Dear Friends,



Did you know that gun manufacturers make up the only industry in America that is protected from lawsuits when its products lead to violence and death?



In 2005, the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), was enacted to grant broad immunity from liability to gun manufacturers and dealers in federal and state courts. PLCAA prevents plaintiffs from filing lawsuits against gun manufacturers or dealers for negligence or “criminal or unlawful misuse” of a firearm or ammunition.



Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, parents of Jessica Ghawi, an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater shooting victim, filed a suit against Lucky Gunner, the company that provided the ammunition to the gunman who killed Jessica. The suit was thrown out because of PLCAA, and the judge ordered that the Phillips pay $203,000 for the company’s attorney fees. PLCAA does not protect the families of victims nor the survivors of gun violence.



According to the Violence Policy Center, gun deaths are surpassing motor vehicle deaths in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Lawsuits against the auto industry have contributed to improved motor vehicle safety standards resulting in a steady decline in motor vehicles deaths in the past ten years. PLCAA must be repealed in order to improve firearm industry safety standards to reduce gun deaths and injuries in our nation.



Next Tuesday, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA 28th District) plan on introducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act to repeal PLCAA.



Please read Sandy and Lonnie's letter asking Congress to support the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act to repeal PLCAA and click HERE to sign onto the letter to support Sandy and Lonnie. We will hand-deliver the letter to all members of Congress.



Thank you for supporting Sandy & Lonnie and all families of victims and survivors of gun violence.



#HonorWithAction to #EndGunViolence



Sincerely,

Newtown Action Alliance