Gun Violence Archives | Patriot NOT Partisan

States with Higher Gun Ownership and Weak Gun Laws Lead Nation in Suicide While States with Lower Gun Ownership and Strong Gun Laws Have Lowest Suicide Rates

September 11, 2019 Gun Violence

New VPC Analysis Released During National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September Washington, DC — States with higher rates of gun ownership and weak gun violence prevention laws have the highest overall suicide rates in the nation, while states with lower gun ownership rates and strong gun laws have the lowest suicide rates, according to a Violence Policy Center (VPC) analysis of

Why I Might Have to Kill You

November 26, 2018 Civil Rights, Gun Violence

I imagine myself behind the eyes of a young boy, walking out of a store with my dad. Mom and my two siblings are out in the car waiting. There's a man by the car, yelling at Mom. Dad sees it, and stops it, shoving the bad man to the ground. I remember thinking he's just like the heroes I

Why CREDO is taking on Ted Cruz & the NRA

October 23, 2018 Elections, General Commentary, Gun Violence

A picture is worth a thousand words. This time – the picture represented the 36,231 Americans who died from or were affected by gun violence from Jan. 1 through Aug. 15 of this year alone.1 Over the last few weeks, dotted artwork of right-wing Sen. Ted Cruz popped up around public places in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas, catching

Newtown Action Alliance Endorses 233 Congressional Incumbents and Candidates Who Support a Federal Ban on Assault Weapons

October 23, 2018 Elections, General Commentary, Gun Violence

Newtown,CT - The Newtown Action Alliance is proud to endorse 21 Senate and 212 House of Representatives incumbents and candidates for the Midterm Elections on November 6, 2018. The endorsed candidates are either incumbents who have cosponsored Senator Diane Feinstein (S. 2095) and Representative David Cicilline’s (H.R.5087) Assault Weapons Ban legislation or 2018 Midterm candidates*who have made a commitment to support a

Self-Defense Gun Use is Rare, New Violence Policy Center Study Confirms

September 12, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Washington, DC — New research from the Violence Policy Center (VPC) confirms that, contrary to what the firearms industry and gun lobby claim, private citizens rarely use guns to kill criminals or stop crimes. The new study, Firearm Justifiable Homicides and Non-Fatal Self-Defense Gun Use, utilizes recent federal data which shows that private citizens use guns to harm themselves or

PROVOCATIVE BACK TO SCHOOL COLLECTION MAKES DEBUT AT NY FASHION WEEK

September 7, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Activist group Change The Ref uses fashion to make powerful statement on student safety and to demand change in the wake of increased school shootings. NEW YORK, NY - On Sunday, September 9, Change The Ref will take their Back To School Fashion Show on the road, debuting their provocative collection featuring children in bulletproof vests, at New York Fashion

Newtown Action Alliance Opposes Use of Federal Funds to Arm Teachers

August 27, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Implores Donald Trump and Congress to Pass Sensible Gun Laws Instead Newtown, CT- Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance, released the following statement after the New York Times reported that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is considering diverting Title IV grant dollars allocated for our community schools, 21st century and afterschool programs to arm teachers with guns: The majority of

Brady Campaign Announces Endorsement of Gov. Andrew Cuomo for Re-Election

July 26, 2018 Elections, General Commentary, Gun Violence

Gun safety organization hails Cuomo’s proven leadership, including passage of SAFE Act Avery Gardiner: “When it comes to the issue of gun safety, you are literally talking about life and death, and at a time when Washington is cowtowing to the NRA, this nation needs proven and experienced leaders like Andrew Cuomo.” Washington, D.C., July 21, 2018 – Today, the

White Fragility

July 21, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

It was May of 2018, and there was, yet again, another mass shooting in America. This time, a High School in Santa Fe, Texas had been the target. Like many Americans, I was outraged. I posted Facebook, talking about the blood that was now on the hands of the NRA. One of my insightful activist friends, Darnell, added a comment

Brady Campaign Calls for Resignation of Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Adam Putnam

July 12, 2018 Gun Violence

New report reveals Putnam mishandled investigation into mishandled concealed carry permits Washington, D.C., July 11, 2018 – Following new revelations that Florida Agricultural Commissioner and leading Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam misled the public regarding hundreds of mishandled concealed carry permits in his state, leading gun safety advocates called for his resignation from office. The Brady Campaign and Center to

