Hello John,

I got involved with Brady over 30 years ago. I knew that I needed to do something to stop innocent victims from being shot and killed every day in America.

Like so many others, I never thought that my life would be impacted by gun violence. But 21 years ago this week, my daughter, Laura, bright and beautiful at age 19, was senselessly shot and killed in a mass shooting. 

The shooter’s family and girlfriend as well as a caseworker had serious concerns about his access to guns due to behavioral warning signs. But under California and federal law at the time, he wasn’t banned from possessing guns. It’s why I need to talk about extreme risk laws with you, John.

Extreme risk laws, also known as red flag laws, are life-saving gun violence prevention measures that give family members and law enforcement an avenue to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from those in crisis, without jeopardizing Second Amendment rights. Had an extreme risk law been in place 21 years ago, Laura might very well be with me and our family today… 

But still, only 19 states and Washington, D.C., have some form of extreme risk law. We desperately need these laws nationwide. So, as I remember Laura, I’m asking for your help in urging Congress to pass a federal extreme risk protection law that would apply to ALL states and prevent the grief and pain my family experienced. Please, will you tell Congress to pass this vital legislation right now?

After Laura was killed, I led Brady California in helping California become the first state to pass an extreme risk law. Since 1993, California's firearm death rate has dropped 57 percent. I like to think that even in death, Laura is saving lives. And you can help us save even more. Please, contact Congress today.

In solidarity,

Amanda Wilcox
Former Brady California Policy and Legislative Chair
Laura’s mom