The first half of the video seems like the sweetest love story, but then all of a sudden things turn south and it becomes a gun violence public service announcement.

The video is called Evan and has been created by Sandy Hook Promise. The group was set up after the 2013 Sandy Hook school shooting, which claimed 26 lives.

The video illustrates how there are always warning signs, someone just has to be paying attention. It also shows how it can all happen very suddenly.

The story of Evan has almost 2.8 million views on Youtube since it was released on Friday. With 142 school shootings having occurred since 2013, this video is entirely founded in its target audience.

Co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, Nicole Hockley, said:

“When you don’t know what to look for or can’t recognise what you are seeing, it can be easy to miss warning signs or dismiss them as unimportant.

“That can lead to tragic consequences, including someone hurting themselves or others.

“It is important for us to show youth and adults that they are not helpless in protecting their community from gun violence — these acts are preventable, when you know the signs. Everyone has the power to intervene and get help. These actions can save lives.”

Nicole Hockley lost her son the day of the massacre. He was only in first grade.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please contact BeyondBlue at 1300 22 4636 If you are in immediate danger, contact 000.