John – today I'm thinking about Jim Brady, our founder and namesake. 

Nearly 40 years ago, a bullet ripped through Jim's head during an assassination attempt on President Reagan. Jim survived partially paralyzed – and the shooting spurred his determination, and he and his wife committed their lives to protecting others from gun violence. He understood and fought for the power every individual like you has to make a difference and save lives.

Jim passed away six years ago today, but his passionate battle to save lives from gun violence isn't over – it's the foundation of our mission at Brady.

Remembering his legacy today leaves me personally reflective about the horrific string of mass shootings that happened one year ago in Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; and Gilroy, California – and our progress to end the gun violence epidemic in our country. 

A year later and decades since Brady was founded, we still find ourselves fighting the same enemy Jim fought all those years ago – the same enemy that relentlessly stands in the way of progress: the NRA.

Jim used to call the NRA the “Evil Empire” – and he was right. The NRA has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to block every single common-sense gun safety solution we have ever proposed. We know they won’t stop impeding lifesaving progress, but for the first time in decades, the NRA is reeling.  

Last year, they ousted their leadership, came under federal investigation for tax fraud (a charge led by Brady), and fell into a deep financial crisis. Now is our golden opportunity to finish their reign of terror forever – but we have just 90 days left to mobilize the voters we need to elect gun safety majorities in November. 

And we can’t do that without your support, John. If we’re going to honor Jim Brady's legacy by defeating the NRA once and for all and pass lifesaving legislation, we need to raise $20,000 by 11:59 p.m. tonight – but with hours left, we’re falling just $1,894 short.

John, I’m asking you to make a contribution now that will go directly toward defeating the NRA: Please, will you give $5 or more now to stop the NRA, elect gun safety champions to Congress and the White House, and finally pass lifesaving gun safety legislation?

Thanks for your support, John. I can't help but think about how proud Jim would be of gun violence prevention champions like you for righteously fighting for a better, safer country for us all.

Kris Brown
President, Brady