This changed my life forever, John. Twenty-six years ago tomorrow, my son, Josh, was shot and wounded when a white supremacist opened fire at his Jewish day camp. One bullet broke his lower leg. Another lodged in his back, just missing his spine. He was only six years old.
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. My family and other victims of the anti-Semitic shooting rampage had no recourse. It was infuriating and unfair. |
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.
But we were not just going to sit by and watch as the gun industry was protected over the safety of our children.
Alongside the tireless advocates of Brady California, we fought on behalf of those impacted by the shooting at North Valley Jewish Community Center, and all other victims of gun violence. And we succeeded. 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. And they can be pushed to make life-saving reforms.
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, friend.
As the Trump administration continues to try to upend decades of gun violence prevention work on the federal level, we’re fighting harder than ever on the state and local levels. We have the blueprint to succeed and recreate the victory we had in California nationwide so that everyone has an avenue to seek justice. But 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 California State Executive Committee Member |
Remembering Barbara Lund
It was 33 years ago this week that Barbara Lund and her boyfriend were shot and killed by Barbara’s estranged husband. Her sister, Joan Peterson, learned about her death two days later.
This moment altered the course of Joan’s life. To take action in the wake of her sister’s murder, Joan attended the Million Mom March in Washington, D.C., sparking her journey to form a Brady chapter in her community.
Joan’s work in honor of her sister has saved lives in Minnesota. For years, Joan and Brady Minnesota fought to establish an extreme risk law in the state, a safeguard that might have helped save Barbara’s life that day.
Extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) help prevent a person in crisis from harming themselves or others by temporarily removing guns and prohibiting the purchase of firearms. They are evidence-based tools that can help prevent many forms of gun violence before they occur — including firearm suicide, interpersonal violence, and mass shootings. Finally, in 2023 after years of advocacy, Joan’s work with Brady Minnesota paid off. The governor signed SF 2909 into law, establishing an extreme risk law in Minnesota! Now, residents have a tool in place to help prevent the tragedy that devastated Joan and her family 33 years ago. |
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We Need Your Help: Vote for Our South by Southwest Panel! |
Exciting news: Our panel, "Show Gun Safety: How TV/Film Can Prevent the Next Tragedy," has made it to the first round of the selection process for South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026. But whether or not our panel will ultimately make the SXSW lineup is partially in the hands of supporters like you! SXSW is a prestigious conference and festival that convenes the best and brightest to celebrate tech, film, music, education, and culture. Each year, thought leaders are selected to speak at the conference, and Brady is in the running.
Our panel will focus on how depicting firearm safety, or the consequences of reckless gun use, can change the culture and attitude around guns in America. Just as campaigns in Hollywood reduced rates of smoking and drunk driving, they can also be used to help prevent gun violence. Potential panelists include actor Adam Brody, Creative Artists Agency Executive Dennis St. Rose, gun violence survivor and activist Fred Guttenberg, and Brady President Kris Brown.
Please take a moment to vote for our panel. It takes less than two minutes to vote. The more votes we get, the better chance we have to take the stage and present solutions to our nation’s gun violence epidemic.
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To vote, simply click HERE, then click the heart next to the name of our proposal. This will prompt you to create or log into your account. If you don’t have an account, you will have to sign up and then confirm your email address.
Voting closes on August 24 |
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Honoring Jim Brady with Action |
Jim and his wife, Sarah.
We are remembering the legacy of our namesake, Jim Brady, who passed away 11 years ago this week. Jim’s death was ultimately ruled a homicide due to the gunshot wound he sustained in 1981 during an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.
Jim, alongside his wife, Sarah, dedicated their lives to ending gun violence to save others from the pain that they knew all too well. Together, they went toe to toe with the NRA, fighting for years, and made history by passing the bipartisan Brady Bill and a federal ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. |
Jim with President Bill Clinton as he signs the Brady Bill into law, establishing the Brady Background Check System for gun sales.
Today, in the face of the Trump administration’s attacks on gun violence prevention, we remember the determination, strength, and power of Jim Brady. And to continue on his legacy, we are calling for action.
Right now, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 is sitting in Congress. This life-saving legislation would prevent senseless gun violence by expanding background checks to cover all gun sales and transfers, bolstering the work that Jim and Sarah accomplished decades ago.
So please, in honor of Jim and his legacy, urge Congress to pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025! |
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Thank you for supporting Brady and our work to prevent gun violence and save lives. We rely heavily on the generosity of activists like you to fund our work to create a safer America. If you’re in this fight, please join Brady today by making a gift. |
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