John,

We need your help right now! There are two dangerous bills headed to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote NEXT WEEK! These bills would make it easier for anyone to access high-powered “less-lethal” weapons without a background check, and open up an entirely new market for untraceable ghost guns. 

Across the nation, innocent people are being tased, teargassed, and pepper-sprayed by masked federal agents armed with these “less lethal” weapons. Two protestors were permanently blinded, and a reporter suffered a brain injury after being shot in the head with rubber bullets. With supposedly trained federal agents causing these injuries, it is not difficult to imagine the carnage that individuals with violent criminal histories can inflict with unregulated access to these dangerous weapons. 

But right now, 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. 

Worse yet, this deadly legislation would open a new market for untraceable ghost guns by changing the definition of “firearm” and creating a giant loophole in federal law.

Anyone — including domestic abusers, gun traffickers, and minors — would be free to buy explosive-powered “less-lethal” weapons without a background check. Then, they would only need to make easy modifications to turn them into very lethal, untraceable firearms.

Already, there are zero barriers for law enforcement to access and use these “less-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. We need your help to urge representatives to oppose these deadly bills and focus on real solutions that will reduce gun violence — not increase it.

In solidarity,
Mark Collins
Federal Policy Director

VICTORY! 

This week, lawmakers in the U.S. Senate refused to pass a massive Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that would have sent an additional $10 billion to ICE and Border Patrol without any accountability for armed intimidation and unchecked violence.

Congress now has two weeks to reach a deal on DHS funding and changes to rein in ICE’s unchecked violence. 

This is a win and the direct result of public outrage and advocacy by people like you. We also experienced another big funding win this week: lawmakers passed $25 million for gun violence research and $30 million for suicide prevention! 

But the fight isn't over yet. The Senate still has to negotiate reforms to prevent ICE's unchecked violence from continuing. That’s why we need to continue to use our voices to hold lawmakers accountable and demand change to DHS and ICE that protect public safety.

So please, use the form below to send an urgent message to lawmakers, telling them to REFUSE to vote for funding for ICE without meaningful limits and accountability.

Honoring Trayvon Martin

This week, we are honoring the life of Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed in his Florida neighborhood at the age of 17. Trayvon should have turned 31 this week.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law set the stage for Trayvon’s shooter to be acquitted. Stand Your Ground laws legally allow a person to use a firearm to shoot and kill another person for legally unjustifiable reasons. Before the first Stand Your Ground law was passed in Florida in 2005, individuals were required to attempt a retreat from confrontation before resorting to lethal means, like using a firearm.

Stand Your Ground laws disproportionately harm Black people and communities. These laws are made more lethal by our nation’s history of racism, are reinforced by our nation’s weak gun laws, and are galvanized by outside influence from gun rights groups like the NRA.

Stand Your Ground laws are a threat to public safety and a tool of white supremacy. Today, we invite you to learn more about their history and how they have been used to perpetuate the decades-long brutalization of Black lives while protecting and promoting unjust and unwarranted violence in America.

Comedy, Culture, and a Safer America

Brady’s Show Gun Safety campaign, which empowers the creative community in the mission to end gun violence, hosted its first-ever comedy night to support Brady’s work to free America from gun violence.

SNL’s Kevin Nealon hosted the night – aptly titled “Kevin and Friends” – as incredible comics Atsuko Okatsuka, Ali Wong, Ron Funches, Bill Burr, and Tom Papa all took to the stage at the famed Largo at the Coronet. The night was full of laughter and a raffle, which included Kevin’s artwork that was quickly snagged by Judd Apatow. One lucky bidder in the night even won a guest role for Apple’s The Studio.

Laughter is a powerful tool, and the night brought light to a heavy fight. It was all possible thanks to the incomparable Jill Leiderman, a member of Brady’s Show Gun Safety Advisory Council. And if you missed it, don’t worry — we will be back next year!

Read more about the incredible night and the work being done by Show Gun Safety in Kris Brown’s newest Substack piece.

Virginia Democrats Poised to Ban Assault Weapon Sales, Virginia State News.Net

Death by ICE, The Gays Against Guns Show

Advocates Push for Greater State Gun Control Amid Trump's Deregulation, KALW Public Media

Despite ‘Wrong’ Comments, Gun Rights Groups Say Trump Has Their Back, New York Times

Brady
840 First Street, NE
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20002
United States

unsubscribe.

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.