Our namesakes, Jim and Sarah Brady, fought tooth and nail to pass the Brady Bill, establishing the Brady Background Check System for gun sales. To date, it’s stopped nearly 5 million prohibited firearm purchases, helping save countless lives. But in the years since the passage of the Brady Bill, gun sales have changed and deadly loopholes, namely gun shows and online gun marketplaces, have resulted in 1 in 5 firearms being sold WITHOUT a Brady Background Check. Supporters like you, John, recently showed overwhelming support in favor of a federal rule that carries out Congress’s intent to CLOSE these loopholes. But now, the gun lobby and its allies are trying to upend our progress — even while the country is in the midst of a gun violence crisis.
We can’t let this happen. So, please, add your name to our petition and call on Congress to reject this dangerous resolution! |
Two Years of Gun Industry Accountability
This week two years ago, Steven Dettelbach was sworn in as the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He became the first confirmed director of the ATF since 2015 and has worked tirelessly to prevent gun trafficking and violence, enforce gun laws on the books, and keep America safe from gun violence. Why is this a big deal?
The ATF is the sole federal agency in America that oversees the gun industry, and for years, because of the gun lobby, it lacked the steady leadership needed to be effective. This had deadly consequences across the country.
But since being sworn in, Dettelbach has taken action to improve safety across America. This includes the ATF releasing firearm trafficking data to the public, which allowed for more transparency into the origin of crime guns than we had otherwise seen in decades. Under the Biden administration, the ATF also finalized federal rules to effectively implement Congress’s expansion of Brady Background Checks in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, regulate homemade, untraceable ghost guns, and more.
Dettelbach has also centered the voices and lived experiences of those impacted by gun violence: Just months ago, Brady staff and grassroots volunteers who lost loved ones to gun violence attended the inaugural Gun Violence Survivors Summit, focusing on how the ATF can support victims and survivors.
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Brady staff and volunteers at the ATF’s Gun Violence Survivors Summit |
12 Years Later: Remembering Aurora |
This week marked 12 years since the community of Aurora, CO, was devastated by, what was at the time, one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history. A gunman entered a movie theater and used an AR-15-style rifle to shoot and kill 12 people and injure more than 70 others.
Today and every day, it’s vitally important to remember the victims, their stories, and the lives they lived.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Tom and Caren Teves, whose son, Alex, was killed in the shooting, founded “No Notoriety,” a campaign devoted to shifting attention from shooters to victims and survivors. We at Brady join the Teves’ in pushing media outlets to change how they cover mass shootings. Research tells us that mass shooters often model their behavior or attacks after previous shootings or desire recognition.
As we mark 12 years since Aurora, please join us in listening to our podcast with Tom about No Notoriety, how it came to be, and why it’s so important in honoring survivors and helping protect public safety. |
TIME is Running Out: Urge Youth to Apply for the Team ENOUGH Executive Council!
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The Team ENOUGH Executive Council is comprised of young people with proven skills in organizing, advocacy, and policymaking, who shape Team ENOUGH’s programs, goals, and strategic vision to free America from gun violence. Have you urged a young person you know (13-22) to apply for the Team ENOUGH Executive Council? Applications close in just nine days!
Members of the Team ENOUGH Executive Council have the unique opportunity to elevate the voices of young activists — particularly those that are unheard — through one-of-a-kind programs and platforms, like our Youth Advocacy Training Program. Members will also have the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts at Brady, speak on national platforms, and make lasting friendships with fellow youth leaders.
Applications are due by Friday, July 29. Will you consider sharing this prestigious leadership opportunity with a young person right now? |
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