Today marks five years since Brady began our legal battle on behalf of Kirsten Englund, a loving mother of two, an avid birdwatcher, and a hiker. Her last journey ended in April 2013. Kirsten was driving up the Oregon coast to visit her sons when she stopped at an overlook to see a lighthouse. That’s when she was shot and killed by a stranger. 

Kirsten with her sons, Nick and Andrew Wiegardt

That stranger never should have had a gun. He had been convicted of a felony, and it had been clear that he was using someone else’s name to illegally buy the guns for himself. But two gun dealers made it all too easy for him to go online and purchase guns. 

Kirsten’s family wanted to make a difference, to save other families from their mother’s fate. That’s why they reached out to Brady to sue the gun dealers who negligently sold the weapons used to murder Kirsten. And after a lengthy court battle, we won landmark rulings to hold the dealers accountable — setting life-saving precedent that is still used today. We got the dealers to pay for the harm they caused, giving some justice to Kirsten’s family. And we got them to reform their business practices to prevent similar tragedies. 

In all of these victories, we sent a message to gun companies across the country: That if they irresponsibly sell guns, they will be forced to pay. And that means that people will be a lot safer than they were before. 

That’s why today, we’re asking you to support Brady with a special gift in Kirsten Englund’s name. Brady is fighting in courts across the country for other families like Kirsten’s — and we’re winning. Our lawsuits are keeping guns out of the hands of those who intend to cause harm. Please help make an impact on ending gun violence by supporting Brady with a generous gift today.

Your support helps families like Kirsten’s get justice and change laws for us all. 

With thanks for your generosity,

Brady Legal

Brady Welcomes New Chief Legal Officer

We’re excited to welcome Doug Letter as our new chief legal officer! Doug, a veteran of legal affairs and litigation, joins Brady to oversee our legal efforts to hold the gun industry accountable, defend our nation’s gun laws, and end America’s gun violence epidemic. 

Most recently, Doug served as general counsel for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, including serving as top litigation attorney for the January 6 committee. His work with Speaker Pelosi and the House of Representatives builds on decades of legal experience with President Bill Clinton, Attorney General Eric Holder, and more. 

Doug, a grandfather, felt compelled to join the gun violence prevention movement following an increase in school-related and other mass shooting events in America. 

We are proud to bring such a nationally distinguished attorney to Brady and the broader gun violence prevention movement. With Doug on our side, you can count on Brady to continue building on our legal wins and defending one of Americans’ most important rights: the right to live without the fear of being shot and killed. 

SIGN THE PETITION: Urge DOJ to Stop Blocking Justice for Victims of the Sutherland Springs Shooting

It’s been more than five years since the Sutherland Springs, TX, massacre — and the victims and survivors are still waiting for justice. Why? Because even after the government was found liable in allowing the gunman to purchase the murder weapon, they refuse to settle the case. 

These victims and survivors have been through enough, and the government must stop prolonging their pain and trauma in this legal process. 

That’s why we’re demanding the government stop blocking justice for victims and survivors of Sutherland Springs — and you can join us. Please make your voice heard by signing our petition to the DOJ now. Victims and survivors deserve better — and the government needs to know that.

Reflecting on the January 6 Capitol Attack

Two years ago, our nation’s Capitol was attacked by violent insurrectionists. As we reflect on this dark day in the history of our democracy, we at Brady believe we still desperately need to address what fomented that day’s violence: Second Amendment extremism. 

For decades, the NRA and the gun lobby have emboldened pro-gun vigilantes to take violent action against our lawmakers and democratic institutions. The January 6 attack was fueled by this gun extremism, mitigated by America’s lax gun laws and an ever-growing white supremacist movement.

If our reckoning of that day’s violence does not account for the role of these forces, then we have failed. Because the forces that gave rise to January 6 are still here — and they continue to threaten the very foundation of our democracy. 

As January 6 showed, strong gun laws work ― but we still have far to go. It’s why Brady continues to call on elected leaders in Congress to expand universal background checks, pass the Disarm Hate Act, bolster extreme risk laws, and fix the Charleston loophole. By passing these sensible solutions, we can safeguard our democracy and help prevent yet another attack. 

On the two-year anniversary, please listen to our podcast with Rep. Jamie Raskin and read our report to learn more and take action.

Former House Counsel Douglas Letter on Jan. 6, Congress’ Subpoena Powers and His Future at Brady Campaign, National Law Journal

Police and Prosecutors Have Few Tools in States With Permissive Gun Laws, MSNBC

Former White House Counsel Takes Legal Reins of Brady Gun-Control Nonprofit, Law.com

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