Friends,

Today, the Supreme Court struck down New York State’s concealed carry law, making it easier for potentially dangerous people to carry firearms in public.

This ruling—a product of the Supreme Court’s ultra-conservative majority and the gun lobby’s chokehold over our politics—puts lives at risk in New York and across our country.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, nearly 21,000 people have died in the United States due to gun violence this year alone. That includes over 150 children.

And since the start of this year, there have already been over 250 reported mass shootings—an average of more than one per day.

Let me be clear: The last thing we should be doing in the midst of a gun violence epidemic is making it harder for cities and states to protect public safety.

But remember: Tonight, the Senate passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It’s not perfect—but it marks the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. The bill includes many of the commonsense measures we’ve worked on for years, like closing the boyfriend loophole, strengthening background checks, and providing significant funding for mental health services. It also includes provisions from my anti-gun trafficking bill, finally making gun trafficking a federal crime—something I’ve fought for for over a decade.

Today is a reminder that progress is rarely linear. Progress and setbacks often go hand-in-hand. We have so much work to do to keep our communities safe.

I promise to not let up the fight—and I’m grateful to know you’re with me.

Sending love and strength,

Kirsten