John, the gun violence epidemic is deeply personal to me and the survivors I work with at Brady. And it will only end if everyone makes it their personal mission to end it. Not one of us expected this to be our life — we wouldn’t have chosen it — but the harsh truth is that gun violence can affect any community, anywhere.

Today is an anniversary where we are reminded of this again: Three years ago today, a gunman killed 12 people in my hometown of Thousand Oaks, California. People just trying to have a fun night out were murdered in a town considered to be one of America's safest — and it wasn't the first time.

In 2005, also in Thousand Oaks, my mom was shot and killed — and my dad was shot multiple times and survived. That's when my life forever changed. That is when I learned that no community is safe from gun violence and that it can become all too personal to anyone in a matter of seconds.

So right now, to honor all those injured or killed by gun violence every day since 2005, and for all of those who have been injured or killed in the last 3 years, I'm asking you to take this issue personally — and help end it for good.

Not enough has changed since 2018, but one thing has: We have a historic opportunity to leverage our gun safety majorities in Congress and the White House and finally pass life-saving legislation. But we have to demand it, John. So right now, please: Add your name to demand Congress take concrete action to end gun violence and honor those killed at Thousand Oaks — and every other unanswered mass shooting.

When my parents were shot, I remember feeling numb. It all seemed so impossible. But now, the survivors who lead the work here at Brady are turning our pain into purpose and making sure no other families ever experience what we have.

Anniversaries like this one are especially hard for survivors, and my heart is with the families of those killed in 2018 — in my hometown. But I am resolved to continue my fight on the front lines of this debate, pushing for better laws and insisting on action. And I need you to take today as your opportunity to join me and everyone else at Brady on that front line. 

John, I'm counting on you: Will you add your name now, before our midnight deadline, to demand Congress take action to prevent gun violence?

Thank you,

Christian Heyne
Gun Violence Survivor & Vice President of Policy