“This week’s heartbreaking shootings in a Manhattan office building, at a Reno casino, near a streetcar stop in Atlanta, and more further demonstrate that the United States has become one of the world’s least free wealthy democracies due to the pervasive threat of gun violence. Many now fear going to work, going out for the evening, sending our children to school, or simply having loved ones leave our homes. A majority of Americans — 54% — have personally experienced gun violence or have a family member who has. The Gun Violence Archive reports more than 250 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, and firearms have been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens for several years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All that is because our country now has more guns than people, and it is ridiculously easy to get lethal firearms, including high-powered assault weapons designed for war. 

“Yet time and again, the lawmakers whose job is to improve our health, safety and lives, reject the kind of sensible gun control measures that have bipartisan support from voters across the nation and would keep us safe. America’s moms want that to change now. The pervasiveness of guns and gun violence is taking away our freedom to learn, play, worship, shop, and live in our communities without fear. Our nation deserves better.”