As Providence, Rhode Island grapples with the aftermath of a tragic shooting at Brown University, fear and grief ripple through the community. This incident, which resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, sends shockwaves not only across the campus but also resonates with a young survivor deeply familiar with gun violence.
Mia Tretta, a 21-year-old junior at Brown, knows this pain all too well. In 2019, she was shot during a school shooting in California that left two of her friends dead. On Saturday, while in her dorm, she received alarming texts about an active shooter nearby. “At first, we thought it might not be serious,” she shared. “But when we got hundreds of messages, it became very real.”
The university went into lockdown, and Tretta expressed her horror at the unfolding events: “This shouldn’t surprise anyone. Gun violence is everywhere, and it’s a matter of time before it could happen to anyone.”
Since her experience, Tretta has become an outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention. She has spoken at various events, pushing for stricter regulations on ghost guns—firearms that can be assembled from kits without serial numbers. “We still don’t know who bought the gun that shot me. This lack of accountability is dangerous,” Tretta noted in previous interviews.
Tragically, gun violence is now the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. Recent statistics indicate a growing concern. In 2025 alone, there have already been nearly 400 incidents where four or more people were shot, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The statistics highlight an urgent need for change, especially among vulnerable populations. Black youth in underserved areas face a significantly higher risk of gun violence, a stark reminder of the systemic issues at play.
Many believe that the ongoing cycle of violence reflects failures from those in power. Tretta voiced her frustrations: “If politicians can’t protect us at school or the grocery store, they’re not doing their job.”
Tretta’s story is not unique. She is among a troubling number of young individuals who have faced multiple incidents of gun violence. For example, fellow Brown student Zoe Weissman survived a shooting at a Florida high school years ago, and a number of other students have faced similar traumas.
Days before the recent shooting, Tretta participated in a national vigil for gun violence victims in Washington, D.C. This event, organized by Newtown Action Alliance, showcased the wide-reaching impact of gun violence, reminding participants that it transcends socioeconomic boundaries. “Gun violence doesn’t discriminate,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action.
As the community mourns and reflects on these events, the conversation around gun safety and prevention continues. It’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure safety for all, whether in the most prestigious universities or in neighborhoods grappling with violence every day.
With advocacy and awareness, perhaps change is possible. For further insights on gun violence in the U.S., you can check out this Washington Post article and the Gun Violence Archive for ongoing statistics.
