Zoe Weissman, a sophomore at Brown University, found herself in the midst of another traumatic shooting incident on December 13. Having survived the Parkland school shooting in 2018, she was triggered by the sound of gunshots once again. The events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School had a profound impact on her, leading to struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and a commitment to advocating for gun violence prevention.
When news of the shooting at Brown University broke out, Weissman immediately went into survival mode, a response she attributed to her generation’s exposure to lockdown drills and school shootings. The incident, which resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, kept Weissman and her fellow students on edge during a lengthy lockdown period until the perpetrator was tracked down five days later.
Reflecting on the prevalence of mass shootings in the United States, with over 394 incidents reported in 2025, Weissman expressed a mix of grief, anger, and frustration at the ongoing gun violence epidemic. She highlighted the personal toll such events take on individuals and emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent future tragedies.
Weissman’s experience was not isolated, as another student at Brown University, Mia Tretta, also survived a previous shooting at Saugus High School. Tretta, who was shot at age 15, echoed Weissman’s sentiments, emphasizing the lasting impact of such traumatic events. Both survivors have since connected and are actively engaged in gun violence prevention efforts, finding solace and purpose in their advocacy work.
As Weissman continues her studies in medical anthropology, she remains dedicated to raising awareness about the need for gun reform and emphasizing the importance of preventing individuals with malicious intent from accessing firearms. Her message resonates with a call for responsible gun ownership and stricter regulations to curb gun violence while preserving the rights of law-abiding citizens.