Dear John, 

Across the nation, masked federal agents have tased, teargassed, and pepper-sprayed protestors, bystanders, and journalists. They say these tactics and weapons are “less lethal,” but numerous individuals have been seriously injured, permanently blinded, and have even sustained brain injuries.

Instead of recognizing that these so-called “less lethal” weapons can in fact be life-threatening, a major manufacturer of these devices is pushing Congress to vote next week on legislation that would make these types of dangerous weapons MORE accessible — not just to law enforcement, but to everyone. And it’s up to us to stop them!

These bills have been deceptively named the “Law Enforcement Innovate to De-escalate Act” and the “Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act” — a shameful ploy that is using the horror of Americans killed by police to justify legislation that will undoubtedly lead to more violence, especially in Black and Brown communities. In reality, these bills are a gift to the billion-dollar so-called “less-than-lethal” weapons industry, which profits from civil unrest and violence, and they will make us all less safe.

With supposedly trained federal agents causing life-threatening injuries, it is not difficult to imagine the damage that individuals with violent criminal histories could inflict with unregulated access to these incredibly dangerous weapons. To make matters worse, these bills will also open a new market for untraceable ghost guns — the preferred weapons for use in crime – by changing the definition of “firearm” and creating a giant loophole in federal law.

If these two bills pass, anyone — including domestic abusers, gun traffickers, and minors — would be free to buy explosive-powered “less than lethal” weapons without a background check. Then, they would only need to make easy modifications to turn them into very lethal, untraceable firearms. We must urge our lawmakers to stop these bills to protect our communities.

Already, there are zero federal barriers for law enforcement to access and use these “less-than-lethal” weapons in the line of duty. We should not open the door for anyone to stockpile ghost guns and other dangerous weapons to solve a problem that doesn’t even exist.

This is the opposite direction our country should be headed. So, please, urge your representative to oppose these deadly bills and focus on real solutions that will reduce gun violence — not increase it.

Thanks for being in this fight with us, John.

In Solidarity, 

Mark Collins

Federal Policy Director, Brady