Former Dayton Mayor on Honoring Mass Shooting Victims Five Years On

August 2, 2024

WASHINGTON — This Sunday marks 5 years since Dayton, Ohio, was ripped apart by a mass shooting that killed nine people and left 27 injured. The former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley serves on the board of Guns Down America and released the following statement:

“Five years ago, during my tenure as mayor, a gunman killed nine of my community members and injured another 27. I’ve since committed my life to realizing the possibility of a safer and freer future with fewer guns. We can again live in a world where gun culture doesn’t threaten our right to freely, fearlessly participate in daily life. Progress has been made these last five years, but it’s not nearly enough. Until we overcome the gun fear complex—which pits neighbors against neighbors in order to manufacture distrust and sell more weapons—none of us are safe. Our democracy, our communities and our livelihood are all at risk. Guns are a choice and the more of us who choose not to buy into the gun industry’s fear mongering marketing tactics, the weaker the industry—and stronger our communities—become.”