Gun Violence Documentary To Screen In Sudbury

SUDBURY, MA — A group of Sudbury religious and community groups will host a screening of a gun violence documentary this month, an event that will precede a vote over a new town zoning law for businesses that sell firearms.

The documentary “Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence” will be shown at the Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, and will feature a discussion with director David Barnhart.

"[The documentary] examines how one shooting impacts individuals, families and communities and gives voice to the questions and insights that arise. In the documentary, all those scarred by gun violence arrived at the question, 'Why did this happen to us?' After looking at these in depth experiences of gun violence, 'Trigger' turns its attention to the bigger question, 'What can we do to prevent gun violence?'" according to the film's producers.

At spring Town Meeting in May, members will vote on an article that would use zoning to restrict gun businesses to only industrial zones, and cap the number of gun businesses at two. Resident Frank Riepe first proposed the bylaw for the 2023 Town Meeting, but it was voted down so that the Select Board could debate the idea.

The screening of "Trigger" will also feature state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, who has worked on legislation at the state level on gun control, including controlling the proliferation of 3D-printed "ghost" guns. Earlier in February, the state Senate the SAFER Act updating state gun laws. The House passed a different version in October, and the two bills have to be reconciled before heading to Gov. Maura Healey's desk.

The "Trigger" screening will start at 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, 330 Concord Road. The free screening will also be available via Zoom (meeting #834-1848-0191).

The Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, Beth El Antiracism Working Group, the League of Women Voters of Sudbury, Sudbury United Methodist Church, St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Memorial Congregational Church and First Parish of Sudbury UU are sponsoring the event.