This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

Letters to President Obama

From

Emily Nottingham, Tuscon, Arizona

July 23, 2012

July 23, 2012

Ms. Emily Nottingham

Tucson AZ

 

Dear President Obama,

When my son was killed in the Tucson mass murders last year, you asked if there was anything you could do. There is. I am asking you to support some reasonable steps to protect your citizens. Reinstating the ban on assault weapons and extended magazine clips should be a simple step to make our public places more safe for citizens. Our rights of assembly are threatened. I believe that you can be a vigorous supporter of the second amendment and still support modest regulation of weapons of mass murder. If you will not oppose the NRA, then seek out the support of the NRA in this gun safety measure. My son was killed in the mass murder in Tucson. Now it has happened again and more young people have been senselessly murdered by a stranger in a public place armed with weapons designed to kill many people very quickly. Enforcement of existing laws is not a sufficient response; additional steps are necessary to restrict easy access to weapons of mass murder. The Tucson shooter was not diagnosed as mentally ill when he legally purchased these super-lethal weapons; I would not be surprised if the Aurora shooter also had no such diagnosis. We need to look at the weapons themselves.

Please consider being a leader on this issue; others will follow behind you. Thank you for thinking seriously about this and seeking a resolution.

Emily Nottingham

The President's Response

February 7, 2011

Dear Emily:

Please accept our deepest sympathies as you mourn the loss of your son, Gabe. The hearts of all Americans are broken by his sudden passing. We were profoundly moved by our visit to Arizona, and our thoughts remain with you and your family.

Gabe's commitment to lifting up the lives of his fellow Americans through public service represents what is best about our Nation, and we will forever honor his memory. In the wake of this terrible tragedy, we pray you find peace in your cherished memories of your time together and comfort in the support of family, friends, and countless Americans who share in your grief.

In the days ahead, please know we will continue to hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May Gabe's strength sustain you through this difficult time, and may he rest in eternal peace.

Sincerely, 

Barack Obama
Michelle Obama