GIFFORDS Law Center unveils new report exposing ties between the gun industry and right-wing extremism
WASHINGTON — Today, GIFFORDS Law Center, the legal arm of the national gun violence prevention group GIFFORDS, released a new report that illustrates how the gun industry has exploited and amplified right-wing extremism and political violence to increase its own profits. The report, Engines of Extremism: How the Gun Industry Profits from Fear, examines the gun industry’s long-time strategic manipulation of fear through marketing and rhetoric. The report calls for comprehensive legislative and regulatory reform.
“In an age of increasing politically motivated threats, attacks, and assassination attempts, the gun lobby continues to stoke dangerous rhetoric just to make a buck,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS. “The gun industry knows that extremism and fear are two of the most persuasive advertising tools it has. That’s why we see marketing targeting white supremacists, overt racism from executives and board members and a complete embrace of the fear-driven rhetoric used so often by Donald Trump. When the gun industry stokes fear, it sees its profit margins jump. Left unchecked, the gun lobby isn’t just a threat to individuals’ lives, but to the health of our democracy as a whole.”
“Although the NRA’s influence has weakened in recent years, there is still a long way to go,” Brown added. “GIFFORDS won’t stop fighting for commonsense gun safety laws until every American is able to feel safe in their homes, their communities and their country.”
The report highlights key actors partaking in political violence, including increasingly militarized extremist groups like the Proud Boys, and demonstrates how groups like the NRA have exploited weak gun laws and fear-based marketing to embolden extremists. With the election quickly approaching and militia-aligned gun industry manufacturers already threatening treason, this report adds to the growing Guns & Democracy work that GIFFORDS Law Center is prioritizing.
MEDIA REQUESTS
Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.
Contact