John, On Wednesday, Charlie Kirk, an influential voice in the conservative movement, was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University. This was the latest act of gruesome political violence in America, dominating national headlines and social media feeds. The graphic video of Kirk being shot was even callously shared, including by at least one sitting member of Congress, garnering millions of views.
We at Brady want to be clear: No one — including public and political figures whom we may disagree with — deserves to be gunned down or fear for their safety because of gun violence. We must denounce all violence — especially the political violence that has devastated our nation in the past year alone.
Too often, tragedies like this one result in finger-pointing and inflammatory rhetoric, ultimately promoting more violence. In a country with more guns than people, this is a deadly pattern.
Around the same time that Kirk was shot in the neck, two students were shot and injured at Evergreen High School in Colorado — marking the 47th school shooting of 2025. Later that night, a teen was killed and five others were injured outside an apartment complex in Tampa, FL.
The next day, several Historically Black Colleges and Universities were forced into lockdown after reported “terrorism” threats, the Capitol Police responded to a bomb threat at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters, and a false report of a gunman at the U.S. Naval Academy resulted in a mistaken shooting. This violence follows the tragedy at the Minneapolis Catholic school that claimed the lives of two children and injured many more.
John, these are only the shootings that have made recent headlines. Gun violence impacts everyone in our country. It doesn’t care if you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Gun violence is indiscriminate. But we can change this.
Instilled in us by our namesake, Jim Brady, who nearly lost his life to political violence, we at Brady believe we must take action, not sides, to free America from this crisis. So, after this tumultuous week, join us. Take action alongside Brady and demand an end to all forms of gun violence — including political violence. Whether you want to contribute your time, talent, or treasure — Brady has a space for you.
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BIG Victory in California! |
This week, the California State Legislature passed SB 704, a landmark bill that will require background checks on firearm barrels — essential components needed to complete unserialized, untraceable 3D-printed ghost guns. This is a MAJOR step forward in helping end the proliferation of these deadly firearms.
When 3D printing a gun, the only part that cannot be reliably printed is the barrel, leading most people to purchase an industrially manufactured one. Without SB 704, these barrels have been entirely unregulated and could be bought online or in-store without a background check. This made it far too easy for prohibited gun purchasers to acquire the final, and most essential, component needed to complete a 3D-printed gun. SB 704 will solve this problem by requiring the purchase of a firearm barrel to be made in person, through a licensed firearms dealer, and with a background check. This is a proactive, powerful step to prevent the proliferation of 3D-printed ghost guns throughout California and beyond.
This Brady-sponsored legislation was championed and shepherded through the legislature by Senator Jesse Arreguín and Assemblymember Catherine Stefani. SB 704 also couldn’t have passed without the voices of thousands of Brady California activists calling and emailing their lawmakers to demand its passage — so thank you, John! As we call on Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign this bill into law, please join us in reading more about this major victory! |
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Brady and Team ENOUGH Got LOUD at “We Are D.C.” March |
Recognizing Firearm Suicide Prevention Day |
Brady President Kris Brown speaking on Capitol Hill alongside lawmakers and activists about the crisis of firearm suicide in America. |
In honor of the fourth annual Firearm Suicide Prevention Day, Brady joined Rep. Julia Brownley as she introduced the National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day Resolution, which will designate the second Tuesday in September as National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. Firearm suicide is a public health crisis in America. Over half of all gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, and we lose 74 people to gun suicide every day — more than are lost to firearm homicides and unintentional shootings combined.
Storing guns securely — locked, unloaded, and away from ammunition — can create time and distance between firearms and those in crisis, giving them time to rethink or seek help. Even a 20% increase in the number of American households practicing safe storage could prevent almost 1/3 of annual youth gun deaths from suicide and unintentional shootings. Firearm Suicide Prevention Day gives us the chance to talk about this crisis and the proven solutions to save lives.
In honor of Firearm Suicide Prevention Day and Suicide Prevention Month, join us in listening to our podcast episode, “Why We Need to Talk About Suicide.” |
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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. |
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