tom kapsidelis

Journalist, author of After Virginia Tech: Guns, Safety, and Healing in the Era of Mass Shootings, published by The University of Virginia Press.

[GIFFORDS @GIFFORDS_org]

23-year-old Genesis Jones was shot and killed this weekend in Virginia while celebrating her brother’s birthday. At least 50 shots were fired after a nearby fight broke out. One other person was killed and seven others were injured.

Genesis should still be here, but easy access to guns turns dangerous situations deadly for innocent bystanders.

Our hearts are with her family and all those impacted as they grieve this senseless act of gun violence.

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

#FreedomToLive

[Newtown Action Alliance ❌👑 @NewtownAction]

@po_murray @GunsDownAmerica @bradybuzz @GIFFORDS_org @Everytown @AMarch4OurLives @CJACTIONFUND @FerrellZabala @mia_tretta @SenAdamSchiff @SenBlumenthal @globalexchange @RepJahanaHayes @RepMaxwellFrost @JosephSakran @ThisIsOurLane @MayorBMScott @bradleywhitford @davidhogg111 @Leaderswedeserv @Justinjpearson @JohnFrancisms Thank you to all who attended the 13th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence.

We all deserve #FreedomToLive.

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Matthew should be 43 today.
He was a role model, a wonderful son and a dedicated friend.

32 people died in the Virgina Tech campus attack, all killed by one red flag failure.
#RedFlagLawsSaveLives
#EndGunViolence

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

Two gun violence tragedies – 3 years ago, 9 days apart – mass shootings at UVa and the Chesapeake Walmart. Yesterday was the sentencing in the UVa case; today is the 3rd anniversary in Chesapeake. Keep all close in your thoughts and actions as the holiday season draws near.

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

https://t.co/l0ULREdl5Q

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

1/thread: Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry were fatally shot at the University of Virginia three years ago. On Nov. 22, six people were murdered at the Walmart in Chesapeake.

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

https://t.co/DGILexbDZw

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Ross should be 39.
He died at Va Tech at 20.
His mom emphasized he was not "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Ross was in class where he was supposed to be.
We deserve to be safe in our schools, churches, stores, workplaces.

#HonorWithAction

https://t.co/ENOMuAz1tg

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Erin would be 37.
She died at 18 in the 2007 Virginia Tech attack.
Her killer was a red flag poster boy.
But he was allowed to buy guns.
He killed 17 people.
#HonorWithAction
Demand #sensiblegunlaws
https://t.co/ENOMuAytDI

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, Aug 1, we honor…

Roberta “Robbie” Drury, who should be 35 this month, was a people person extraordinaire, a caretaker, & a former foster child who found a loving home & family. She was killed by a white supremacist at Tops Market in Buffalo in May 2022.
#honorwithaction

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, July 30, is the birthday of John Patrick McNamara. He died in 2018 at The Capital Gazette in Annapolis. An editor & sports reporter for the newspaper, John was known for his vast knowledge of high school basketball and his coverage of and love for Univ. of Maryland sports.

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, July 22, is the birthday of SFC Miranda Summerwind McElhiney. She died in the 2011 Carson City IHOP attack at 31. A 13-year member of the Nevada National Guard, she was known for her kindness and strong character.

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, July 20, is the birthday of Julie Kudrna. She died at 52 in a 2025 domestic murder-suicide in Springfield, MO. Generous & compassionate, Julie always put the needs of others before her own. She was kind, strong & lived life “anchored by faith & boundless love for family.”

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, July 18, is the birthday of Devin Chandler. He died in 2022 at Univ of VA. As one biographer wrote, “Devin Chandler soaked in joy & delivered it back out to the world.” Motivated by NFL aspirations, he was a hard worker in the classroom and on the football field.

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

@sabrinaamorenoo Ukrops

[tom kapsidelis @tomkapsidelis]

@fraziercryan @sabrinaamorenoo Perfect.

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, July 9, is the birthday of Alexander Logan Schachter. He died as a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He loved music, particularly marching band. His family established a scholarship to support music students and celebrate Alex’s memory.

[Minnesota House DFL @mnhouseDFL]

Forever our Speaker ❤️

[The Birthday Fairy Project 🟧 @TBFPToodle_oo]

Today, June 28, is the 🎂 of Dawn Hochsprung. She died at Sandy Hook in 2012. Dawn had 2 great passions – family & work. She was the mother of 5 girls in a blended family, grandmother, wife, & elementary principal. Dawn died lunging at the shooter & attempting to stop his entry.