Letter to the editor: Parents must step up to stop gun violence

Regarding the article “Pittsburgh mayor asks for public’s help to get guns off streets amid Brighton Heights shooting” (Oct. 30, TribLIVE): More and more crimes are being committed by young people with guns. Why?

How do they get these firearms, many of which are stolen? These guns have to cost a lot of money on the street. Where are these teenagers getting the money to purchase these weapons? Parents need to step up and take the time to possibly save lives. There are no excuses for parents — none.

Take an opportunity to sit down with your child and ask tough questions like: Do you have a gun I don’t know about? Do you have access to a gun from your friends? Are you around friends that you know are “packing”?

As a parent, you’re the first line of defense to prevent these senseless acts of violence. We see the anguish of families of victims of these crimes on the news seemingly every day. Street gangs, drugs and turf wars play a large part in these situations.

If you know your teenager has an illegal firearm and you have refused to take any action, you should be ashamed. Just listen to the victims’ families; feel their pain and suffering and ask yourself, could I have made a difference? Quit looking the other way and stop making excuses. Be a parent in control of the situation and a parent who truly cares.

Chris Hartig

Port Vue