Hello Networkers:

In the dizzying days of this new Administration, it is impossible to keep up with the chaos of the hundreds of Executive Orders issued that now total 129 and counting.

While the planned focus is on the tariff war and immigration actions, much is going on under the radar that affects the gun violence prevention movement. In this newsletter, we will outline some of the most important activities so you can share when discussing with others concerned about gun violence and also be an informed advocate. 

We must be aware of what’s happening in the Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Movement. It is important to know about the Administration’s positive support of gun rights proponents.

Over 55 firearm industry trade executives and leaders of NSSF, the Trade Association of the Firearm Industry, flew to the nation’s capital the week of April 11 to meet with Representatives and Senators to discuss the industry’s priority legislation. They conducted over 80 personal meetings with legislators and Congressional staff.

Per their own comments, this was “one of the most optimistic

and energized gatherings in recent memory.” 

They attribute this to the new Administration’s dramatic change from the previous one. So instead of hoping for common-ground legislation including Universal Background Checks, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag laws), and Secure Storage laws, we’re likely to see legislation protecting the firearm industry by opposing these gun safety measures as well as the rollback of rules and Executive Orders issued during the past Administration.

There is no question that this Administration will stand

with gun owners, manufacturers and gun lobbies

over safety measures for the American public.

That leads us directly to this action by the Justice Department.

Last week, AG Bondi announced she is erasing the ATF’s zero tolerance policy. This policy was enacted by the Biden administration to crack down on gun dealers breaking the law.

Many of these infractions by gun dealers regarded

record keeping violations in the sale of firearms and ammunition.

Bondi also announced plans to revisit both the stabilizing brace and ”engaged in the business” rules. The ATF "engaged in the business' rule tightened up the concept of a gun dealer to anyone who was engaged in the business of "selling firearms for a profit" to ensure everyone in the business of gun sales conforms with the Bi-Partisan Safety Act statutory changes for dealers.

Biden era policies contributed to reducing violent crime

to a 50 year low and a massive reduction in gun homicides.

Attorney General Bondi also released a memo on April 8 announcing the creation of a DOJ Second Amendment Task Force to advance this Administration's pro-arms industry agenda. Per Bondi’s statement, their work will focus on using litigation and policy actions (e.g. Executive Orders) to enforce Second Amendment protections. 

We ask, are any of these things an infringement on the 2nd Amendment?

We see little evidence of a Second Amendment truly under

attack. What we do not see is a Task Force to Investigate Gun Violence.

In addition to these alarming actions, the current Administration has deleted the prior Surgeon General’s advisory which declared gun violence a public health epidemic. They have also fired most of the CDC’s team dedicated to reducing violence through research to accurately measure the issue. We also know there is already action planned to re-arm domestic abusers.

Through our monthly Alerts, Grandparents Uniting will continue

to give you the necessary information for advocacy actions.

In the midst of what we are seeing under this chaotic Administration, we still must make time to mourn the two deaths and many injuries incurred last week at Florida State University. 

This senseless act of gun violence is especially tragic

because many of the students at FSU are survivors of the

horrific shootings at Margery Stoneman Douglas High School

in Parkland Florida on February 14, 2018. 

Seventeen students died, and many more will forever

suffer from the PTSD caused by their presence that day.

Clearly the FSU tragedy and many other school shootings were preventable if we had national legislation requiring safe firearm storage. Data shows that 76% of school shooters obtain their guns from their own home or the home of relatives. 

This failure to secure firearms is fueling the epidemic of

school shootings, as well as suicides and accidental deaths. 

As we have seen in the marches across the nation, numbers matter. Meaningful activity energizes people and can make a difference when people realize they are part of the solution.

So please, help us add to our voices advocating for common

ground gun reform that respects the rights of

gun owners AND non-gun owners by referring your

friends and relatives

Just go here

Just Click on Sign Up and Add Your Voice to Ours.    

We all have our private email lists of friends and people we work with on other causes, so please use them to help us grow!

Remember, there is no membership fee and you do not need to be a grandparent to speak about this public safety crisis. 

Every year in America over 45,000 lives are lost to gun violence.

Be part of the solution.