fbpx

Standing for Jaime

Politicians inevitably ask Fred Guttenberg to take a seat if they meet with him in an office setting. But he always politely declines. “I don’t need to be comfortable when I talk about my daughter,” he says. “You can sit, or you can stand with me.”

Standing with Fred Guttenberg shouldn’t be that hard. He’s not going door-to-door trying to confiscate guns. For starters, that would take hundreds of lifetimes. In 2018, the global Small Arms Survey reported that there are more civilian-owned firearms in the United States (393 million) than people (330 million). To put that into further perspective, that’s also more civilian-held guns in the U.S. than the next 24 countries on the Survey’s top-25 list—combined.

No, Fred isn’t looking for trouble. He’s just trying to honor the spirit of his daughter, Jaime, one of the 17 students and teachers shot and killed (another 17 were injured) on Valentine’s Day 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Still, when your life’s post-tragedy mission becomes raising awareness about, and pushing for, common sense gun safety, trouble sometimes finds you.

At this year’s State of the Union, Capitol Police escorted Fred out of the House of Representatives’ chamber, handcuffed him, and drove him to a detention facility, where he was questioned and detained in a holding room, his left arm cuffed to the wall, until shortly after the speech ended. Fred knows he shouldn’t have let the Second Amendment talk that night prompt his much-publicized, nine-word outburst—“What about victims of gun violence like my daughter?” But it’s not out of embarrassment or that he undermined his advocacy work.

It’s because he didn’t have access to his phone.

“The day my daughter died, we kept trying to reach her on her cell phone, and we couldn’t,” he says. “So, not being able to reach somebody in our family on a cell phone? That’s a triggering event. … What I put them through was unfair.”

What’s really unfair is that life changed in the flash of an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle for so many people that day in Parkland. Each of the family members directly affected has dealt with the tragedy in his or her own personal way—some, like Fred, more outspoken than others. It’s part of what he calls his crazy new life, a healing journey that’s detailed in his book, Find the Helpers. The life, most certainly, is not for everyone.

As he shares in the October issue of Lifestyle, Fred has met supportive and compassionate people from all walks of life—and both sides of the aisle. However, he’s also met far too many people, their own lives turned crazy by an act of gun violence, who understand his grief and the need to channel it. People who now look to him for inspiration.

So, Fred continues to stand for his daughter. The question continues to be, who will stand with him?

Check out one of the digital editions of Lifestyle’s October issue to see the story on Fred Guttenberg.

You May Also Like

Paws Enchanted Masquerade Ball to Benefit the Humane Society of Broward County

The annual PAWS Gala benefiting the Humane Society of Broward County occurs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s theme is the “Enchanted Masquerade Ball,” presented by Spirit Airlines. Chairwomen Alyse Lemstrom and Sheryl Maher and their committee have organized the event with proceeds

Dan Marino Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month

The Dan Marino Foundation in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate the autism community with various initiatives and events during Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month throughout April. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, and adults with autism. When Dan and Claire Marino created the nonprofit in 1992, the prevalence of autism

Visit Lauderdale Celebrates Broward’s Cultural Diversity

Did you know Broward County is home to a rich, vibrant tapestry of cultures, with people from more than 170 countries speaking 147 languages living here? This dynamic array of diversity is not only prevalent in every corridor of the county — it’s proudly celebrated in the attractions, festivals, and food the destination offers. And

Jack & Jill Center to Host Team Pouncey Bowl for Change Fundraiser

Jack & Jill Center’s Young Professionals Network will host its annual charity bowling tournament from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Manor Lanes in Fort Lauderdale. The Team Pouncey Bowl for Change community event will feature a day of bowling, a live DJ, arcade games, a raffle, a full bar and

Other Posts

Gutenburg Burger Opens at Time Out Market Miami

Gutenburg Burger, a German-American burger concept, recently debuted at Time Out Market Miami, home to chef-inspired events, arts and culture, and live entertainment. Chef Jorge Kauam launched the eatery to honor Germany’s history of high-quality beef and highlight the hamburger’s proclaimed roots in his new menu.  “Our buns are a mix of a brioche and potato

Gulfstream Park Village’s Free Cone Day Returns Next Month

Gulfstream Park Village’s popular Free Cone Day will return on Wednesday, May 17 at Häagen-Dazs. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy one free mini cone or cup with the ice cream flavor of their choice. Additionally, Gulfstream Park Village Center will transform into a family-friendly village carnival with free entertainment

NAMI Broward to Hold Annual Artful Minds Event in Dania Beach

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Broward County will host the Second Annual “Artful Minds” event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at MAD Arts in Dania Beach, 481 South Federal Highway. The art exhibit showcases the relationship between art and mental health through artwork in various mediums created by artists

MAPP 2023 Conference in Miami to Empower Women in Hospitality and Culinary Industries

The second annual MAPP Impact Conference will return to Miami on May 1 to host a series of panels, speakers and events featuring top chefs and restaurateurs nationwide. MAPP (Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose and the Power of women) is a nonprofit organization aiming to empower women in the culinary and hospitality industry.  The day begins with a