Latest Surge in Gun Sales Accompanied by Wave of Fatal Violence, Prompting Giffords to Call for Swift Action 

Washington, DC — The latest report from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) finding 4.3 million checks were conducted in January 2021 was accompanied by a string of tragic and fatal gun violence across the country. While much attention is currently being paid to the two FBI agents killed and three others injured serving a warrant in Florida it’s not the only horrific incident in the past 24 hours. 

In Oklahoma, five children were shot to death along with one adult in a home. Meanwhile, a dispute over shoveling in Pennsylvania left three dead and a teacher in San Diego was killed in an apparent gun homicide. 

Peter Ambler, Giffords Executive Director: 

“Communities across America are experiencing a terrifying and deadly surge in gun violence. The increase in gun sales alongside this is alarming. We know that more guns in the hands of untrained people makes us less safe, yet the gun lobby continues to use fear and division to market their products and line their pockets. This is an ongoing American tragedy. 

“The good news is that President Biden is committed to saving American lives, both by curbing the coronavirus pandemic and reducing gun violence. And the actions he will take to make us safer from gun violence have the support of large majorities of Americans. The gun lobby’s influence on politics is waning, but this surge in gun sales is a reminder that swift action is needed if we hope to shift gun culture back toward responsible ownership.” 

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