1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate legislative action to address the gun violence epidemic that continues to devastate communities across our country. On August 27, 2025, a mass shooting at a Catholic Church in Minneapolis killed at least two children and injured 17 others. This was the 286th mass shooting in the United States that year alone, demonstrating that gun violence occurs almost daily in our nation. The United States has the highest per capita gun ownership globally. Americans own 42% of all civilian firearms despite representing only 4% of the world's population. This concentration of weapons, combined with inadequate regulation, has resulted in gun homicide rates far exceeding those of other developed nations. Firearm suicides comprise the majority of gun-related deaths, further underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reform. Gun violence prevention experts have identified evidence-based solutions that enjoy broad public support, including among gun owners themselves. I am asking you to champion legislation that institutes universal background checks for all gun and ammunition purchases, reinstates a federal ban on high-capacity magazines and military-style assault weapons, closes the loophole allowing gun purchases at shows and through private sellers without background checks, and funds community-based interventions like the Ceasefire program that have proven effective at reducing shootings. These measures are not theoretical. Universal background checks are supported by the majority of Americans. Community programs like Ceasefire have demonstrated measurable success in reducing gun violence. The previous assault weapons ban showed promise before its expiration, and reinstating it would remove the most dangerous weapons from circulation. Congress has failed to act meaningfully on this issue for too long, while families bury their children and communities live in fear. I am asking you to prioritize constituent safety over special interest lobbying and support comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation immediately.