John, this is Kirsten Englund. She was a mother of two, an avid bird watcher, and absolutely loved the outdoors. Eight years ago this week, Kirsten pulled over to admire a scenic lighthouse view off Highway 101 in Oregon. That’s when she was shot and killed by a stranger who should have never had access to a firearm in the first place.
The gunman was convicted of a felony, and warning signs made it clear that he was using his mother’s name to illegally buy the guns for himself — what is called a “straw purchase.” But two gun dealers made it all too easy for him to go online and purchase guns. Kirsten’s family were ready to make a difference.
That’s why they reached out to Brady Legal to sue the gun dealers who sold the weapons used to murder Kirsten.
In representing Kirsten’s family, we won landmark rulings to hold the negligent gun dealers accountable — setting precedent that is still used today. We got the dealers to pay for the harm they caused, giving some justice to Kirsten’s family. And we got them to reform their business practices to prevent similar tragedies. Our case sent a clear message to gun companies across the country that if they irresponsibly sell guns, they will be forced to pay.
As you can see, John, we’ve made landmark progress in the courts to prevent tragic gun violence and hold the gun industry accountable. But we also need legislative action to solve this complex and multifaceted issue. Congress knows, for example, that a shocking 1 in 5 guns is sold without a background check, including through private and online sales and more.
We can't allow another mother to be murdered or another family to be torn apart because of easy access to guns. We’ve honored Kirsten Englund in the courts by holding the gun industry accountable. Now, we demand Congress take action.
We will never stop fighting across Congress, courts, and in our communities to prevent tragedies like the one the Englund family suffered. Please, join our fight today and make your voice heard.
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ICYMI: Watch the Brady Action Awards!
Here at Brady, we work across Congress, courts, and our communities to prevent all forms of gun violence. Our comprehensive approach and motto is to “take action, not sides” to find common ground in common-sense solutions to save lives. On Thursday, we hosted the 2021 Brady Action Awards to recognize gun safety champions across sectors who exemplify and embody our motto.
We heard inspiring words from Vice President Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, Rep. Lucy McBath, Brady California President Mattie Scott, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more! Writer and actor Andy Cohen even made us a specialty “Red, Blue, and Brady” cocktail (recipe here) and gave a shout-out to our award-winning podcast of the same name. We thank our speakers, generous sponsors, and grassroots supporters.
A Walmart Employee Talked About Suicide. Walmart Chose to Sell Him a Gun Anyway
This week, Brady Legal filed an important lawsuit against Walmart on behalf of the family of Jacob Mace. On November 15, 2019, Jacob died by gun suicide. Tragically, his employer, Walmart, sold him the shotgun and ammunition just two hours earlier. Our complaint, filed with co-counsel Kevin Sullivan of Salsbury Sullivan, alleges that Walmart sold Mace the gun despite Walmart employees knowing that he was undergoing an acute mental health crisis, had a history of suicide ideation, and was intoxicated at the time of sale.
Jacob Mace
Every day in America, 63 people die by gun suicide. Firearms are by far the deadliest method of suicide, accounting for 90% of fatal suicide attempts. Research shows that we can prevent tragedies if we ensure those in crisis — like Jacob Mace — do not have easy access to guns.
We’re taking on Jacob’s case because we believe that gun dealers must take considerations not to sell guns to people who exhibit signs that they are in emotional distress or at risk of suicide or violence. We are proud to represent Jacob’s family in court as we fight for justice and reforms on his behalf.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text a crisis counselor by messaging the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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#TheTimeIsNow Coalition Hosts State of the Union on Gun Violence in America
On Wednesday, President Biden called on Congress again to pass bipartisan solutions to prevent gun violence in America. It was the first time since 1993 that a President used a Joint Address to urge Congress to take up gun violence prevention laws.
We at #TheTimeIsNow coalition heard President Biden loud and clear. But to make sure all of Congress did — especially the Senate — we hosted our own “State of the Union” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Brady Vice President of Organizing and gun violence survivor Maisha Fields
We heard from gun violence survivors, their families, advocates, and more. Each told their unique story about how gun violence — including police violence, everyday gun violence, domestic violence, gun suicide, mass shootings, and more — have personally impacted their lives.
And while all of their experiences and stories were different, they all had the same message for Congress: #TheTimeIsNow to pass the gun violence prevention bills that are in front of them, like a ban on assault weapons, expanded Brady Background Checks, an extreme risk law, and more. We recorded the live event so you can watch it and share it with your friends and family.
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We're in the Running for Up to $150,000 from CREDO — and YOUR Votes Will Determine How Much We Receive!
Exciting news: We’ve been selected to receive a share of a $150,000 grant from CREDO Mobile. The more public votes we get, the more money we receive. This funding will go a long way to bolster our fight to end gun violence.
Will you take just 5 seconds to vote for Brady?
To vote, simply enter your email address and click "vote now."
🎧 Episode 126: The Rise of the American Mass Shooter
This past year, there have been over 147 mass shootings in America, and gun violence has been dominating the news cycle. Veteran journalist Seamus McGraw joins the podcast this week to help us understand why Americans have become desensitized to the horror of mass shootings and many of the myths surrounding them.
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Remembering the Chabad of Poway Shooting
This week two years ago, the Jewish community suffered a tragic attack when a white nationalist opened fire during Passover services at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in Poway, California. Congregant Lori Gilbert-Kaye was shot and killed while saving her rabbi, and three others were shot and injured.
Today, research shows that anti-semitism in American continues to grow. We know that weak gun laws make hate lethal. We must do more to #DisarmHate and create a safer America, one where we do not fear getting shot in our places of worship — or anywhere.
Both Sides Weigh in on Supreme Court’s Concealed Weapon Case, 7 News WWNY
Looking Back at Joe Biden's First 100 Days in Office: What He Has and Hasn't Done, People
Why Gun Control Efforts Should Go Beyond Mass Shootings, Advocates Say, ABC News
Joe Biden to Urge Congress to Pass Anti-Gun Violence Legislation in Wednesday Address, USA Today
A Walmart Worker Talked About Suicide. The Store Sold Him a Gun Anyway, Family Says, NBC News
Walmart Sold a Gun to an Employee With History of Mental Illness, Lawsuit Says. He Killed Himself Two Hours Later, Washington Post
Despite Mass Shootings, Americans' Love of Guns Endures, VOA News
Community Groups Discuss Gun Violence Prevention: ‘This is an Issue that We Can Solve,’ Fox 5
This week, the Supreme Court announced that they will take up an NRA-backed case. If the court rules in the NRA’s favor, we could see every single gun safety law across the country rolled back. We’re ready to protect our safety at all costs. Read more about what this legal case means for the Second Amendment from Vice President and Chief Counsel of Brady Legal Jon Lowy in USA Today.
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Thank you, John, for staying up-to-date on Brady's work across Congress, courts, and communities. Our work is not possible without grassroots donors like you. Will you consider donating to continue our life-saving work today? Thank you for being a Brady supporter and joining us in the fight to prevent gun violence.
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