GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — In its first year, the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Summit sought not only to address the issue of gun violence but also the factors that go into the crimes being committed, like tragedies including community violence and mass shootings.
"There's so much more to be done so that the residents of the state of Michigan can feel safe and protected in their homes," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Nessel spoke on Tuesday, the second day of the summit, touting the state's new firearm laws that will go into effect in February.
"Michigan will begin implementing universal background checks for the purchase of all firearms ensuring that those who are prohibited from owning a gun under the law are not flying under the radar due to poor oversight," said Nessel.
She also talked about Michigan's new Safe Storage Laws that will increase the penalty for adults if a minor is able to get ahold of an unsecured firearm and adds a 15-year felony if a minor uses that gun to kill another person.
The background of that law is familiar to those in Michigan. Jennifer Crumbly is currently standing trial for manslaughter after her son, Ethan Crumbley, killed four students at Oxford High School.
Former Oxford High School teacher Lauren Jasinski moderated a more than hour-long conversation on young people impacted, and activism against, gun violence.
"Access to mental health was a huge issue for my staff, immediately following the shooting and at our school, because it created such an incredible need in a very short amount of time for a lot of people," said Jasinski.
As a student at Michigan State University, Maya Manuel spoke on her experience during, and after, the shooting on campus last year.
"When the shooting at MSU happened on February 13, it kind of pulled me into a position where I felt, you know, I'm tired," said Manuel. "My friends are tired, we've seen people lost, you know, our community keeps grieving continuously. And we need real, tangible, life-saving change."
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