(Photo Source: cnn.com)

Back to school PSA from Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit group formed in the wake of the mass shooting in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, just released a gut-wrenching new ad about school shootings.

“This PSA contains graphic content related to school shootings & may be upsetting to some viewers. If you feel this subject matter may be difficult for you, you may choose not to watch,” tweeted @sandyhook, the official Twitter account of Sandy Hook promise.

The ad shows schoolchildren talking about “back to school essentials,” such as binders and noise-canceling headphones for studying. Then the ad takes a darker turn, showing children using their new sneakers to run from a hail of bullets and a cheerleading jacket to tie gym doors shut as a shooter enters the hallway. The ad ends with a girl texting her mom “I love you” as she hides in a dark bathroom, giving thanks for her new cellphone that allows her to stay in touch with her parents. The viewer then hears the shooter enter the bathroom.

“SHP’s mission is to create a culture engaged in preventing shootings, violence, and other harmful acts in schools,” Sandy Hook Promise says on its Web site. ”SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible program and policy solutions that address the “human side” of gun violence by preventing individuals from ever getting to the point of picking up a firearm to hurt themselves or others. Our words, actions, and impact nationwide are intended to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation.”