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John,
Each morning, America wakes up to the grim reality of its love affair with firearms. From the deadly school shootings that snatch away innocent lives to the nightly news reports detailing the latest bloodbath, the message is clear: We are in the throes of a national crisis, and assault weapons play a leading role.
These weapons are designed for one purpose: to kill as many people as quickly as possible.
They are not tools of sport or self-defense, but weapons of war. Sandy Hook in 2012, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, and Uvalde, TX in 2022 -- these are not isolated incidents, but a pattern of deadly events facilitated by easy access to assault weapons.
The evidence overwhelmingly shows that a ban on assault weapons can, and does, save lives. Between 1994 and 2004, the federal assault weapons ban was in effect and during that 10-year period, the risk of mass shooting deaths was slashed by an astounding 70%. After the ban lapsed, we've watched deadly mass shootings rise ever since.
We cannot wait for the next tragedy. We cannot afford to become statistics or offer our loved ones as sacrificial lambs to the altar of unfettered gun rights. Tell Congress enough is enough, demand they pass legislation to ban assault weapons now.
Imagine an America without military-style semi-automatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines readily available. This isn’t an utopian dream; it’s a reality in countries around the world.
Yet, in 2023, the United States has already surpassed 400 mass shootings, on track for a record-breaking year with nearly two mass shootings daily. In fact, gun violence is now the leading cause of death among our children and teens.
Countries like Germany, Japan, and Canada have stringent firearm regulations. And in New Zealand, after the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings, elected officials swiftly passed laws banning most semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles, proving that with the right will, rapid and effective change is achievable.
Their decisive action underscores the reality that a safer society, free from the terrorism of deadly weapons, isn't just a dream; it's a choice.
It’s a choice Congress made before too, with the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. If nations like New Zealand can pivot towards safety and well-being in the face of tragedy, and if we ourselves have taken such steps in the past, we can and must find the resolve to do so once again -- now.
Our children, our families, our country can’t wait any longer for action. It is not time for more thoughts and prayers. It's time to get it done. Tell Congress to ban assault weapons now.
Let us not wait for another tragedy to spur us into action; the blueprint for a safer tomorrow exists, and the time to act is now.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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