Combating Gun Violence
Trenton, NJ – Protecting Our Democracy is announcing a new campaign focused on combating gun violence as part of a seven-figure investment in protecting democracy in New Jersey. The campaign launches with a new digital ad, “Means Everything” as well as a one minute version. The campaign comes on the heels of 22 mass shootings nationwide over the July 4th holiday weekend. The ad, narrated by Protecting our Democracy Chair Sean Spiller, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of gun violence, and the urgent need for common sense solutions.
“It is unconscionable that extremist politicians continue to put the gun lobby over people's lives,” said Protecting Our Democracy Chair Sean Spiller. “Twenty-two people lost their lives as a result of mass shootings in just one holiday weekend and each of them left behind loved ones who now will have empty chairs at their kitchen tables,” Spiller continued.
New Jersey has been a leader in gun violence prevention. The state sits well below the national average for gun deaths, but even one death is one too many. Preventing gun violence will take continued innovation including fighting for regional collaboration and resources for community-based interventions.
“While New Jersey has set an example for what effective gun violence prevention looks like, our common sense gun safety measures face threats from an increasingly extreme majority on the United States Supreme Court and weak gun laws in other states,” said Spiller. “We cannot be complacent in fighting to save lives. That means saying enough is enough, taking away any remaining influence the gun lobby has and passing common sense regulations like banning assault weapons.”
Protecting Our Democracy’s campaign to advocate for common sense solutions to reduce gun violence is a part of a broader effort to center public focus on the profound threats to our democracy, build support for democratic institutions and push back against disinformation. Protecting Our Democracy is also building out an advanced data-driven organizing effort designed to shape the conversation on issues that impact the lives of New Jersey families.
Read Coverage in New Jersey Globe
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