John, in 1999, my son, Josh, was just six years old when a white supremacist opened fire at his Jewish day camp. Josh was shot in the leg and hip. One bullet broke his lower leg. Another lodged in his back, just missing his spine. Like any mother, I wanted those responsible to be held accountable for this tragedy.
But when I joined the other families impacted to sue the gun manufacturers whose negligent business practices led to this attack, we were stopped. A gun industry protection law called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) blocked our case in America. My family and other victims of the anti-Semitic shooting rampage had no recourse. To say it was infuriating and unfair is an understatement. |
This is me and my son, Josh. Two other children, a teen camp counselor, and a receptionist were also shot, and the gunman continued the rampage and killed a postal worker. |
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However, just two years ago, after the tireless advocacy of Brady California, we made history by creating a path to justice for victims and survivors of gun violence. Gov. Newsom signed a bill into law that ensures victims of gun violence are able to hold the gun industry accountable. Gun makers and sellers in California can no longer be seen as immune in court. This monumental victory cannot be understated. Not only did we peel back the special protections the gun industry has enjoyed for years, but we also created a blueprint for other states to follow — and that’s why I’m reaching out to you today, John. Right now, Brady Maryland is advocating for legislation to put an end to unparalleled gun industry protections and allow Maryland survivors and communities impacted by gun industry negligence to hold members of the industry accountable in court. And if we’re successful, we’ll continue to build on this progress nationwide.
But as with any fight against the gun industry, we face an uphill battle — and we cannot do this work alone. Will you consider supporting Brady’s life-saving efforts today? Your support allows us to pass common-sense gun laws in states across the country, take the gun industry to court, and so much more.
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Thank you for fighting for the rights of gun violence victims and survivors. Your support means the world to me. In solidarity,
Loren Lieb
Gun Violence Survivor
Brady CA State Executive Committee Member |
RSVP: “Building A Future Without Gun Violence” in Philadelphia! |
During our conference, you’ll hear from experts about how to stem the flow of illegal firearms into our communities, while also focusing on healing and wellness. We’ll be joined by community-based groups, grassroots advocates, local officials, and researchers, and you’ll have the opportunity to network, brainstorm, share ideas, and more.
This is our chance to develop solutions to build the safer future we all want and deserve, John, so please join us! |
Remembering Rep. John Lewis and Bloody Sunday |
This week marked 59 years since Bloody Sunday. On what was a turning point in the civil rights movement, then 25-year-old John Lewis led hundreds of marchers in Selma, AL, to demand the right to vote. He, like others, was beaten, bled, and ultimately risked his life to secure the right to vote for Black Americans.
Rep. Lewis brought that same fierce advocacy to Congress in addressing our nation’s weak gun laws. In 2016, he led a sit-in on the House floor after Congress failed to enact gun reform in the wake of the Pulse nightclub massacre. And in 2019, Brady supporters walked with activists, gun violence survivors, and Rep. Lewis to Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office to demand that he schedule a vote on legislation to expand Brady Background Checks.
While Congress failed to bring these bills to a vote, Rep. Lewis taught us that we can never give up, that our voice is our power, and that we are stronger united as one. He taught us to never be afraid, to make some noise, and get into what he called “good, necessary trouble.”
As we mark 59 years since Bloody Sunday, will you help us continue Rep. Lewis’ legacy by urging Congress to strengthen and expand Brady Background Checks? |
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