Thread by @bradybuzz

Today marks 26 years since our namesake Brady Bill went into effect on Feb. 28, 1994. To date, Brady Background Checks have saved countless lives.

The story of the people behind this lifesaving law — Jim & Sarah Brady — is vitally important. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

THREAD⬇️

In 1981, Jim Brady was @WhiteHouse Press Secretary. He was shot in the head during the assassination attempt on Reagan. He spent the rest of his life recovering. #EndGunViolence #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

The shooter who left Jim Brady paralyzed could have been blocked from buying his gun under the Brady Bill.

He'd lied on the federal form when he bought the firearm. The tragedy had been prevented. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

After the shooting, Jim & his wife Sarah recognized it wasn't just Jim’s life that needed saving — America was hurting from weak gun laws — including no federal background check system.

So they led the fight for the Brady Bill. #EndGunViolence #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

Jim & Sarah’s path to passing the Brady Bill was neither easy nor short. It took 6 votes over 7 years and 3 presidencies to become law. But Jim & Sarah persevered, working across the aisle to save lives. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

By almost every measure, the #BradyBill has been a huge success. It’s blocked +3.5 million prohibited gun sales.

States that require background checks on all handgun sales have less than half as many mass shooting incidents. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives bradyunited.org/reports/how-br…

The Brady Bill's efficacy is indisputable. But we need to update this 26-year-old law to meet today’s times — including the rise of the internet & online gun sales. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives #EndGunViolence

But the gun lobby still has hold of our politicians.

It's been a year since the House passed lifesaving legislation to expand Brady Background Checks.

But NRA-backed leaders like @senatemajldr refuse to act. The cost is human lives. #EndGunViolence #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

For 365 days now, #HR8 & #HR1112 to expand background checks have collected dust on @senatemajldr’s desk.

During that time, nearly 40,000 people in America have been shot & killed. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives bradyunited.org/act/bloody-han…

It’s inexcusable not to take action to save lives — especially when we know the solutions.

After all, ending gun violence isn't about politics. It's about saving lives. Jim and Sarah Brady taught us that when they worked across the aisle. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

Today, background checks are more popular in America than nearly ANY policy measure being debated. So, what’s stopping us? We won’t take no for an answer. #BackgroundChecksSaveLives

26 years after the Brady Bill became law, please help us honor Jim & Sarah Brady by fighting for legislative action to save lives.

🗳️ Register to vote
📧 Contact your senators
☎️ Call @senatemajldr
✊Visit bradyunited.org

#BackgroundChecksSaveLives #EndGunViolence