3-2-1: Take action against Gun Violence

Tragically, our country is in mourning once again. At a Sunday afternoon worship service a man, armed with an assault weapon, entered a small church and murdered twenty-six people in cold blood, near San Antonio, Texas. The ages of those twenty-six innocent victims ranged from five to seventy-two. A barrage of gunfire, in a church, on a Sunday, leaving carnage and devastation everywhere. While we still don’t know all of the facts, we do know that in 2012 the shooter was court-martialed and sentenced to a year in military prison for assaulting his wife and child. This man never should have had access to a military-style assault rifle – and the fact that he did is unconscionable. The laws on the books that prohibit people convicted of domestic violence from possessing guns failed the twenty-six slain, their families, and the entire community of Sutherland Springs. 

Mass shootings with no recourse. A Congress that is beholden to the National Rifle Association (NRA). Gun violence and the emotional toll of these constant mass shootings are felt deeply by all Americans. We cannot allow this to become the new normal. We must stand up and take action now. 

3 Close the "boyfriend" loophole

The lives of countless women and girls across our country are at risk without sensible gun legislation. Senator Klobuchar and Representative Dingell are sponsors of a bill that would close the “boyfriend” loophole that does not restrict individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from purchasing or possessing firearms, as long as they have not lived with their partner. In addition, individuals convicted of misdemeanor stalking are allowed to purchase and possess firearms through this loophole. It is up to you to demand that your Senators and Representatives co-sponsor this common-sense piece of legislation!

2 Learn the facts about how mass shootings are predicted by domestic violence

We can no longer stand idly by while fifty-four percent of mass shootings involve the death of a partner or other family member. Data clearly shows that domestic violence is a key predictor of gun violence and mass shootings. To learn more about this issue, watch Samantha Bee’s powerful segment from last week. Now is the time to make this an urgent priority – call on your elected officials to support legislation that protects and supports survivors of abuse.

1 Join an advocacy group

Locally, we can make our voices heard by banding together and taking action. Join Moms Demand Action, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, One Pulse for America, or Guns Down and connect with people like you who believe it is time to make gun violence prevention an urgent priority at the local, state, and federal level. Next month you can participate in a vigil in your community to remember and honor the five years since the Sandy Hook tragedy. We must use our unified voice to shine a light on the horrific consequences of the gun violence epidemic in our country. 

And for you...  

The best way to make change is to vote. Important elections are happening around the country tomorrow. Your vote is critical.