Wikipedia

Brady Campaign

Brady: United Against Gun Violence(formerly “Handgun Control, Inc”., theBrady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violenceand theBrady Center to Prevent Gun Violence)is an Americannonprofit organizationthat advocates forgun controland againstgun violence.It is named after formerWhite House press secretaryJames "Jim" Brady,who was permanently disabled and later died in 2014 as a result of theRonald Reagan assassination attemptof 1981, and his wifeSarah Brady,who was a chairwoman of the organization from 1989 until her death in 2015.[2][3]

Brady: United Against Gun Violence
Formation1974;50 years ago(1974)(as National Council to Control Handguns)
TypePolitical lobbying group
HeadquartersWashington, D.C.,U.S.
Region served
United States
President
Kris Brown[1]
Board Chair
Kevin Quinn[1]
Revenue(2019)
$37,372,000[1]
Expenses(2019)$37,756,000[1]
Websitewww.bradyunited.org

Brady was founded in 1974 as the National Council to Control Handguns (NCCH). From 1980 through 2000, it operated under the name Handgun Control, Inc. (HCI). In 2001, it was renamed the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and its sister project, the center to Prevent Handgun Violence, was renamed the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The nonprofits rebranded asBradyin February 2019, on the 25th anniversary of the implementation of the Brady Bill.[4]

History

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In 1974, the National Council to Control Handguns (NCCH) was founded by armed-robbery victim Mark Borinsky, a graduate ofJohns Hopkins University.In 1975, Republican marketing manager Pete Shields, whose 23-year-old son had been murdered, joined NCCH as chairman. In 1980, the organization became Handgun Control, Inc. (HCI) and partnered with the National Coalition to Ban Handguns (NCBH). The partnership did not last long; the NCBH, renamed in 1990 as theCoalition to Stop Gun Violence(CSGV), generally advocates for stricter gun laws than does the Brady Campaign.[5]: 111–112 [6]

HCI had few resources until 1980, after the murder of musicianJohn Lennonincreased the public's interest in shootings. By 1981, HCI's membership exceeded 100,000. In 1983, the center to Prevent Handgun Violence (CPHV) was founded as an educational outreach organization and sister project. In 1989, CPHV established the Legal Action Project to press its agenda in the courts.[5][6]

In 2001, Handgun Control, Inc. was renamed the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and the center to Prevent Handgun Violence was renamed the Brady Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, in honor of bothJimandSarah Brady.The same year, theMillion Mom March(MMM) was incorporated into the Brady Campaign.[5][6][7]

Leadership

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Current

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In September 2017, Kris Brown and Avery W. Gardiner assumed the roles of co-president, replacingDan Gross.[8]Brown was named the organization's sole president in November 2018.[9]Liz Dunning, whose mother was randomly murdered by a serial killer in 2003, is the vice president for development.[10]

Former

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Mark Borinsky founded the National Council to Control Handguns in 1974. He served as chair until 1976. Charlie Orasin was a key player in the founding and growth of Handgun Control (HCI). He worked at HCI from 1975 until 1992.[11]

Nelson "Pete" Shields became the organization's chairman in 1978 and retired in 1989.[12]In July 1976, Shields estimated that it would take seven to ten years for NCCH to reach the goal of "total control of handguns in the United States." He said: "The first problem is to slow down the increasing number of handguns being produced and sold in this country. The second is to get handguns registered. And the final problem is to make the possession ofallhandguns andallhandgun ammunition – except for the military, policemen, licensed security guards, licensed sporting clubs, and licensed gun collectors – totally illegal. "[13]In 1987 Shields said that he believed "in the right of law-abiding citizens to possess handguns... for legitimate purposes.".[14]

Richard Abornserved as president from 1992 until 1996 and went on to form theCitizens Crime Commission of New York City.[15][16]

JimandSarah Bradywere both influential in the movement since at least the mid-1980s. Mrs. Brady became chair in 1989, and the Bradys became the namesakes of the organization in 2000.[3]

FormerMarylandcongressmanMichael D. Barneswas the president of the Brady Campaign from 2000 to May 2006.[15]

FormerFort Wayne, Indiana,mayorPaul Helmkeserved from July 2006 to July 2011.[17]In November 2008, Brady president Helmke, a former Republican mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, endorsed theAmerican Hunters and Shooters Associationsaying, "I see our issues as complementary to theirs." He said, "The Brady Campaign is not just East Coast liberal Democrats."[18]

Dan Grosswas president from February 2012 to September 2017. He is one of the founders of theCenter to Prevent Youth Violence(formerly PAX).[19]

Political advocacy

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Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
2009 Brady Campaign State Scorecard[20]
75–100, Most restrictive
50–74
25–49
11–24
0-10, Least restrictive

Undetectable Firearms Act

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In 1988, HCI supported Congress in passing theUndetectable Firearms Act,which banned the manufacture, possession and transfer of firearms with less than 3.7 oz of metal, after the emergence of "plastic" handguns[6][21]likeGlock pistols.

