Father Of Parkland Shooting Victim 'Cried Like A Baby' When Biden Referred To Daughter
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Gun safety activist Fred Guttenberg, father of Parkland school shooting victim Jaime Guttenberg, said Friday that he “broke down and cried like a baby” when President Joe Biden referred to his daughter as he slammed firearm violence in a speech at the White House Rose Garden.
Freshman Jaime Guttenberg, 14, was shot in the back as she fled a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida three years ago. Her dad has since become one of the most powerful voices against gun violence. Jaime’s brother, Jesse, survived the attack that killed 17 students and staff.
Some truth about yesterday. While sitting in the @WhiteHouse Rose Garden listening to @POTUS, when he mentioned Jaime, I broke down & cried like a baby. I was not sure I wanted to share this but decided it is important for all to know the painful reality of why I do this. pic.twitter.com/N7sc5a4Kc6
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 9, 2021
On February 14, 2018 my daughter Jaime was murdered in the Parkland school shooting. Jaime and I have been on a journey since to save lives. @POTUS, thank you for listening. I am truly emotional at the significance of this.
JAIME, WE DID IT!!!https://t.co/TOABZmGL0j pic.twitter.com/OHQOj1rqZS— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 8, 2021
Biden said in his remarks Thursday: “The idea that we have so many people dying every single day from gun violence in America is a blemish on our character as a nation.” Gun violence in the nation is “an epidemic, for God’s sake. It has to stop,” he added.
Biden called out other attending parents of children who had been killed by gun violence, and survivors of attacks, including former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was shot in the head in 2011 as she spoke to constituents in front of an Arizona grocery store.
“I see my friend Fred Guttenberg,” said the president. “His daughter, Jaime, was a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She was an accomplished dancer.”
Biden said of those present who had been deeply impacted by firearm violence: “They’re here, and their pain is immense ... Thank you for having the courage to be here, the courage to continue this fight.”
The president on Wednesday signed a series of executive orders directing the Justice Department to begin a crackdown on guns, and announcing a nominee to lead the federal agency charged with battling illegal gun trafficking for the first time in years.
For further congressional action supported by Biden, Guttenberg offered Friday to fly to meet with any member of Congress to discuss gun safety.
From my interview tonight with @ZerlinaShow. https://t.co/OjiUMuAWH7
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 9, 2021
A year ago, when Donald Trump vowed he would battle to keep guns in Americans’ hands during his State of the Union address, Guttenberg — who was a guest of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — shouted: “What about victims of gun violence like my daughter?”
He was escorted out.
Followers on Twitter were moved by Guttenberg — and touched by his tears.
There is nothing more incredible a human can do for than to use their pain to try to lessen other people's. Gratitude and love to you.
— Meg Connor Johnson (@MegConnorJohns2) April 9, 2021
I cannot imagine your pain. I don’t know how you’re standing, let alone standing up for what’s right. I’m standing with you, and hope we can make some progress, for Jaime’s sake, and the sake of all children who didn’t deserve to die. ❤️
— S.E. Cupp (@secupp) April 10, 2021
Thank you. Nobody would blame you for becoming angry, or withdrawing, or a million other reasonable reactions to your personal tragedy. But, thank you for sharing your personal and unimaginable pain and churning this into a crusade for change. I admire your resolve.
— John Jameson (@sevenfootgenius) April 9, 2021
Love to you Fred
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) April 9, 2021
Also on HuffPost
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.