ALERT: “Second Amendment sanctuaries” are threatening gun safety laws designed to save lives. Donate now and join the fight >>

John –

Last week, thousands of pro-gun extremists traveled to Virginia to protest the common-sense gun violence prevention laws Virginia’s voters demanded. Here’s the good news: Gun safety prevailed. The Virginia House of Delegates is currently working on passing seven laws that will reduce gun violence and save lives.

But here’s the bad news, John: These same extremists are trying to eliminate gun safety laws across the country. They’re pushing a new movement of so-called “Second Amendment sanctuaries,” and it’s both disturbing and dangerous.

What is a “Second Amendment sanctuary?”

Pro-gun extremists in states across the country are passing local “Second Amendment sanctuary” resolutions declaring that they’ll refuse to follow or  enforce common-sense gun safety laws like universal background checks or extreme risk laws. According to these factions, common-sense gun safety laws infringe on their Second Amendment rights. But the truth is that the Second Amendment is not under threat – and their efforts to purposefully mislead the public and refuse to enforce public safety laws put us all in danger.

Let us state clearly: Common-sense gun safety laws do not interfere with the rights of gun owners – but they do keep guns out of the hands of those who cannot or should not possess them. The laws these extremists are opposing are evidence-based measures that are already in effect – and saving lives – in dozens of states across the country.

Already, localities in at least 24 states have declared so-called “Second Amendment sanctuaries.” But the truth is, this is not a people-led movement.

Just look at what Brady uncovered in New Mexico. In 2018, the people of New Mexico elected a gun violence prevention majority to their state legislature. But when legislators tried to enact the will of the people by passing common-sense gun safety reform, 25 counties instated so-called “Second Amendment sanctuary” resolutions. Why? Because the NRA was working behind the scenes to influence local officials and sheriffs and eliminate these lifesaving laws.

We can’t afford to lose more lives because pro-gun extremists refuse to uphold evidence-based laws that experts have shown prevent gun suicides, school shootings, domestic violence homicides, and more. We may hear about mass shootings on the news, but there are so many other issues that need to be addressed: family fire, unsafe storage, extreme risk cases, high-capacity magazines, and more. Common-sense gun safety legislation can prevent tragedies that rattle the lives of everyday Americans – and these so-called “Second Amendment sanctuaries” enable the exact opposite.

Laws to prevent gun violence work. Colorado’s new extreme risk law went into effect on January 1st. The very next day, the Denver police invoked the new law in a domestic violence situation and temporarily removed access to guns from a man who allegedly abused his wife and made suicidal statements. The man repeatedly told police he was “contemplating doing something bad to myself” and that it was a “good thing they stopped me."

This example in Colorado illustrates that “Second Amendment sanctuaries” ultimately put people at risk by threatening to block evidence-based gun safety laws designed to save lives.

“Second Amendment sanctuaries” are unconstitutional and unsafe, John, and that’s why we need you on our side to help stop them.

At Brady, we’ve created a movement to take action and stop the ravages of gun violence. But with the NRA and pro-gun extremists trying to defeat us at every turn, we need people like you in our corner. This year, we’re being bolder than ever before, because we know the majority of Americans stand with us on common-sense gun safety laws.

In order to stand up to the NRA and pro-gun extremists, we’re asking you today to make a contribution of $5 to Brady. Your gift will help us protect gun safety measures in legislatures across the country, mobilize our legal team to fight against “Second Amendment sanctuaries” in court, and elect gun violence prevention champions in every corner of the map.

We have a goal of hitting 500 donations by midnight and hope you’ll help us in this fight:

We know we can reduce the gun violence epidemic in our lifetimes, but we also know we can’t do that without you, John. Thanks for standing with Brady in this fight. 

Team Brady