Critics said that so-called "plastic" handguns contain many metal components (such as theslide,barrelandammunition) and can be detected by conventional screening technologies. Their response was to say the type of polymer used in the firearms is opaque to X-ray scanners, which would've hidden the metal components.[22]

Brady Law

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HCI was the chief supporter of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, commonly known as theBrady Law,enacted in 1993 after a seven-year debate. It successfully lobbied for passage of theFederal Assault Weapons Ban,banning the manufacture and importation of so-called military-styleassault weapons.[23]

Castle and stand-your-ground laws

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In May 2005, Florida passed astand-your-ground lawthat authorized persons attacked in any place they were lawfully present to use lethal force in self-defense without aduty to retreat.[24]Brady Campaign workers passed out fliers at Miami International Airport offering tips like "Do not argue unnecessarily with local people." The group also published ads inThe Boston Globe,The Chicago Tribune,andThe Detroit Free Presssaying: "Thinking about a Florida vacation? Please ensure your family is safe."[25]In 2006, when similar laws were enacted or proposed in other states, the Brady Campaign and other critics warned they could result invigilantism.[26]

HellerandMcDonaldcases

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After theU.S. Supreme Courtruling in 2010 inMcDonald v. Chicago,Brady president Paul Helmke said he was "pleased that the Court reaffirmed its language inDistrict of Columbia v. Hellerthat the Second Amendment individual right to possess guns in the home for self-defense does not prevent our elected representatives from enacting 'common-sense' gun laws to protect our communities from gun violence. "[27]

Lawsuits

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On March 19, 2009, a federal judge ordered a temporary injunction blocking the implementation of the rule allowingconcealed carrypermit holders to carry firearms concealed withinNational Park Servicelands within states where their permits are valid, based upon environmental concerns, in response to efforts by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, theNational Parks Conservation Association,and the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees.[28][29]On May 20, 2009, the injunction was overturned by the passing ofan amendmentto theCredit CARD Act of 2009,added by SenatorTom Coburn(R,OK) over the objections of the Brady Campaign.[30]

Sandy Hook school shooting aftermath

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In the month after theSandy Hook Elementary School shooting,the Brady Campaign raised about $5 million[31]and renewed public interest in passing legislation to reduce gun violence. The Brady Campaign has continued to promote federal reform legislation, including an expansion of thenational background checkprogram. Its leadership met with President Obama and Vice President Biden to craft a package of bills aimed at reducing gun violence.[32]

Aurora, Colorado theater shooting

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In 2014, the parent and step-parent of one of the2012 Aurora, Colorado shootingvictims, represented by Brady Center lawyers, filed suit against the companies from whomJames Holmespurchased the ammunition, magazines, and body armor he used in the shooting. In 2015, the judge in the case dismissed the suit on the grounds that such a lawsuit is in violation of both Colorado law and the federalProtection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Actbecause the guns and ammunition obtained from the online companies, including Lucky Gunner andThe Sportsman's Guide,worked as claimed. He also ordered the plaintiffs to pay the legal costs of the defendants, which came to $280,000. As the Brady Center lawyers would be expected to know applicable case law in such a lawsuit, it is not clear whether the Brady Center or the plaintiffs themselves are responsible for paying the judgment.[33][34]

Assault weapons

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The Brady Campaign contends thatself-loadingandselect-fireweapons are virtually identical since asemi-automatic riflemay be fired rapidly.[35]

