In the United States, a child or teen is killed with a gun every 2 hours and 34 minutes. Between routine gunfire and mass shootings, our national obsession with guns continues to result in the senseless and unnecessary loss of young lives.
Despite these alarming statistics and the 53 people killed in mass shootings in August alone, the Senate has continuously stalled progress on gun violence prevention. This week, CEOs of 145 companies came together to tell the Senate inaction is not an option.
“As leaders of some of America’s most respected companies and those with significant business interests in the United States, we are writing to you because we have a responsibility and obligation to stand up for the safety of our employees, customers and all Americans in the communities we serve across the country. Doing nothing about America’s gun violence crisis is simply unacceptable and it is time to stand with the American public on gun safety.”
The letter calls on the Senate to pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen background checks and expand Extreme Risk laws. The Children’s Defense Fund strongly supports these common sense gun safety measures, as well as a ban on assault weapons, child access prevention laws, child safety regulations and funding for gun violence prevention research to ensure all children a safe start and future.
With this letter, business leaders joined a growing chorus of children, parents, faith leaders, teachers, doctors, and advocates standing up and saying enough. The American people want change. 94 percent of all voters (including 90 percent of gun owners) support universal background checks and the majority of voters support a national ban on the sale of assault weapons. It’s time for the Senate to follow the will of the people and take action to ensure children can live, learn and grow up free from violence and fear.