Gun violence prevention group responds to shooting that injured 12 in Macon

The gun violence prevention organization issued a statement after 12 people ages 17 to 19 were injured in the Carolyn Crayton Park shooting.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Sandy Hook Promise is responding to the shooting at Carolyn Crayton Park that left 12 teenagers injured early Sunday morning.

The national gun violence prevention organization issued a statement following the shooting, which happened during a large gathering at the Macon park.

The victims range in age from 17 to 19 and include 10 males and two females. Two remain in critical condition, while the others are listed in stable condition.

Investigators have not said what led to the shooting.

Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, said the organization stands with the Macon community and called for more efforts aimed at preventing violence before a conflict reaches the point of gunfire.

“While we are grateful to learn that no lives were stolen by this senseless shooting, this is something that no young person nor their community should ever experience,” Hockley said.

“The constant threat of gun violence means that kids cannot simply be kids and enjoy something as innocent as a birthday party together without the fear they might get shot. And the worry and trauma placed on families, not knowing if their teen will come home unharmed, is a terrible burden. We must come together to take action and prevent tragedies like this. We stand with the Macon community in demanding a safer future for all young people”, Hockley said.

Hockley, whose son Dylan was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, said young people should be taught how to recognize potential warning signs of violence and how to report concerns to trusted adults or through anonymous tip systems.

Sandy Hook Promise also called for secure firearm storage laws and investments in community violence intervention programs.

The organization cited federal data showing firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teenagers ages 1 through 17 in Georgia. It also said Georgia’s gun homicide rate increased 29% between 2015 and 2024.

Sandy Hook Promise said preventing violence requires giving young people ways to resolve conflicts before guns become involved.

“We cannot wait until after shots are fired to protect our children; we must give them the tools, resources, and support to build safer communities together,” Hockley said.

“Preventing community violence like this requires proactive steps that empower young people to resolve conflicts safely before guns are ever drawn. We must ensure every teen and young adult learns to recognize the warning signs of potential violence and knows how to report them safely – whether that is through anonymous tip lines or trusted adult intervention. Beyond immediate violence prevention programs, we need strong policies including secure storage laws to keep firearms out of the hands of young people and investments in evidence-based community violence intervention strategies,” Hockley said.

The Carolyn Crayton Park shooting remains under investigation.