Gun Safety Weekly

Police shoots firefighter; Cop shoots himself with own gun; Undercover cops fail

If the gun lobby had its way, there would be a gun in every classroom.

In 2015, 18 states introduced legislation to force colleges to allow guns on campus, and the chief lobbyist of the NRA boasted that "we've only begun to fight" on campus carry [1]. As 2017 approaches, one of the gun lobby's top priorities in 2017 is to pass legislation that would force schools to allow guns in their buildings and on their campuses.

That's why it's crucial that we mobilize as many educators as possible right now, so that we don't start 2017 playing defense against the NRA. If we're going to stop the gun lobby from forcing firearms into our schools, we need an army of educators ready and willing to fight to keep our schools safe.

Click to ask 5 friends to join the fight to keep guns out of our schools
We're currently building a massive campaign to fight to keep guns off campus in 2017. As a start, we are bringing together a movement of educators this fall so that we are ready to take on the gun lobby as soon as lawmakers get back to work.

With your help, we can set this movement up to win on campuses across the country next year.


So far in the 2016 campaign, outside groups have spent more than $1 billion to influence candidates and elections across the country. And very few of those groups have spent more than the Washington gun lobby.

Our work is funded differently than most of those groups. Almost 99% of our contributions come from people giving small amounts of money. Gabby and I are very proud of that fact, because each one of those donations is an unmistakable statement about the depth of support for making our communities safer from gun violence.

We’ve been very effective so far this election, but to fully fund our program through November 8, we need to raise $250,000 from small-dollar donations by the end of the month. We’re off to a good start, but accomplishing that goal could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Contribute to ARS PAC today to help us reach our October fundraising goal
There are so many close races right now.

New Hampshire Senate: Ayotte (R): 47% — Hassan (D): 45%

Florida Senate: Rubio (R): 47% — Murphy (D): 43%
Nevada Senate: Heck (R): 44% — Masto (D): 41%



It’s hard to believe Election Day is less than one month away. But I know if we continue to stand together, we are going to win. And winning means saving lives. Ultimately, that’s what matters in our work.

A Note From Erica Lafferty Smegielski: My mom died doing her job, these politicians won't do theirs

My mom, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, the principal of Sandy Hook School, was murdered along with 20 first graders and 5 of her colleagues, on December 14, 2012. After the shooting, Senator Kelly Ayotte helped block efforts to strengthen our gun laws and help prevent future tragedies.

She decided standing with the NRA was more important than saving lives. But now that she's facing re-election, she's hoping voters won't remember that she blocked policies that a majority of New Hampshire voters -- and Americans -- support.

Well I haven't forgotten, and I need your help to remind voters in New Hampshire, too. We're going all out to hold NRA-backed politicians like Ayotte accountable. And if we succeed, we can make an example out of Ayotte and send a message to every member of Congress: "If you vote with the NRA and against public safety, we will kick you out of office."

But to do that, we're going to need the resources. That's why a generous Everytown donor has pledged to DOUBLE every gift made up to $100,000.


Help hold all gutless politicians like Kelly Ayotte accountable for voting with the NRA. Give now and your gift will have TWICE the impact.


Give now to defeat politicians beholden to the NRA and your gift will be matched.
I'll never forget Kelly Ayotte's vote against a bill expanding background checks for all gun sales following my mother's murder. I asked her at a town hall after her spineless vote why she voted no, and do you know what she said, Don? Because she was concerned about "burdening" gun owners with the inconvenience of having to complete a background check.

I've always wondered why the burden of my mother being gunned down in the halls of her elementary school isn’t more important than that.

Since then I've traveled to confront Ayotte at numerous events, appeared in the media to correct the record on her positions, and help recruit new voters committed to holding her and other NRA-backed elected officials accountable.


Now, I'm asking for you to join me and help kick out Kelly and other politicians beholden to the NRA. Ayotte's running in one of the toughest races this election, and every little bit matters when the country -- including other NRA-backed politicians -- is watching.

This is our chance to use Ayotte as an example for the entire country to see. Will you step up now? Pitch in $25 (or whatever you can) and your gift to defeat Ayotte and other politicians who cave to the NRA will be DOUBLED.

For my mother, and for all Americans affected by gun violence, thank you for your support.

Erica Lafferty Smegielski

Daughter of Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, shot and killed December 14, 2012
Everytown for Gun Safety