10 Years Later, Heller Continues to Resonate

June 28, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

New Brady Center report explores decade following Supreme Court decision Washington, D.C., June 26, 2018 - On June 26, 2008, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, finding for the first time that the Second Amendment gives law-abiding, responsible citizens the right to have a gun in the home for self-protection. While leaders in

Brady Campaign Statement on Trenton Arts Festival Shooting

June 18, 2018 Gun Violence

Washington, D.C., June 17, 2018 - Early this morning, yet another community was rocked by the news of a shooting that left 20 injured at an all-night arts festival in Trenton, NJ. While details are still coming in, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence issued a statement expressing outrage at yet another mass shooting in America. Brady co-president Kris

New Legislation Will Hold Irresponsible Gun Dealers Accountable

June 15, 2018 Gun Violence

Bill ups enforcement on the five percent of dealers that supply 90 percent of guns used in crimes WASHINGTON – June12, on the two year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Ted Deutch (D-FL), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act, legislation that would strengthen accountability measures for gun dealers who engage in

MOMS DEMAND ACTION, EVERYTOWN RESPOND TO MASS SHOOTING IN ORLANDO THAT LEFT FOUR CHILDREN DEAD

June 14, 2018 Gun Violence

Following a Nearly 24-Hour Standoff That Began When Officers Responded to a Domestic Violence Call, Gunman Killed Four Children Before Taking His Own Life News of This Tragedy Broke as the Orlando Community Prepared to Mark Two Years Since the Pulse Nightclub Shooting ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of

Brady Campaign Announces Endorsements of Five Gun Safety Champions

June 14, 2018 Gun Violence

Gun violence prevention organization endorses candidates in VA, FL, NV, and TX Washington, D.C., June 11, 2018 - On the heels of nine gun safety champions winning their elections this past week, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence announced the organization’s next round of endorsements. These five candidates join the previously announced Brady-backed nominees. The Brady Campaign officially endorsed

The Trump administration proposes making gun exports easier. Here’s how to submit your public comment on this dangerous proposal.

June 14, 2018 Gun Violence

On May 24, the Trump administration proposed to make it easier to export U.S. guns and ammunition globally, even though U.S.-exported firearms are already used in countless crimes, attacks and human rights violations in many nations. The proposal[i] applies to assault weapons and other powerful firearms, moving export licenses from the State Department to the Commerce Department. The U.S. gun

Survivors, Community Leaders Rally for Action 2 Years After Orlando Attack

June 9, 2018 Gun Violence

Activists highlight gun safety, LGBTQ+ equality, and survivor resources in wake of political inaction Orlando, Fla. - Pulse and Parkland survivors will join with grassroots organizations, community and faith leaders, and Orlando March For Our Lives students to demand action from political leaders to end the epidemic of gun violence, reject NRA influence, and address the forgotten needs of the

NATIONAL DIE-IN DAY: STUDENTS IN WASHINGTON D.C. PROTEST TO END GUN VIOLENCE ON JUNE 12

June 9, 2018 Gun Violence

Rally Is Among Many of Local Rallies Held on the Second Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting Find More About National Die-In Day at https://www.nationaldiein.com [Washington D.C.] – On June 12, students will gather in front of the Capitol to protest as a part of National Die-In Day. This rally is one of many happening around the country planned by students and survivors

DELAWARE MOMS DEMAND ACTION, EVERYTOWN APPLAUD THE HOUSE FOR UNANIMOUSLY ADVANCING LIFE-SAVING RED FLAG LEGISLATION

June 8, 2018 Elections, General Commentary, Gun Violence

Red Flag Law Would Empower Family and Law Enforcement to Petition Courts to Temporarily Suspend a Person’s Access to Firearms If They Pose a Risk to Self or Others Red Flag Law Could Help Prevent Firearm Suicides and Mass Shootings DOVER, Del.– The Delaware chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety,

Brady Campaign Endorses Gun Violence Prevention Champions

June 5, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Gun violence prevention organization endorses 16 elected officials and candidates. Washington, D.C., June 4, 2018 - As voters across the country #WearOrange in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence announced a set of endorsements for gun safety champions at the federal and state level in California and New Jersey ahead of Tuesday’s primary

