SUMMERS COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – With the new law allowing individuals as young as 18 to conceal carry a firearm, one thing has been on some minds: Will this help or hinder the ever-present threat of gun violence in the country?
According to statistics from the Gun Violence Archive, 32 people have been killed and 85 wounded in 26 separate shootings in 2026 as of Jan. 31.
Statistics based on a recurring study called the Self Defense Shooting Fallacy say that less than 1% of personal and property crimes involve defensive gun use. While some data is conflicting, data exists that suggests that permitless carrying of guns is resulting in a 32% increase in gun assaults in certain areas. This trend indicates it is not those with permits committing these heinous crimes.
How will this new law affect things? Only time will tell. In the meantime, Victoria Epley, a 2026 Senior at Summers County Comprehensive High School, had a few things to say about gun violence in schools and the Sandy Hook Promise.
Epley said that she was only four years old when the Sandy Hook tragedy took place. She went on to explain that as a student, she has experienced fear coming to school. She said she grew up in a time when acts of gun violence were practically implemented into the educational criteria as the new normal for attending school. Additionally, she said they were taught how to prepare for it, but not how to prevent it. Epley believes prevention is possible and noted that the Sandy Hook Promise has been in place in communities all across the United States.
Since that time, at least 19 credible shootings have been averted because of Sandy Hook Promise programs that have been put into place. Epley said that potentially hundreds of lives were impacted positively by the Sandy Hook Promise program. She wants to emphasize the point that youth really matter and that they have a voice.
Epley feels that recognition of a very real fear among West Virginians, including those in her club at school, will bring solutions to the table for the legislature on preventing gun-related tragedies in schools and communities. Epley is, in her own words, momentarily non-partisan and non-political to encourage senators to provide protection here in West Virginia. Epley said, “I am fighting for gun violence to protect my community because anything is possible. Because that is a fear I and many students of my generation have.”
Epley feels that programs like Sandy Hook Promise bring more social awareness, creating a healthier environment. Also, Epley feels like knowing there’s a community there for support would help avert disasters in the future.
In regard to the new law, Epley has strong feelings about allowing 18-year-olds to conceal carry. She said that her research turned up that six out of the nine most deadly shootings were carried out by people younger than 21. Epley feels that in recent years, firearms have been handed out to struggling individuals even when there were prominent signs that intervention was needed, along with accountability, before the tragedy ensued. Epley said the firearms were coming from family, friends, and firearms dealers, and that gun violence also includes suicide with a firearm. Epley said research shows more than 3,400 people die by suicide with a firearm each year. Among those, 18-20 year olds make a significant portion at 58.7%.
Epley said she and the Sandy Hook Promise program at the Summers County Comprehensive High School wrote to West Virginia Senator Capito regarding what can be agreed upon and if there are solutions to preventing gun violence, as well as intervention before it happens. Epley wants to emphasize the club is about prevention and awareness, rather than being political. She said she hopes to help build a better future for students.
Victoria Epley said she is the first local youth facilitator for Sandy Hook Promise and that she is a 17-year-old senior at Summers County Comprehensive High School. Epley has many honors under her belt and plans to attend WVU in the fall and study to become a lawyer. She hopes to further her insights into politics and be a voice of reason. She hopes to make a difference in the world because she hopes for a better future for our children.
Hinton News reached out to the Summers County Sheriff’s Office for a comment from the Resource Officer via Facebook, but at the time of publishing, a response has not been received.
