Dear John,
I know too many people who have already gotten sick or died from coronavirus. I also know that too many people's lives have been upended by gun violence that continues across America, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Last weekend, there were at least seven shootings across the country where at least 4 people were shot — in Texas, Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, California and New York.
- In Lockport Township, Illinois, a man who was convinced his girlfriend had COVID-19 shot and killed her and then himself.
- In Chicago,185 people have been shot since the start of March.
- In Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania hospital treated 11 gunshot victims in one week, all while coronavirus is sending in a rush of patients who are having trouble breathing.
These are just some of the scenes in America right now.
And how has the NRA reacted? They've launched appalling fear tactics designed to divide people and get them to buy guns. At a time when communities are coming together to grapple with COVID-19 and a crashing economy, the NRA is trying to split us apart, possibly with deadly results. A flood of guns at this precarious moment of economic decline and social isolation compounds the risks of death and serious injury during this incredibly stressful time.
John, our work together to end gun violence is critical during this pandemic — raising awareness about the safe storage of firearms and the additional risk of domestic violence and suicide by gun during this time, advocating for our leaders to enact essential policies, and continuing to fight the NRA's extreme "guns everywhere, for everyone" agenda. That's why we need your help today. Please contribute what you can and help fuel our work for gun safety.
Thanks for all you do,
Rob Wilcox
Deputy Director of Policy and Strategy
Everytown for Gun Safety
