Friend,

Just recently, President Biden used his executive power to its fullest extent in addressing our nation’s gun violence epidemic: His administration issued a rule that, if put into effect, would be the broadest expansion of firearm background checks in decades.

The rule aims to clarify the definition of what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. This may sound like a minor detail, but a clear definition will ensure that individuals selling firearms for profit will have to conduct background checks, which moves us as close as possible to universal background checks without the urgently needed Congressional action.

Today, 1 in 5 guns are sold WITHOUT a Brady Background Check through private sales at gun shows and on thriving online gun marketplaces, which means that at least 20% of the firearms sold in the United States could go to people legally prohibited from possessing a gun — and no one would ever know.

Brady has worked tirelessly to get this consequential rule introduced — and now we need your help getting it passed the finish line, friend.

Will you show your support by signing our petition to the Department of Justice? We have less than 90 days to show an outpouring of support for the Biden-Harris Administration’s proposed rule and we know the NRA and its allies will do everything in their power to stop our progress, so please take action now!

TAKE ACTION >>>

In solidarity,
Team Brady

VICTORY: California Sends SIX Gun Violence Prevention Bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom!

This is a MAJOR victory, friend — and if we can do it in California, we can achieve the same success across the country.

This week, the California legislature passed all six of Brady California’s priority gun violence prevention bills, including landmark legislation to ensure the use of ‘merchant category codes’ — to flag patterns of behavior associated with gun trafficking and mass shootings — and a tax on firearm sales to fund gun violence prevention programs, including community violence intervention efforts. The other bills included in the package will strengthen the state’s concealed carry law, prevent the proliferation of homemade ‘ghost guns,’ and more.

We all know we need comprehensive solutions like this right now.

Gun violence has impacted our communities at an astounding rate this year, with more mass shootings than days in 2023. Seeing these unprecedented challenges, Brady California worked with partners to engage grassroots advocates, drive calls to elected officials, and provide testimony. Thanks to the support of California residents, we sent nearly 3,000 messages in less than three weeks to key lawmakers in support of these bills!

Now, this comprehensive package of bills heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Brady is fighting tirelessly to make sure he signs them into law. We thank bill authors Sen. Portantino, Sen. Blakespear, Sen. Min, Assemblymember Ting, and Assemblymember Gipson for championing these bills in the legislature and continuing to make California the leader of gun violence prevention. Please join us in reading more about this major victory for public safety!

Remembering Officer Bradley Fox

This week marked 11 years since Officer Bradley Fox — a Marine Corps veteran who survived two tours in Iraq — was shot and killed in the line of duty. At the time he was killed, Officer Fox was raising a young daughter, and his wife was pregnant with their second child.

Officer Fox and his daughter.

For years, Brady Legal fought to secure justice for Officer Fox’s family. We learned that the weapon used to kill Officer Fox was sold in a straw purchase. On multiple occasions, the purchaser used cash to pay for firearms before handing them over to Officer Fox's eventual shooter in the parking lot.

Brady Legal argued that the gun dealer, In Site Firearms, should have noticed this pattern of behavior as a clear indication of straw purchasing. And after years of fighting, we won a major victory for Officer Fox and his family.

The gun dealer, In Site Firearms, agreed to major reforms, including improving employee training and providing monetary compensation for Officer Fox’s wife and children. Our legal victory helped secure justice and create incentives for gun dealers across the country to make similar business reforms.

We’re proud to have fought for justice on behalf of Officer Fox and to have sent a clear message to the gun industry: You are not above the law. As we mark 11 years since Offer Fox’s shooting, please join us in learning more about Brady’s life-saving efforts in the courts.

LEARN MORE >>>

Episode 212: Talking About Firearm Suicide Risks (Even Though It's Hard — from the archives)

In recognition of Firearm Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, September 12, we’re sharing our episode with Dr. Doreen Marshall of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as we answer questions from listeners like you. Dr. Marshall broke down how best to handle complicated situations, like:

"My child lost a friend to firearm suicide; how should I talk to her about this?"
"My parents are gun owners, but also elderly and experiencing health issues and mental decline. How can I bring up a conversation about possibly removing their guns?"
"I've recently lost my partner — how can I possibly handle the holidays?"

If you're a survivor of suicide loss, have a survivor in your life, are struggling, or are concerned about suicide prevention, take a listen.

LISTEN NOW >>>

NEW ANALYSIS: Firearm Suicide Rates Are on the Rise
Over the past decade, youth firearm suicide rates increased by 57%.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We’re drawing attention to the increase in firearm suicide rates across the nation, particularly among children of color, and the evidence-based solutions to address it. Please join us in reading and sharing Brady’s newest analysis.