John,

Recently, Sandy Hook families settled a lawsuit against the gun manufacturer that made the AR-15-style rifle used to kill 26 adults and children in 2012. The families will receive $73 million, but no amount of money will bring back the loved ones they lost.

This landmark victory is the latest in a series of victories in court that are holding gun manufacturers accountable, and brings us even closer to undoing the unjust protections of PLCAA – the deadly law that protects firearms manufacturers from being held liable for crimes committed with their products. Victories like this one are possible because of the work Brady Legal has done for decades.

Arguments from our cases representing victims of gun violence for the past 30 years were critical stepping stones that led to the Sandy Hook success and this settlement. Brady brought the first cases attacking the marketing of assault weapons used in a mass shooting, and arguing that gun manufacturers violate state unfair business practices law. Then, Brady won the first cases holding a manufacturer liable for a criminal shooting, and the first case that allowed manufacturers to be held liable under PLCAA for violations of the law. The Sandy Hook plaintiffs relied on these arguments to avoid dismissal of their case.

John, in order to continue to chip away at the gun industry’s deadly influence and defend victims of gun violence, I need your help. That’s why I’m asking you to donate any amount you are able to and directly support our legal efforts.

This important win for gun violence survivors sends a powerful message to executives: Even with your special protections, you can and will be held accountable for gun violence. Brady Legal is already working tirelessly to defend more survivors in court – I hope we have your support.

Jon Lowy
Chief Counsel, Vice President of Legal