John,

There were more than 500 shootings across the country over the Fourth of July weekend. In total, at least 233 people were killed and 618 people were wounded in just 72 hours.

We don’t have to live like this. We don’t have to die like this.

We know that there are commonsense, evidence-based policies and programs that work to reduce gun injuries and deaths. We have the solutions, we need elected leaders with the courage to act.

That is why we are fighting tirelessly to elect gun responsibility candidates up and down the ballot. This year, more local candidates than ever are running on gun violence prevention. But they need your help to win. Can you pitch in $5 to help elect gun responsibility champions?

This deadly Fourth of July weekend came amid skyrocketing homicide rates in communities across the country. The increase, which started last year, shows no signs of slowing. 2020 brought a 25 percent single-year increase in killings, according to preliminary government data. And in many cities, from Seattle and New York to Fresno and Tulsa, homicide rates have remained at record highs throughout the first half of 2021.

In fact, on Friday, July 2nd, before the violent holiday weekend, the United States hit a grim milestone: more than 10,000 fatal shootings this year.

The gun lobby is already working to use this tragic rise in violence to spread fear and convince voters that the only way to keep our communities safe is to buy more guns. This reckless and dangerous idea will cost more American lives. We cannot let it take hold.

We have to build on the progress we have made in recent years and elect local leaders who understand the complexity and urgency of the gun violence epidemic. We need elected officials at every level of government who will pass stronger gun laws, ensure effective implementation, and support and learn from community violence prevention groups.

The good news is that an incredibly diverse and qualified group of candidates, endorsed by the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund, has committed to doing all of that. Now we have to fight to make sure they have the opportunity. Make a donation today to help elect gun responsibility champions.

Over the last few months we have seen the power of having a gun responsibility champion in the White House. But we have also seen the barriers confronting President Biden and Vice President Harris, limiting their ability to take bold action. That is why strong local leadership is so essential. Every elected leader, from the school board to the statehouse, has a role to play in the fight against gun violence.

We do not have to accept record-breaking gun violence as inevitable. We can stop preventable gun violence. We can save lives.

Please, give now to be a part of the movement to end gun violence.

Thank you,
Renée (she/her)