The nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization commemorates 30 years of the groundbreaking “Brady Bill,” which has blocked nearly 4.9 million unlawful gun sales and transactions
Washington, D.C., February 28, 2024 – Today, Brady, the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization, celebrates 30 years of the Brady Bill, which established the federal requirement for background checks on gun sales. Championed by gun violence survivors Jim and Sarah Brady, the landmark legislation went into effect on February 28, 1994. Under the Brady Bill, all federally licensed firearms dealers are required to run background checks on individuals looking to purchase a firearm to prevent prohibited purchasers from obtaining a gun. To date, the Brady Background Check System, established by the law, has prevented nearly 4.9 million prohibited gun transactions
Kris Brown, President of Brady, said:
“Jim and Sarah Brady were pioneers in the gun violence prevention movement. They lobbied both sides of the aisle in Congress, working for years to gather the votes for this sensible legislation that today has the support of more than 90% of Americans.
“The Bradys’ fervor to end gun violence was sparked when Jim was shot serving President Ronald Regan. A background check would have prevented the shooter from ever obtaining the firearm. Jim and Sarah went to the Hill, they forced members of the House and Senate to look at them, to see the carnage caused by easy access to firearms. They were fighting an uphill battle against the gun industry – namely the National Rifle Association – who opposed the Brady Bill and tried to impede their fight at every turn.
“In the face of attacks from the once-powerful NRA, the Bradys’ courage permeated hearts and minds across the aisle. Their grit and fortitude carried the Brady Bill to President Clinton’s desk.
“Jim and Sarah knew that their fight would not be in vain. They knew the Brady Bill would save lives. They knew that their strife would create a safer America for us all. In fighting for its passage, they lit a torch they’ve passed onto the organization that bears their name. We are proud to carry on their legacy of changing the laws, changing the gun industry, and changing hearts and minds to free America from gun violence.
“Today, we need more bold, bipartisan action. Americans should not be shot at Super Bowl parades. They should not be shot in their schools. They should be safe from gun violence in their homes and neighborhoods. It is simply unconscionable that guns are now the leading cause of children and teens in America. Americans don’t want thoughts and prayers. They want action. Over 90% of Americans — including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike — want to expand the Brady Bill and pass universal background checks so that we can end the scourge of gun violence.
“Majorities of Americans want an assault weapons ban, extreme risk laws, and support for community violence intervention. Put simply, Americans want sensible action to end this epidemic.
“We must all be like Jim and Sarah Brady — we must fight like hell for a safer America free of gun violence.”
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Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
