During the COVID-19 pandemic, the gun violence crisis has not gone away.
Here's what we're up against:
- The surge in gun sales puts a massive strain on the background checks system, creating a situation where loopholes could arm domestic abusers and other individuals who shouldn't have guns.
- More guns in the homes of families sheltering in place has the potential to lead to an increased risk of fatal domestic violence, unintentional shootings of children, and firearm suicides.
- Daily gun violence continues in communities across the country, and Black and brown communities are experiencing the disproportionate impact of both the coronavirus and ongoing gun violence.
- The Trump administration continues to show its allegiance to the NRA's fear-mongering and "guns everywhere" agenda.
As our lawmakers address COVID-19, we need to make sure that Congress does not forget about the gun violence crisis.
Tell Congress: Secure our safety with gun safety provisions and funding for vital services to keep our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dear Member of Congress,
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to spread across the country, there are indications that this public health crisis may risk worsening another: the nation's gun violence crisis.
The surge in gun sales puts a massive strain on the background checks system and exacerbates existing loopholes that arm domestic abusers and others who legally shouldn't have guns. With more guns in homes and families sheltering in place, the risks of fatal domestic violence, unintentional shootings of children, and firearm suicides has the potential to increase. On top of that, daily gun violence continues in communities across the country. Congress must address gun violence as it works to keep people safe during this pandemic by addressing loopholes and funding critical, life-saving services.
Without urgent action from Congress, the pandemic could exacerbate an already existing gun violence crisis that claims nearly 38,000 American lives every year. While Congress is considering responses to coronavirus, we urge our leaders to address the impacts of gun violence.