(Washington, D.C., Wednesday, September 18, 2019) – Independent researchers estimate that 100 people are killed daily with guns in the U.S., and many more are injured. Guns are the second leading cause of death for all children and teens; it is the first for Black children and teens. On average, 52 women are shot to death each month by an intimate partner.

These statistics tell the impact of gun violence in American communities today. Behind each statistic is a mother, a father, a daughter, a teenager, a child. Gun violence could happen anywhere – in schools, in houses of worship, and in theaters. The surge in gun violence should not be underestimated even if, often, it rarely makes national news.

To help reduce gun violence, the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is focused on passing legislation that will require universal background checks for all gun purchases, secure funds to research this public health problem, and pass extreme risk laws to temporarily restrict access to guns. These commonsense goals will not only make our communities less violent, but they also have a lot of momentum in Congress.

Universal background checks are critical in preventing people who should not have guns from buying them in the first place. Under current law, unlicensed dealers like those selling firearms on the internet or at gun shows, can do so without running a background check. Universal background checks would close such loopholes. Learn more at fcnl.org.