Wear Orange to Stop Gun Violence in All Its Forms

June 1, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Washington, DC (June 1, 2018) -- This weekend, the nation will wear orange to mark the beginning of gun violence awareness month. The “wear orange” movement began after 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot in a Chicago park in 2013; following her death, her friends and family encouraged people across the country to raise awareness about gun violence by wearing orange

StudentsMarch.org Announces #WeAreThe97 Launch

June 1, 2018 Gun Violence

On Saturday, June 2nd, StudentsMarch.org will be recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day with the launch of its #WeAreThe97 campaign in support of the 97% of American voters that support universal background checks*. StudentsMarch.org is championing the passage of universal background checks because they believe it is the first step toward comprehensive, common sense gun reform. Partners and advocates from

HANDGUN PURCHASER LICENSING LAWS LINKED TO FEWER FIREARM HOMICIDES IN LARGE, URBAN AREAS

May 31, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

--States that adopt handgun licensing laws see fewer gun homicides in their urban centers State laws that require gun purchasers to obtain a license contingent on passing a background check performed by state or local law enforcement are associated with a 14 percent reduction in firearm homicides in large, urban counties, a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School

NEWTOWN AND NEW YORK CITY STUDENTS WILL HOLD A STUDENT DIE-IN AT WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK IN NEW YORK CITY TO DEMAND ACTION AFTER THE SANTA FE SHOOTING TRAGEDY

May 25, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

What: Today is the one week anniversary of the Santa Fe High School shooting when a gunman used his father’s Remington shotgun and a .38 revolver to kill 10 students and educators and injured 13 others in Santa Fe High School in Texas. To stand with the students, educators and the community of Santa Fe, the Newtown students from Jr

#NoRA Statement on BlackRock’s Accountability For Sturm, Ruger Actions

May 23, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Today, BlackRock, a global funds management firm, holds its shareholder meeting in New York. BlackRock holds a 17% stake in Sturm, Ruger, the nation’s largest gun manufacturer. Sturm, Ruger made the AR-556 assault weapon which killed 26 people in the Sutherland Springs church massacre and has among the most aggressive stances against gun violence prevention of any weapons company. It

MAJORITY ACTION – OPEN LETTER TO BLACKROCK

May 23, 2018 Gun Violence

May 23rd, 2018 Mr. Fink, We took you at your word when you said that BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, was going to use its power to take action on guns. We trusted you. You are the largest owner of Sturm Ruger, the largest gun manufacturer in the country. As you’ve reminded us all, you hold the

Newtown Action Alliance Demands that Paul Ryan Call a Vote on 56 House Task Force Gun Bills in the Wake of Santa Fe School Shooting

May 21, 2018 Gun Violence

Newtown, CT- Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance, issued the following statement demanding a vote on 56 gun control bills introduced in the House of Representatives: “On Friday, a gunman used his father’s shotgun and a .38 revolver to kill 10 students and educators and injure others in Santa Fe High School in Texas. We send our love to

#NoRA Statement on Santa Fe, Texas School Shooting

May 21, 2018 Gun Violence

The unbearable has happened again. In a state whose senators are among the highest-paid by the NRA, and whose governor once lamented that Texas was not the state in the union selling the most guns, at least ten people died in a school shooting. Many more were injured. Our broken hearts are with the families, friends, classmates, teachers, and community

DC Activists: Metro Police Department’s Violence, Recklessness, and Lack of Accountability Requires Immediate, Substantive Action from Elected Officials

May 15, 2018 Civil Rights, General Commentary, Gun Violence

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, May 9th, an off-duty officer with the Metropolitan Police Department opened fire in northeast DC, killing 24-year-old D’Quan Young. Witnesses report that the officer “shot wildly, as children ran for their lives,” and that the officer reloaded his weapon and continued shooting after D’Quan Young was on the ground. This follows the May 4th killing of

JR NEWTOWN ACTION ALLIANCE CLUB FROM NEWTOWN HIGH SCHOOL WILL HOLD A STUDENT PROTEST AT NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS WHILE NRA IS HOLDING ITS ANNUAL CONVENTION

April 26, 2018 Gun Violence

What: The corporate gun lobby group National Rifle Association (NRA) is holding its annual meeting in Dallas, Texas from May 3 - May 6th. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn who refuse to support universal background checks on all gun sales and a ban on weapons of war are expected to speak at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum on May 4th.

