John,

My name is Erick – I'm a gun violence survivor and I lead the Brady Ohio Chapter.

Last week, I sat front row with Brady grassroots activists as President Biden spoke at the Safer Communities Summit, recognizing one year since the passage of the most consequential gun violence prevention legislation in decades.

Afterward, he walked around the stage taking group pictures as he didn't have time to shake hands with each of us – then President Biden saw me, holding the picture of my pops who was shot and killed five years ago. 

He gave me that signature Joe Biden look – empathetic, knowing, his eyes relaying his own understanding of loss. After a brief and meaningful exchange, he held the picture of my dad and looked to the photographers to capture the moment. Before he walked away, he told me how much I looked like my dad.

I was speechless and I honestly still can’t believe it. President Biden is one of the most genuine elected officials you can ever meet who will listen to your story – really listen. I will never forget this moment and Biden’s palpable commitment to this lifesaving fight. 

With President Biden in office, we’ve made huge strides in our movement, but as he said in his address, “we are not finished.” So I’m asking you to join me in taking action to continue to continue this lifesaving momentum: Will you add your name to our urgent call to Congress to finally address gun violence?

It's been five years without my pops and truthfully, the years don’t get any easier. He was a great man and my family and I miss him so much, every day. And that’s exactly why I keep fighting – so no other family has to feel like kind of loss.

Thank you for joining me.

Click here to add your name to our petition urging Congress to take action against gun violence. >>

Erick Bellomy

Gun Violence Survivor

Brady Ohio State Lead