2024 election
From Tragedy to Activism: How a Campus Shooting Sparked a Political Revolution for One Family
TUCSON, Arizona — Adriana Grijalva was preparing for class at the University of Arizona in fall 2022 when a text from her cousin changed everything. Her cousin, employed in maintenance at the university, alerted her about police activity on campus. A former student had just fatally shot a professor—an event that would shake Grijalva and her family to the core.
As chaos erupted, Grijalva’s thoughts immediately turned to her sister, who was also at the university, and her younger brother, who attended a nearby school. Family text exchanges quickly ensued as they sought reassurance and clarity amidst the unfolding tragedy. The deadly event catalyzed a profound shift in Grijalva, propelling her from a passive observer of politics to a passionate advocate for gun safety reforms.
Now, gun violence and related policies are top of mind for her as the 2024 election approaches. Four years ago, Grijalva was too young to vote, her political views still taking shape. This November, however, she joins approximately 4 million Latinx Americans eligible to vote for the first time, contributing significantly to the surge in new eligible voters since the last election.
Latinos constitute around 15 percent of all eligible voters nationwide, but in Arizona, they represent a remarkable quarter of the voter base—the highest proportion among battleground states. Latinas, in particular, overwhelmingly support gun control measures. In Arizona, nearly two-thirds of Latinx voters favor stricter regulations, a sentiment primarily driven by the views of Latinas across varying political ideologies.
Growing up during a tumultuous era of mass shootings, Grijalva’s political consciousness has been molded by discussions on preventing such tragedies. Determined to push for substantial reforms, she plans to support Democrats renowned for advocating universal background checks and assault weapon bans—measures she believes are essential in the wake of her campus experience.
Grijalva’s commitment to addressing gun violence is not merely personal; it is deeply rooted in her community’s history. In 2011, a tragic shooting in Tucson critically injured then-U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords and claimed six lives. The memory lingers in the minds of those affected, reinforcing the urgency for change.
The devastation of mass shootings has disproportionately affected Latinx communities, evidenced by tragic events in Texas that saw scores of lives lost in targeted attacks on their community. Grijalva reflects on the Uvalde shooting, emphasizing its emotional toll: “When Uvalde happened, that really struck a chord.”
Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently highlighted gun violence prevention as a key platform issue, advocating for banning assault weapons and implementing universal background checks. During a recent rally in Phoenix, she described the ongoing danger of gun violence as a significant threat to fundamental freedoms.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump’s campaign has focused on crime, frequently associating immigration with public safety issues, often using misleading narratives. At a National Rifle Association event, Trump assured attendees that he would protect their rights to bear arms by dismantling regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
Following the 2022 campus shooting, the University of Arizona swiftly reopened, but Grijalva struggled to regain her sense of security. Unsettled by the prior Uvalde massacre, she was dismayed by the university’s administration’s response, feeling that safety measures were inadequate.
Initially hesitant to engage with advocacy, Grijalva ultimately found her voice by aligning with Students Demand Action, a campus organization focused on gun violence prevention. Despite an initial rejection from a fellowship with Giffords, she persevered, becoming involved in efforts to drive awareness and change.
Now collaborating with Arizonans for Gun Safety, Grijalva champions initiatives calling for rigorous background checks and accountability for unsecured firearms that minors can access. “It’s not about taking guns away; it’s about responsible ownership,” she asserts. “If it’s harder to get a driver’s license than a gun, that’s just wrong.”
Young voter engagement remains vital, particularly within the Latinx demographic, which is younger than other voter groups and often less likely to participate in elections. Grijalva aims to inspire her family to vote—a stark contrast to her mother’s previously limited voting history.
In the wake of the shooting, Grijalva’s family conversations have shifted, centering on the significance of gun violence and its broad impacts on their community. While her mother initially hesitated to engage politically, the recent incidents have prompted her to reassess her stance. Together, they are preparing to cast their ballots with newfound determination.
The campus shooting resonated deeply within Grijalva’s family. Her sister, Alyssa, who now teaches nearby, acknowledges the emotional toll it took on them all. Despite a history of political apathy, they now view voting as a vital responsibility.
“This incident was a big shift for everyone, but especially for Adriana,” Alyssa noted, as they navigate a landscape that demands their active participation in advocating for gun safety reforms.
In a world continuously plagued by gun violence, Grijalva remains resolute about her mission. With the election nearing, both her commitment and activism are undeniably fueled by personal experiences and an urgent need for meaningful change.