See also

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References

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  1. ^abcd"Brady Annual Report Fiscal Year 2019"(PDF).RetrievedAugust 4,2024.
  2. ^Almasy, Steve (April 3, 2015)."Sarah Brady, widow of James Brady, dies at 73 | CNN Politics".CNN.RetrievedDecember 31,2021.
  3. ^ab"Biographies: Sarah Brady".bradycenter.org. Archived fromthe originalon February 27, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 3,2012.
  4. ^Mali, Meghashyam (February 26, 2019)."Brady gun control group gets rebranding".TheHill.RetrievedFebruary 4,2020.
  5. ^abcSpitzer, Robert J. (2012).The Politics of Gun Control(5th ed.). Paradigm Press.ISBN978-1-59451-987-1.
  6. ^abcd"Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: Our History".bradycampaign.org.Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 2013.RetrievedFebruary 7,2014.
  7. ^"Guns & Mothers: About the NRA and the Brady Campaign".pbs.org.ITVS. 2003. Archived fromthe originalon October 12, 2003.RetrievedFebruary 7,2014.
  8. ^Kevin Quinn (Board Chair) stated: "The Brady Campaign and Center's mission has never been more urgent and with a focused strategy to prevent gun violence, we need strong leaders with exceptional strategic and operational skills. The Board of Trustees has appointed Kristin Brown and Avery Gardiner as Co-Presidents. Both Kris and Avery, who are members of Brady's Executive Management Team and shaped Brady's programs as the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Legal Officer, respectively, will lead the Brady team from its Washington, DC headquarters.
  9. ^"The Brady Campaign and Center Names Kristin Brown as President".Brady.RetrievedFebruary 4,2020.
  10. ^At 26, a daughter lost her mother to a serial killer. In her memory, she ran 26 miles,Washington Post,John Woodrow Cox, March 11, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  11. ^"Biographies: Additional".bradycenter.org. Archived fromthe originalon October 5, 2011.RetrievedFebruary 3,2012.
  12. ^"Nelson Shields 3d, 69, Gun-Control Advocate".The New York Times.January 7, 1993.RetrievedNovember 14,2008.
  13. ^Harris, Richard (July 26, 1976)."A Reporter at Large: Handguns".The New Yorker.pp. 53–58.RetrievedJanuary 19,2014.
  14. ^Sugarmann, Josh (June 1, 1987)."The NRA is right; but we still need to ban handguns".Washington Monthly.Farlex Inc.RetrievedJanuary 19,2014.
  15. ^ab"Brady Campaign: Biographies: Additional Biographies".Bradycenter.org. Archived fromthe originalon October 5, 2011.RetrievedDecember 8,2011.
  16. ^vanden Heuvel, Katrina (May 19, 2009)."Richard Aborn for Manhattan DA".The Nation.
  17. ^"Brady Campaign: Biographies: Paul Helmke".Bradycenter.org. March 13, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon October 5, 2011.RetrievedFebruary 7,2012.
  18. ^Birnbaum, Jeffrey H. (March 18, 2008)."New Pro-Gun Group Hopes to Draw From the NRA".The Washington Post.RetrievedNovember 8,2008.
  19. ^"Brady Campaign: Biographies: Dan Gross".Bradycenter.org. February 7, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon February 9, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 7,2012.
  20. ^"2009 Brady Campaign State Scorecard"(PDF).Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.RetrievedMarch 28,2010.
  21. ^"NRA Double-Talk on Guns"(Press release). Brady Campaign. March 3, 2000. Archived fromthe originalon June 11, 2011.RetrievedDecember 8,2011.
  22. ^Ruhl, Jesse Matthew; Rizer, Arthur L. III; Wier, Mikel J. (2004)."Gun Control: Targeting Rationality in a Loaded Debate".The Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy.13:424–426. Archived fromthe originalon February 9, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 9,2014."Plastic Pistols"
  23. ^Barak, Gregg (2007).Battleground.Greenwood Publishing Group.p.335.ISBN978-0-313-34040-6.
  24. ^Sebok, Anthony (May 2, 2005)."Florida's New" Stand Your Ground "Law: Why It's More Extreme than Other States' Self-Defense Measures, And How It Got that Way".findlaw.Archived fromthe originalon January 9, 2012.RetrievedApril 4,2022.
  25. ^Goodnough, Abby (October 4, 2005)."Tourists to Florida Get a Warning as Greeting".The New York Times.RetrievedDecember 8,2011.
  26. ^Willing, Richard (March 21, 2006)."States allow deadly self-defense".USA Today.RetrievedDecember 8,2011.
  27. ^Montopoli, Brian (June 28, 2010)."Supreme Court Gun Rights Decision: A Win or a Setback?".CBS News.Archivedfrom the original on July 1, 2010.
  28. ^Eilperin, Juliet; Wilber, Del Quentin (March 20, 2009)."Judge Blocks Rule Permitting Concealed Guns in U.S. Parks".The Washington Post.RetrievedJanuary 19,2014.
  29. ^"Memorandum Opinion"(PDF).nraila.org.March 19, 2009. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on April 7, 2009.RetrievedSeptember 12,2009.
  30. ^"Congress Approves Bill Restricting Credit Card Industry, Allowing Guns in Parks".FOX News Network. May 20, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on May 24, 2009.RetrievedSeptember 12,2009.
  31. ^Palmer, Anna (January 14, 2013)."Brady Campaign raises $5M post-Sandy Hook".POLITICO.
  32. ^Slack, Donovan (January 16, 2013)."Brady Campaign: White House showing 'tremendous leadership'".POLITICO.
  33. ^Cramer, Clayton. "Odds & Ends," Shotgun News, June 1, 2015, Volume 69, Issue 16, page 20.
  34. ^"Legal Solutions Blog Brady Center blamed for $200K legal fee ruling against Aurora victim's parents – Legal Solutions Blog".Thomson Reuters.June 26, 2015.RetrievedJune 27,2015.
  35. ^"What's The Difference Between A Fully Automatic and a Semi-Automatic Assault Weapon? About 3.5 Seconds".Brady Campaign. February 26, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon July 25, 2011.RetrievedDecember 8,2011.

Further reading

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