My son, Malik, had an undeniable sense of style. Ever since he entered middle school, he carried himself with a unique flair that lit up the room. His infectious joy was evident in his choice of clothing, often donning outfits in a single color, complemented by a perfectly matching bowtie. He had just added a new vibrant green and gold bowtie to his collection when tragedy struck—he was unintentionally shot and killed by another teenager who was playing with a gun found in a dresser drawer.
From the moment he was born, Malik was my little flower. As he grew older, I affectionately shortened that to “Lil.” That was the name I called him during our last conversation. He mentioned he was going to the movies with his grandmother for a spring break outing, and as I said, “I love you,” he replied, “I love you too, Mama,” before we hung up. A single bullet would take him from me forever, leaving no chance for another goodbye.
Malik was just 14 years old—his life cut short before he even learned to tie his bowtie. When I arrived at the hospital after a grueling four-hour drive, my family was waiting to deliver the words no parent ever wants to hear: “He didn’t make it.” At that moment, I felt as though every part of my soul had departed. The grief overwhelmed me, indescribably intense. Knowing that Malik’s death could have been prevented deepens this heartache immeasurably.
I lie awake at night, troubled by the thought that other mothers might endure this same agony. At least 4.6 million children in the U.S. live in homes with unsecured firearms, and many are well aware of where those guns are kept. The weapon that took my son’s life was carelessly placed in a dresser drawer beneath a t-shirt—it was both loaded and unlocked.
The risk of accidental shootings and firearm suicides has never been more pressing. Gun sales have soared during the COVID-19 pandemic; in March alone, the FBI conducted 3.7 million background checks—the highest monthly total ever recorded and a million more than the previous year. Unfortunately, due to lax regulations, not every gun sale requires a background check, suggesting that firearm purchases are even higher. This surge coincides with children being home from school, while many parents are preoccupied with remote work. Curious kids can easily access unsecured firearms, a grim reality I know all too well.
Even in “normal” circumstances, nearly 350 children and teens accidentally shoot themselves or others with unsecured guns annually, with over three-quarters of these incidents occurring at home. Firearm suicide claims the lives of over 600 American youths each year, with more than 80 percent of the firearms used belonging to family members. It is critical for adults in a household to store guns securely—locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition—to avert senseless disasters. Proper storage of firearms is literally a matter of life and death.
The instinct to stockpile guns and ammunition during times of fear and uncertainty, akin to hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer, poses a dire risk. If children or teenagers access an unsecured firearm, it could lead to catastrophic outcomes. This is why I channel my sorrow into advocacy, alongside thousands of other volunteers from Moms Demand Action. We have educated over a million families on the importance of secure gun storage through local Be SMART initiatives. With kids now at home, the urgency for awareness regarding safe storage practices is greater than ever, and we are actively promoting a new public service announcement aimed at new gun owners.
As my family is painfully aware, one bullet can devastate more than just one life. The trajectory of our lives shifted dramatically with the loss of Malik. I strive to be strong for my older son, yet not a moment passes without thoughts of Malik and the future that was stolen from him.
Every spring, as flowers bloom and the sun shines brightly, I am reminded that another year has gone by since I lost my child. He would be 18 now, and I often reflect on the milestones he will never achieve—the graduation, prom, and college applications that will never be filled out. If I can spare even one family from experiencing this profound grief by raising my voice, I will do so tirelessly until every child in America can grow up in an environment free from gun violence.
For more insights on securing firearms and protecting children, consider visiting this article, which discusses related issues, or check out Women’s Health for valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, Make A Mom provides authoritative resources on related topics.
Summary:
This heartfelt account emphasizes the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes, as shared by Lila Thompson after losing her son Malik to an accidental shooting. The alarming rise in gun sales during the pandemic raises concerns for child safety, highlighting the need for responsible gun ownership and secure storage practices. Advocates, including Moms Demand Action, are working tirelessly to prevent such tragedies by educating families.
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