They’re protected unlike any other industry in America.
I’m talking about the gun industry, John. In 2005, Congress passed a law called PLCAA and, over the years, it has been interpreted to shield the gun industry from many civil lawsuits that any other industry would have to face in court.
Today in America, victims and survivors of gun violence don’t have the same rights as everyone else to have their day in court. They have little recourse to hold negligent gun dealers and manufacturers responsible.
In my 25-year career at Brady Legal, we’ve had great success in bringing cases that directly challenge PLCAA — and it’s your support, friend, that makes that possible. Yet this work isn’t easy by any means. Often, it takes years — if not decades — to secure some sort of justice for our clients against the gun industry.
But what I’m about to tell you has the potential to create a path toward justice for many more victims and survivors of gun violence.
Right now in California, our state policy team and grassroots activists are working tirelessly to pass a bill that would restore many of the rights taken away by PLCAA. If we’re successful and it’s signed into law, we could ensure victims and survivors’ right to civil justice in California, allowing them to obtain just compensation and relief.
And friend, it's not just California. Last summer, New York passed a law allowing members of the gun industry to be held responsible for irresponsible behavior that contributes to gun violence. These bills will act as blueprints for other states to follow!
I have all the confidence in the world in our state policy team, our partners, and advocates in California — California has the strongest gun laws in the nation for a reason. But as you know, friend, we cannot do this vital, life-saving work alone. Will you please consider donating now to support our efforts to challenge PLCAA?
|
|
|
Thank you for supporting Brady, friend. Together, we can help ensure victims and survivors of gun violence have a path towards justice.
I hope you’ll join me in the fight. In solidarity,
Jon Lowy
Chief Counsel and Vice President, Brady Legal |
We Were At the White House This Week! |
Vice President of Policy Christian Heyne, Brady CA President Mattie Scott, Rep. Lucy McBath, Senior Federal Policy Manager Mark Collins, and Team ENOUGH Executive Council Member Stephan Abrams. |
On Monday, members of Brady and Team ENOUGH joined President Biden for the unveiling of his new actions to combat gun violence in America. Thanks to a united team effort from activists and gun safety partners, President Biden finalized a rule to stop the proliferation of untraceable “ghost guns” and nominated a new director to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This is a BIG deal, John. Ghost guns pose one of the greatest threats to our public safety — they are homemade, untraceable, fully-functioning firearms that can be purchased without a background check. This new rule is a major achievement and starting point to end the proliferation of ghost guns.
|
President Biden also nominated Steve Dettelbach as the director of the ATF. Brady is heartened by this nomination and calls on the Senate to swiftly confirm Dettelbach. It’s never been more important to have a strong ATF leader. Thanks to the NRA’s lobbying, the ATF hasn’t had a permanent director since 2015. It is a grave public safety risk that the only federal agency tasked with enforcing gun laws continues to lack leadership — especially at a time when our nation’s gun violence epidemic rages. We know that a confirmed director is vital to modernize the ATF and uphold President Biden’s plan to prevent gun violence.
|
The Road to the Sandy Hook Settlement
You’ve probably heard the news: Weeks ago, the families of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting won a $73 million settlement against Remington, the manufacturer of the gun used in the attack. But what you may not know is the legal precedent that laid the foundation for the Sandy Hook case.
It was Brady that, nearly 30 years ago, started bringing cases to hold the gun industry accountable for its negligence, including against makers of assault weapons used in mass shootings. In doing so, Brady Legal helped create the groundwork for the Sandy Hook families’ success. Brady, and Chief Counsel and Vice President of Brady Legal Jon Lowy, played a major role in this life-saving work.
In his new article, “The Road to the Sandy Hook Settlement,” Jon explains the legal cases that led to the Sandy Hook settlement and how, now more than ever before, gun companies can be held accountable when they put profits over people. |
RSVP for the 2022 Brady Action Awards! |
You’re invited to the 2022 Brady Action Awards! We will, together, honor champions of gun violence prevention whose activism embodies the spirit and legacy of our namesakes, Jim and Sarah Brady. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Opportunities are still available but are going fast.
We’ll see you virtually on Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. ET, John. |
Episode 180: The Power of Harm Reduction to Prevent Gun Violence
There isn't one solution to gun violence — it's a complex, multi-faceted issue that is inextricably linked to poverty, housing, and so much more. Complex issues call for comprehensive solutions. One of those solutions could be addressing gun violence from a harm reduction perspective, which includes meeting people where they are, and having some very honest conversations.
Harm reduction tactics are designed to help prevent any form of injury or death, like how we use safe gun storage to reduce gun suicide. To discuss how harm reduction practices may help reduce gun violence, we're joined by Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Lemonada Media Stephanie Wittels Wachs. |
It’s a club that no one wants to join — the ever-growing “gun violence survivors club.” Despite the pain and grief that many survivors still feel today, this week at the White House, gun violence victims and survivors from across the country united for the announcement of President Biden’s new actions to combat gun violence in America. |
As we reflect on this day, we know we’ve hit a turning point in the gun violence prevention movement. For the first time in years, gun violence is a top priority for the White House — and it’s because of activists like those you see above. Each and every day, gun violence victims and survivors harness their grief and channel it into action to tackle America’s gun violence epidemic. We thank all of the victims and survivors who made this day possible. We know that, united as one, will we be able to truly end America’s gun violence epidemic. Please join us in recognizing the gun violence victims, survivors, and activists — this week’s Gun Violence Prevention Heroes — for all their tireless work.
|
Thank you for supporting Brady and our work to prevent gun violence and save lives. We rely heavily on the generosity of activists like you to fund our work to create a safer America. If you're in this fight, please join Brady today by making a gift. |
|
|
Brady
840 First Street, NE
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20002
United States unsubscribe. |
|
|
|