CELEBRITIES, ACTIVISTS AND ARTIST ALLIES LAUNCH #NoRA CAMPAIGN TO PUT AN END TO THE NRA’S INFLUENCE IN POLITICS

April 23, 2018 Gun Violence

LOS ANGELES (April 20, 2018) – Nearly 100 celebrities, activists, artists, policy experts and survivors of gun violence today launched the #NoRA (No Rifle Association), a new collective action campaign to highlight and combat the National Rifle Association's (NRA) deadly influence over the American political system. The alliance is committed to moving culture into a less violent place by counteracting

Empathic Gun Safety

March 28, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

A few years ago in the month of March, my partner got me an all day package at LAX Firing Range in Southern California as a birthday present. She figured as a former pro athlete who did archery & rifles at youth summer camps, that it would be a welcome surprise, and it was. Shooting with her that day, and

Crack, Voting Rights, and Black Lives Matter: A Primer For White People

March 27, 2018 Civil Rights, General Commentary, Gun Violence

Black Lives Matter didn't happen in a vacuum, and it didn't happen solely because Michael Brown was shot and killed. Or Trayvon. Or Philando. Or Stephon. Or when they killed Sandra. Or broke Freddy’s neck. Or solely because of any of the unarmed, untried black Americans who have been killed by law enforcement since the genesis of Black Lives Matter

200 Minds Held Hostage at Pennridge High

March 21, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

On Saturday, 200 brave, patriotic, dedicated, and focused leaders of tomorrow sat in detention at Pennridge High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Northeast of Philadelphia, Bucks County is home to some of the highest rated school districts and communities to live in the nation and a perennial republican stronghold. The county's politics could be one reason that Pennridge School District

A Crisis of Democracy

March 14, 2018 Gun Violence

We have a national crisis of mass shootings, exacerbated by our crisis of democracy. The latest, horrific mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, has brought renewed attention to the way the NRA circumvents the will of the vast majority who seek commonsense solutions to gun safety. By pouring millions from the gun lobby into political campaigns and lobbying, the NRA has changed

STOP POLICE TERROR PROJECT DC, BLACK LIVES MATTER DC, #KEEPDC4ME AND 51 SEPARATE ORGANIZATIONS DEMAND THE D.C. COUNCIL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TAKING TESTIMONY ON ISSUES OF RACISM AND VIOLENCE WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 1, 2018 Civil Rights, Gun Violence

We, the undersigned, are writing to express that there can be no real accountability for the Metropolitan Police Department within the existing structures. While the March 1, 2018 departmental oversight hearing for MPD offers an opportunity to address some of our concerns it is not an adequate venue for their full consideration. We are demanding that the D.C. Council hold a

Rambo is real, armed with an AR-15 and killing Americans by the dozen

February 28, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

In 1985, Sylvester Stallone single-handedly killed 58 people over 96 minutes. Of course, the deaths were onscreen in the movie, “Rambo: First Blood, Part II,” which was critically-panned and labeled unrealistic because there’s no way a single person could to take out an entire army. More than 30 years later in America, there’s real-life, Rambo-like bloodshed, only the death toll

$chool $hootings

February 26, 2018 Gun Violence

Seventeen children were murdered in Parkland, Florida by yet another assailant armed with an AR-15, and the President’s response was not to seek ban or even limit access to this weapon, but to propose arming teachers. Why limit access to semi-automatic, military-caliber weapons, when you can put one in the hands of every man, woman and child? The answer to

Immigrant Youth Stand with Survivors of Parkland Mass Shooting & Will Take the Streets on The March for Our Lives

February 22, 2018 Gun Violence

Say, “We will take the streets together because we believe in a future where everyone can feel safe in their schools and in their homes.” Washington, DC - On March 24th, immigrant youth will march in solidarity with the courageous survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and students across the country who are calling on

Violence in U.S. Culture: What’s Missing from the Gun Debate

February 22, 2018 Gun Violence

In 1777, George Washington approved Springfield, Massachusetts as a site for manufacturing firearms, in order to prevent the usage of foreign weapons during the American Revolutionary War. After that, every passing conflict or war was an opportunity for the production of guns to increase and thus, our governments love and tight knit bond with the gun industry was born. Today,