
Whitney, along with the three officers that helped save her life and two other survivors, sat down to discuss how they’re coping.
“It’s always wonderful to see their faces," Whitney said. "They’re all unique humans and individuals that bring a different perspective to the story from that day, but it doesn’t matter how different we are, we are all bonded because of that traumatic experience.”
Whitney says she stays in touch with the officers, talking with them monthly.
“We’re all really close," she said. "I mean, we end with saying I love you to each other. So, we have a very strong bond.”
Other survivors shared how much Whitney Strong means to them and has helped them through the trauma of the shooting.
“I find healing through supporting your organization, Whitney, and supporting you and saying how can we change and can we make things a little bit better," one survivor said.
Whitney says her organization is her new purpose in life. And she’s just thankful for the time she has to make a lasting change and be with her family.
“I will gravitate towards gratitude because I will be with my family over Labor Day weekend and I’ll just take the time to take in that I have this day with them," she said. "Which is all I ever wanted, was to get back home with my family.”
Whitney Strong is holding its annual Night for Life Celebration virtually on September 25. The event is a main fundraiser for the organization. To sign up, visit whitneystrong.org.