John, I have been privileged to be part of Brady’s legal team for over twenty years. In two decades, we have won many victories across the country, making progress in reforming the gun industry and securing justice for victims of gun violence. This week, one case is at the front of my mind: eight years ago, we won a precedent-setting ruling in the Supreme Court of Kansas on behalf of Elizabeth Shirley. On a fall day in 2003, Elizabeth took her 8-year-old son, Zeus, to a court-ordered visit with his dad, Russell Graham. Elizabeth didn’t know that Graham had just illegally obtained a shotgun, which he used to murder their son that day.
Zeus Graham was murdered when he was eight years old. It is outrageous that Graham was able to get a gun. He told the sellers that he was a convicted felon, meaning he was a prohibited purchaser. Rather than deny the sale, they encouraged his grandmother, who was with him, to make the purchase in her name. Graham was able to purchase the ammo and carried the gun out of the shop. This should have never happened. Elizabeth Shirley brought the Brady Legal team in after a court dismissed her case, holding that Kansas law didn’t allow a gun dealer to be held liable for a crime using a gun that it sold. I spent years arguing on behalf of Elizabeth and her son, Zeus, in court. And we won. We can continue to win cases and ensure that the law protects people, not gun dealers, but we need your help. Will you make a donation to support our legal work today? Your support ensures that we can take on new cases— and win. Our victory in Kansas established an important new law holding gun dealers accountable and paved the way for numerous legal victories across the country. Kansas law was once one of the worst states for victims of gun violence, and now it is one of the best. I will never forget Elizabeth, Zeus, or their case. Years later, Elizabeth’s bravery and their case continue to prevent tragedies and secure justice for victims of gun violence. This is why we need to keep fighting reckless gun dealers in court.
Thank you for your ongoing support, |
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