Giffords, Everytown, Moms Demand Action and Brady PAC Lead Grassroots Rally for Gun Safety Senate

Washington, DC — Rep. Lucy McBath, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts, Brady PAC Board Member Kris Brown, Giffords Managing Director Robin Lloyd, and Julvonnia McDowell, a gun violence survivor and volunteer with the Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action,teamed up for a virtual rally in support of Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff for the U.S Senate. The event focused on the importance of electing strong leaders who will take action to end gun violence.

“I am so proud to support my friends Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, because I know they will work hard every day to create change for Georgia,” said Rep. Lucy McBath, who represents Georgia’s 6th congressional district. “Georgia sent Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House, and now we’re going to flip the Senate. Georgia deserves Senators who will stand up for the safety of our communities.”

Thousands of viewers from Georgia and across the country tuned in to learn more about the importance of the runoff for gun safety progress. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords opened the event with an inspiring speech that called every Georgia voter to do their part in the fight to end gun violence by voting in the runoff elections.

“Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff have the courage we need in the U.S. Senate. I know that these two leaders will be true champions for gun safety in the Senate and will work tirelessly to protect communities across Georgia,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “We’ve already elected the strongest gun safety ticket in history; now we have the chance to help Joe Biden and Kamala Harris deliver on their promises by flipping the Senate.” 

The panel, moderated by Brian Lemek, the executive director of Brady PAC, spoke about the importance of grassroots activism to elect gun safety champions and achieve lifesaving solutions like universal background checks. 

“Incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue would rather cozy up to the gun lobby than protect Georgians from the gun violence that kills 100 Americans every day. Our grassroots army of volunteers is working day in and day out to replace them and prove that their NRA A-ratings aren’t badges of honor – they’re scarlet letters,” said Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts. “We must do everything possible to send Reverend Warnock and Jon Ossoff to Washington, secure a gun sense majority in the Senate, and clear a path for lifesaving gun safety legislation.” 

“Gun deaths have increased in Georgia over the last five years while the Senate, including Senators Perdue and Loeffler, has done nothing to stop this national crisis,” shared Brady PAC board member Kris Brown. “While gun sales have surged during the coronavirus pandemic and Americans are suffering from economic uncertainty and stress, Georgian deserve Senators who will work for them, not special interests like the NRA. We need Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff in Washington to help solve these problems, including gun violence.”

With the fate of the chamber in the balance, the panelists also spoke about critical steps that the Senate could take to end gun violence. While the House has made great progress, passing H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, Republican Majority leader Mitch McConnell refuses to bring gun safety legislation to a vote. Flipping the Senate by electing Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff would provide a critical opportunity to pass solutions that will save lives.

“A gun safety majority in the Senate is crucial to passing laws that will protect our communities,” said Robin Lloyd, managing director of Giffords. “Senators Loeffler and Perdue have prioritized NRA campaign contributions over the safety of their constituents. Georgia deserves leaders who will take on gun safety action and vote for key policies like universal background checks.”

Julvonnia McDowell, a gun violence survivor and volunteer with the Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action, spoke about how she turned her pain into action following the unintentional shooting death of her son. She asked all Georgians to elect leaders who will do what is right. 

“My son JaJuan was taken because of a senseless act of gun violence. Moms Demand Action volunteers and gun violence survivors are working day in and day out to elect Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff because we know that they will work to keep our communities safe so that no family has to experience the pain that my family has endured,” said Julvonnia McDowell.

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