Edgar Jared Vilchez, a Cornell University student, will share his powerful story of witnessing a school shooting during the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
Vilchez, a government major, experienced a life-changing moment when he saw a classmate shot outside his Chicago high school in 2022. This event propelled him into activism, leading him to join Project Unloaded, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing gun violence.
His speech will be part of a segment highlighting the impact of gun violence, just before Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the Democratic Party’s nomination for president. Vilchez hopes his message will inspire change and give hope to others.
“I’m here to advocate for the change that’s needed in this country,” Vilchez said.



