GIFFORDS remembers the Aurora movie theater shooting
WASHINGTON — Ahead of July 20, GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, honors the victims and survivors of the Aurora movie theater shooting.
“Twelve years ago, 12 lives were senselessly taken and 70 others injured at the Aurora movie theater massacre, changing a Colorado community forever. Today, we honor their legacy and the strength of their families. I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the Aurora community and their ability to transform pain into meaningful change,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
“Despite the time that has passed, we are always reminded of the importance of honoring those lost that day with action. I have had the great privilege of working with survivors Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, who channeled their grief into advocacy after losing their daughter, Jessi Redfield Ghawi, in the Aurora shooting. We were able to make significant progress in Colorado with the enactment of Jessi’s Law in 2023, named in her honor. The fight is not over—we must continue to push for gun violence prevention reform in order to build safer communities across the country.”
In 2023, GIFFORDS worked to pass the The Jessi Redfield Ghawi Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability (Jessi’s Law) in Colorado, named after Jessi Redfield Ghawi, a victim of the 2012 Aurora theater shooting. Jessi’s Law combats Colorado’s alarming gun industry immunity law that for years prevented the families of survivors from seeking justice in civil courtrooms—and held them liable for the defendant’s legal fees if the case was dismissed.
During the 2024 legislative session, Colorado lawmakers passed six new gun safety bills, a significant step towards reducing gun violence and improving public safety. GIFFORDS Law Center gave Colorado an A- on its Annual Gun Law Scorecard, a vast improvement from the previous grade of C+ in 2021.
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Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.
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