Aly and AJ Recall Surviving a Shooting on Tour in 2022 While Fighting for Gun Reform at the White House (Exclusive)

The sister duo tells PEOPLE about their new song “Sirens” and working with March Fourth to reinstate the assault weapons ban 20 years after it expired

• In 2022, Aly & AJ survived a mass shooting that occurred near one of their concerts in Sacramento, California, just hours after they left the stage.

• The sister duo works with the organization March Fourth and went to the White House to discuss reinstating the US ban on assault weapons.

• They also released an emotional ballad, “Sirens,” about the experience

Surviving a horrific mass shooting inspired Aly and AJ to fight for change.

Hours after the sister duo’s 2022 concert at the Crest Theater in Sacramento, California, they sought shelter in their tour bus with bandmates and crew members while a gunman killed six people and injured more than a dozen almost outside the door.

Two years later, they wrote the emotional ballad “Sirens” about this experience, joined forces with the March Fourth organization, and traveled to the White House on September 12 to discuss reinstating the U.S. ban on assault weapons, which expired 20 years ago.

Related: Aly & AJ on how their family bond influenced their music and helped them survive childhood fame

“Not only is it a sensitive subject to talk about in general, but it’s also hard to stop the show and have a moment to talk about it on stage. It’s exhausting every night, but Aly and I feel like we have a duty to do it, and I don’t think we’ll stop anytime soon,” says AJ Michalka, 33. “The work we do is important. It matters.”

Their long-standing efforts culminated in a visit to the White House, where they spoke with officials about the issue and attended a dinner hosted by March Fourth and Aftermath with officials and other survivors of the mass murder.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people with whom we can share a similar story, as sad as it is, and I’m really glad we’re here today, even though it’s under such sad circumstances,” AJ adds. “I feel really inspired and motivated by the work today.”

A few years after the Sacramento tragedy, the sisters reflected on the devastating moment to write “Sirens,” which directly references what happened. “It could have been me / Instead, it’s sirens over their bodies,” they sing. “Another day in America / We wait for the change that never comes.”

Channeling the dark memories into music was a healing process for the duo. “We wanted this song to be concrete and speak of this tragedy, but in a way that many people could hear and make into their own personal story,” says Aly. “Hopefully it will bring them some healing as well.”

Related: Aly Michalka Welcomes Her First Baby, a Boy, with Husband Stephen Ringer: ‘Everything We Could Have Imagined’ (Exclusive)

Since surviving the shooting, Aly and AJ have been pushing for gun reform. But since Aly gave birth to her first son, Jack, with her husband, Stephen Ringer, in April, the issue has become even more urgent.

“He’s here with us in the White House, and I think his mere presence here with us means so much to me, knowing that we’re fighting for something that is his future, something that will greatly impact him, his friends and his generation,” says the new mother. “It’s definitely increased the importance of this issue in our household tremendously.”

As a new aunt, AJ feels the same way. “I feel like Jack is an extension of me. When I look at his face, I see a younger version of my sister too,” she says. “He’s a big part of my life now.”

With the U.S. presidential election in November 2024 in mind, the sisters – who both support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz – are encouraging everyone to get involved in the issues they care about, such as gun reform and more.

“Go vote. Call. Send emails. Come to town hall meetings. I think the most important thing we can do right now is vote for the people who stand on this issue and want change,” Aly says.

“These assault rifles are weapons of war. They should not fall into the hands of civilians,” the iZombie Actress. “I think if we just keep taking to the streets with this message over and over again, we will finally see change, hopefully in our lifetime. That would be a tremendous achievement.”

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