Thoughts and Prayers or Real Action?

Dear HP3 Community,

As we enter this new year, the Highland Park Peace Project (HP3) is moving past the hollow reflex of “thoughts and prayers.” Instead, we are shining a light on the institutions that provide the financial oxygen to manufacturers of military-style assault weapons.

Today, we are addressing KPMG LLP, one of the world’s most prominent financial firms.

The Connection

Since 2024, KPMG has been engaged as the public auditor for Smith & Wesson. In this role, KPMG certifies the financial statements that allow Smith & Wesson to raise capital and continue the mass production of AR-15 style rifles sold into our communities.

The Warning

In May 2025, HP3 sent a certified letter to the CEO and General Counsel of KPMG. We asked them to consider the moral and societal impact of their partnership with Smith & Wesson.

KPMG did not respond.

The Tragedy

On July 28, 2025, the epidemic hit home. A gunman wielding an AR-15 entered KPMG’s own office building at 345 Park Avenue. He murdered four people: Wesley LePatner, Didarul Islam, Julia Hyman, and Aland Etienne. While thousands of KPMG employees spent hours barricaded behind desks in fear for their lives, the very machinery KPMG helps sustain was stealing the lives of their fellow New Yorkers.

The Hypocrisy

The following day, KPMG released a statement saying “our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific act.” Yet, despite this direct experience with the horror of assault weapons, KPMG has maintained its silence. HP3 reached out again two weeks after the shooting.

Once again, KPMG did not respond.

How You Can Help

KPMG enables the enterprise that puts these weapons on our streets. We are asking you to help us break the cycle of silence:

1. Spread the Word: Share this story with your professional networks. Let them know that “thoughts and prayers” are not enough when a firm is simultaneously auditing the source of the crisis.
2. Contact KPMG: If you or your contacts have professional ties to KPMG, ask them why they continue to certify the financial viability of assault weapon manufacturers.
3. Post on LinkedIn: KPMG is highly active on social media. Use your voice to ask for accountability on their public platforms by resharing this HP3 LinkedIn post.

Ending the cycle requires more than sentiment—it requires transparency.

In peace and action,

Highland Park Peace Project