John,
Our nation has experienced record-level heat waves. In recent weeks, more than 90 million people across the country have faced heat alerts for dangerously high temperatures, with many areas reaching 105 degrees.
Sadly, research shows that as temperatures soar, so does gun violence.
In Chicago, there are about twice as many shootings on days over 85 degrees as there are on days under 50 degrees. In northern cities, twice as many people are shot on hotter days compared to colder days. A number of factors explain the correlation between violence and temperature. People tend to be more aggressive and irritable in hotter weather, and spending more time outdoors and in public spaces leads to more social encounters that can turn violent. School’s out, kids have less supervision, and America’s weak gun laws become especially deadly.
But it doesn’t have to be like this. We know there isn’t a single solution to prevent gun violence; it’s a multi-faceted epidemic that needs a multi-faceted approach. And that’s why Brady takes a comprehensive approach to address the public health crisis we are facing.
Our policy team just helped secure $250 million dollars for community violence intervention — a massive investment to help break cycles of violence in communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence. Brady Legal is holding the gun industry accountable for its role in fueling high levels of gun violence in Chicago and Baltimore. And our End Family Fire program is on the ground educating gun owners about how practicing safe firearm storage can prevent tragedies.
John, we’re fighting day and night to combat gun violence in the neighborhoods that suffer the most deeply, especially as summer heat soars. But we cannot do this life-saving work alone — we rely on support from grassroots supporters like you. Can we count on your support to help us fight this worsening epidemic?
