David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, has become a key voice for gun control and safer schools in America1. After the tragic event at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he stepped up to challenge politicians, criticize the NRA, and inspire young people to make a difference2. He urges everyone to “get over politics and get something done” because of the frustration with gun violence.
Key Takeaways
- David Hogg, a Parkland shooting survivor, is a prominent young activist advocating for gun control and school safety.
- Hogg has been a vocal critic of the NRA and has called for stricter gun laws, including red flag laws and background checks.
- The March for Our Lives movement, which Hogg co-founded, mobilized one of the largest youth protests in modern American history.
- Hogg has used his platform to encourage youth voter registration and engagement, leading to increased turnout in the 2018 midterm elections.
- Hogg’s advocacy and activism have made him a controversial figure, facing conspiracy theories and criticism from opponents of gun control.
Parkland Shooting Survivor Turned Activist
On February 14, 2018, David Hogg’s life changed forever when a gunman attacked his high school in Parkland, Florida. This event killed 17 people3. As a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Hogg found himself in the biggest school shooting in the U.S. history. This event made him a key activist in the fight against gun violence3.
David Hogg’s Life-Changing Moment
After the shooting, Hogg became a leader in the 2018 U.S. gun violence protests3. His powerful words and strong calls for action made him a key figure in the movement to stop gun violence3.
Founding March for Our Lives Movement
Hogg and other students started the March for Our Lives movement. This movement led to a huge protest in Washington just five weeks after the shooting3. The March for Our Lives became a big anti-gun violence protest. David Hogg helped start it after the Parkland shooting4.
Gen Z and millennials are 45% of the voters but hold only 21% of state legislature seats4. The Leaders We Deserve PAC will support 15-30 candidates under 30 in key states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia4.
“Together with his sister Lauren Hogg, David wrote a book titled ‘#Never Again: A New Generation Draws the Line,’ which made The New York Times Best Seller list. They pledged to donate all income from the book to charity.”3
Hogg was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 20183. He has dyslexia, ADHD, and PTSD3. In February 2021, he took a break from March for Our Lives to think and reassess3. In July 2022, he interrupted a House hearing to support the 2021 Assault Weapons Ban and the Equal Access for Victims of Gun Violence Act3.
David Hogg was born on April 12, 2000, making him 24 years old (as of the article date)3. He started fighting for gun control in 2018 and has been active since3. David Hogg graduated from Harvard University in May 2023 after starting in 20193. After his sister Lauren graduated in 2021, the Hogg family moved to Washington, D.C3.
Advocating for Safer Schools and Gun Reform
After the Parkland shooting, 17 people lost their lives5. David Hogg became a strong voice for stricter gun laws and safer schools. As a survivor, he spoke out against politicians backed by the NRA, pushing for laws that could save lives5.
Passionate Voice Against Gun Violence
Hogg supports “red flag” laws to take guns from those who are a danger to themselves or others5. His strong voice and dedication to ending gun violence have made him a key figure in the “Never Again” movement. This movement has inspired young people across the country to speak up against gun violence5.
The March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2018, was huge, with over 800,000 people joining5. On June 11, 2022, more than 70,000 people marched in D.C., and hundreds of marches happened nationwide, all for gun reform5.
Since Parkland, over 200,000 Americans have been affected by gun violence, showing the need for action5. Hogg believes getting the 60% of Americans aged 30-60 to vote is key to changing gun laws5.
Despite efforts, mass shootings in the U.S. have risen, with about 600 in the last year6. The Uvalde, Texas, tragedy killed 19 children and two adults, a sad reminder of the ongoing issue6.
Hogg fights for responsible gun use and corrects false media portrayals of his views and the gun reform movement5. He compares the fight against gun control to the long battle against the tobacco industry, suggesting it could take decades for change6.
Groups like March for Our Lives have pushed lawmakers to pass stricter gun laws6. On June 24, 2022, the U.S. passed its biggest gun safety law in 30 years5. Michigan then signed laws on safe storage, background checks, and extremist protection, the first in 40 years5.
