Dear John,
This Thursday was Sarah Brady’s (1942–2015) birthday. Sarah's life changed forever when her husband, Jim, was shot in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan. She and Jim dedicated their lives to passing stronger gun laws. It took six votes and over seven years, but they ultimately prevailed and won the passage of the landmark Brady Bill, the first federal law to require background checks for gun sales.
We know Sarah would be proud of our accomplishments since then — especially how almost one year ago, we passed bipartisan legislation in the House to strengthen and expand Brady Background Checks to include all gun sales. But that lifesaving bill is still being held up in the Senate. As we celebrate Sarah’s birthday, it is in our hands to enmulate her fierce determinaton.
VICTORY: We Advanced an Assault Weapons Ban in Virginia!
Yesterday, we celebrated a major victory when the Virginia House Public Safety Committee passed a lifesaving ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This is historic. But this bill still needs to pass a vote by the full House of Delegates, and it's facing strong and vocal opposition from the NRA.
This is of national importance. If we can ban assault weapons in Virginia, we know we can take this lifesaving fight to states everywhere.
If you live in Virginia — Please send a message now urging your delegate to bring this lifesaving bill to a vote! If you already emailed, please make a phone call! Text “AWB” to 877-877 now and we’ll patch you through to your delegate’s office.
State of the Union: President Trump Fails to Address Gun Violence
Many members of Congress — including Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY), Rep. Joe Neguse (CO), and Speaker Pelosi — brought survivors of gun violence as their guests to Tuesday’s State of the Union address. So it was a particular affront that Trump failed to address the issue of gun violence, an epidemic that kills nearly 40,000 people in America each year. Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jaime, was murdered in the school shooting in Parkland, FL, was handcuffed and removed from the room for voicing his disdain for that omission.
Ultimately, President Trump’s only passing reference to gun violence came at the expense of immigrants, when he fueled false narratives about immigrants perpetuating gun crimes. But these are the facts —
✔️There's NO link between immigration and gun violence.
✔️Research shows immigrants are LESS likely to engage in crime than native-born Americans.
✔️Violent crime actually DECLINES in areas where undocumented and documented immigration rises.
We will not stand for demonizing immigrants. These racist and xenophobic myths distract away from what we know to be the root cause of gun violence: easy access to guns. While President Trump refuses to act, we must continue to demand action on gun violence. Sign our petition telling Trump every day he fails to act, he has blood on his hands.
Coming Soon: “Voices of Parkland,” a Powerful Documentary Film
We’re proud to be a part of a powerful documentary film featuring survivors of the Parkland school shooting. Premiering February 12 in Los Angeles, “Voices of Parkland” is directed by Jeff Vespa and executive produced by Judd Apatow. The film explores the tragic shooting on February 14, 2018, when 17 students and teachers were murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In days that followed, inspired by the brave survivors, Vespa traveled to Florida to interview the students, teachers, and the parents of the victims, capturing over 35 testimonials. By interweaving their stories, Vespa creates a raw first-person account of the tragedy and its immediate aftermath.
All proceeds from the film premiere — including special merchandise created by artist Shephard Fairey — will generously go to Brady and our work to end gun violence. Stay tuned on how you can purchase merchandise from the event!
Artist Shepard Fairey created custom prints, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and Tony Hawk-inspired (and signed) skate decks for "Voices of Parkland." All proceeds generously go to Brady.
Yes! Last Night's Presidential Debate Checked So Many Boxes
Did you watch last night's Democratic debate? It was the first debate since October that candidates meaningfully discussed gun violence.
Let's be clear, the way we we’ll be sure to elect a President committed to preventing gun violence is by having exactly this kind of comprehensive debate. We're encouraged by the conversation. Read more in our in our press statement.
Brady Endorses Gun Violence Survivors for Congress
In honor of Gun Violence Survivor Week, a time to recognize survivors of gun violence and the state of the gun violence epidemic, Brady endorsed five gun violence survivors for re-election:
Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-01) understands the toll gun violence can take. Tragically, his youngest son, Huey, was shot and killed in 1999. Even before this tragedy, Rep. Rush championed common-sense violence prevention and gun safety laws with particular concern for the most vulnerable and underserved communities.
Rep. James Langevin (RI-02) knows the damage that guns can cause, as he survived an accidental shooting. Ever since, he has dedicated his career to preventing gun violence, championing numerous gun violence prevention bills that close loopholes, expand Brady Background Checks, and make trafficking guns a federal crime.
Rep Steven Horsford (NV-04) has made gun violence prevention a top issue, as it is personal to him, having lost his father to gun violence at 19. Throughout his time in Congress, he has consistently championed gun violence prevention policies to make our country safer.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12) has witnessed domestic violence firsthand, and the added danger of when a gun is involved. In Congress, Rep. Dingell introduced the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act of 2019, which closes the "boyfriend loophole," which allows non-married partners access to guns.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) lost her father to gun violence earlier in her life. As Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, she has played an integral role in advancing bipartisan legislation like H.R.8 and H.R. 1112. Meanwhile, she is working to introduce legislation to provide resources to survivors and victims of gun violence.
Throughout 2020, Brady will continue to issue endorsements for gun violence prevention champions. In the meantime, see if your representative is endorsed by Brady!
(L-R) Tatiana Washington, Aalayah Eastmond, and Brady President Kris Brown attend a Black Lives Matter rally for justice for Atatiana Jefferson, who in October was shot and killed by a police officer while in her own home. 
(L-R) Mark Chekal-Bain, Shikha Hamilton, Amanda Wilcox, Brian Malte, and Nick Wilcox.
Longtime Brady leaders Amanda and Nick Wilcox were honored by the California State Legislature with a resolution for their commitment to gun violence prevention. Nineteen years ago, their daughter, Laura Wilcox, was shot and killed in a workplace shooting. Heartbroken but fiercely resolved, Amanda and Nick turned personal tragedy into public action and, eventually, political triumph. Amanda and Nick are responsible for the passage of over 80 gun safety laws in the past 15 years.
Their success has led California to pass some of the strongest gun safety measures in the country, helping save countless lives along the way. We are forever grateful for the time and effort the Wilcox's dedicated to prevent gun violence. Watch our video thanking Amanda and Nick for their unmatchable service.
Virginia legislature advances bill banning assault weapons, CNN
Nick and Amanda Wilcox take step back after nearly 20 years of gun safety advocacy in California Legislature, The Union
Florida Supreme Court hears arguments on assault weapons ban amendment, WTSP
“I feel we have made a difference. We [California] have the strongest gun laws in the country — and we have dropped gun death rates significantly. I love the advocacy work, I love the people who are committed to trying to make positive change. And it’s a way to remember Laura. It feels like she has (had) her hand on our shoulders.”
— Amanda and Nick Wilcox in The Union
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