Bend, OR – Gun safety advocates testified before Oregon lawmakers this week, urging them to take action on the state’s alarming gun violence rates, which are the highest on the West Coast when measured by per capita firearm fatalities. The emotional testimonies highlighted not only the direct toll of gun violence but also its far-reaching effects on survivors and their families.
Carol Manstrom, a resident of Eugene, shared the heartbreaking story of her son, Will, who died by suicide on Valentine’s Day in 2017. Will, a senior in high school who was active in track, cross country, and chess, had aspirations of studying engineering at Oregon State University. His death, Manstrom explained, was the result of a mental health crisis compounded by the presence of an unsecured and easily accessible handgun in the home where he was staying.
“On the night Will died, he was experiencing a major mental health crisis, and there was a fully loaded, unsecured and easily accessible handgun lying out in the house where he was staying,” Manstrom said during her testimony.
Manstrom’s painful experience illustrated a broader concern highlighted by gun safety advocates: the alarming link between unsecured firearms and youth suicides. Research has shown that children in homes with firearms are four times more likely to die from suicide.
Pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Nicoli, who has treated survivors of gun violence, shared his perspective with lawmakers. He spoke about the physical and emotional toll of gun injuries, noting that survivors often face gruesome, life-altering consequences. Many require multiple surgeries and experience permanent pain and disfigurement.
“I see them when they do survive. The injuries can be quite gruesome. They have permanent pain, disfigurement, and multiple surgeries,” Dr. Nicoli explained. “It’s emotionally challenging work, and I work with a lot who are struggling and in crisis.”
Jess Marks, representing the Alliance for a Safe Oregon, presented a comparison of gun safety measures across West Coast states, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations. Marks advocated for policies such as state-dealing licenses to combat illegal guns, banning rapid-fire devices, and introducing waiting periods for firearm purchases. She also pointed out the dangers posed by ghost guns, firearms assembled illegally without serial numbers, and stressed the importance of keeping guns locked and away from children.
One of the most poignant moments of the hearing came from Manstrom, who spoke about the lasting emotional impact of her son’s death on her younger son, Dave. Dave was with his mother when they received the news of Will’s death, and in the following years, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, eventually spending a year in a residential mental health treatment program.
“That’s an example of a life shattered because of gun violence,” Manstrom said, her voice filled with emotion.
The testimonies from Manstrom, Dr. Nicoli, and Marks painted a powerful picture of the ripple effects of gun violence. While the direct victims of gun violence are often the focus of public discussions, these accounts served as a reminder of the lasting trauma experienced by survivors and families.
Gun safety advocates continue to call for stronger laws to prevent unnecessary deaths and reduce the emotional and physical toll on communities. Their message to lawmakers was clear: without action to improve firearm safety, the crisis will only deepen, leaving more families to bear the burden of a tragedy that could have been prevented.
