Shaessa Saxton, victim of a large-scale shootings, victim of a shooting in Odessa

I'm calling Shauna Saxton. I survived the mass shooting that happened on Labor Day weekend in Odessa, Texas.

A man stopped at a traffic light near my vehicle and pointed at an assault rifle. His eyes were full of rage. Fortunately, I recognized what was happening and took immediate action: I nailed it to the ground, saving myself as well as my husband and grandson.

Doing nothing was not an option. Because I acted quickly, we were able to escape without damage.

This terrible experience has changed me. Things I once believed were true have now been called into question. Do individuals need access to weapons as lethal as an assault rifle? This question and others like this one are a hot topic here in Texas, and in other states of the country. This is a very difficult question. How to promote public safety while protecting the rights of those who choose to carry weapons?

The problem will necessarily require a compromise on both sides. Nobody is going to get exactly what they want; life is just not like that. (I learned this lesson as a girl of six brothers.) But we can search for a common ground and be willing to give and take.

While Congress is meeting again, I call all its members to be men and women of action. I beg our leaders to recognize this growing danger for what it is and act accordingly. If we continue to do nothing, these tragedies will be repeated and more innocent lives will be lost.

I say to the leaders of this great country that they must assume the responsibility entrusted to them. Be brave. Represent those you represent. We pray every day for you to do what is right and that your work is honorable, indeed, that you find a solution that all Americans could benefit from.

We must act. We have to do Something. Make nothing is not an option.

Story produced by Julie Kracov.