Watch Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence

Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence is a poignant and emotionally-charged documentary that takes an intimate and thought-provoking look at the impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities in America. Released in 2014, the film is directed by David Barnhart and produced by Cheryl Horner McDonough, Natalie McDonough, and Kristan Nielson.

The documentary features powerful interviews with survivors of gun violence, including victims and their families, as well as advocates, law enforcement officials, and politicians. Their stories provide a deeply personal perspective on the devastating consequences of gun violence and the urgent need for comprehensive gun reform.

One of the main narrators of the film is Colin Goddard, a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting that claimed the lives of 32 people. Goddard shares his experience of that tragic day and the long road to recovery that followed. He also advocates for stronger gun control laws and works with gun violence prevention organizations to help educate and promote change.

The film also includes the moving story of Nardyne Jeffries, whose son Brishell was killed in a drive-by shooting in Washington D.C. in 2010. Jeffries shares her heartbreaking journey of grief and loss, and her tireless efforts to make sure her son's death was not in vain. She advocates for sensible gun laws and a shift in culture around guns, particularly among young people in urban communities.

Throughout the film, other survivors' stories are featured, including that of a man whose wife was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, and a father whose daughter was killed in the Newtown school shooting. These personal accounts underscore the urgency of the issue and drive home the fact that gun violence affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

The documentary also delves into the political and legal landscape surrounding gun control in America. It explores the role of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights advocates in shaping public opinion and influencing legislation. It also examines the impact of the Second Amendment and the interpretation of it by courts and political leaders.

Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence provides a comprehensive look at the issue of gun violence in America and the long-term effects it has on individual and societal levels. The film's storytelling is powerful and gripping, with a mix of archival footage, animation, and personal testimonies that keep the viewer engaged throughout.

The film's message is clear: gun violence is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a multi-pronged approach to tackle. It urges viewers to engage in constructive dialogue and advocacy, and to hold elected officials accountable for taking action on gun violence prevention measures. It offers hope that change is possible, but only through sustained effort and collective action.

Overall, Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on one of America's most pressing issues. It offers a space for survivors to share their stories and advocates to make their case, and it challenges viewers to confront their own beliefs and take action towards a safer and more peaceful society.

Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.