MAINE: Maine citizens will vote this November on whether to adopt an Extreme Risk Protection Order for the state, which would allow families and law enforcement to go to the court with concerns about an individual who is a danger to themselves or others. Maine citizens gathered 80,000 signatures to support, “Yes on 2 / Safe Schools, Safe Communities,” after Maine’s current law failed to prevent the Lewiston mass shooting of 2023 despite multiple warnings from family members to authorities.

 

UTAH: In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s tragic death, States United to Prevent Gun Violence (SUPGV) has taken a firm stance: violence has no place in our political discourse. ‘The ballot box, not bullets, should resolve our differences’.

The Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah (GVPCU) is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting death of Charlie Kirk. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and all those in the UVU community who were terrorized by vicious gun violence on their own campus.

“Every life lost to gun violence is a painful reminder of the urgent need to come together as a nation to address this ongoing crisis. Regardless of political beliefs or affiliations, no one should have to live in fear of gun violence, and no family should endure the grief that comes with losing a loved one to it.” ~ GVPCU

SUPGV and our affiliates stand united in calling for meaningful action to end the gun violence epidemic that strikes our communities. We urge leaders and community members alike to come together to ensure that our country is a place where all can live safely, free from fear.

We are also heartbroken by today’s school shooting in Denver that left students critically injured. The impact of gun violence does not end when the headlines fade. Those harmed must carry the physical wounds and the lasting trauma for a lifetime. Every child deserves to feel safe at school, free from fear and violence.

 

MINNESOTA: School shooting on the first day of school at the Annunciation Catholic K-8 school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Victims were an 8 year old and a 10 year old fatally shot; plus 17 students injured.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire community in this time of unimaginable sorrow. Schools should be safe havens for learning and community, not places where lives are shattered by gunfire. We owe it to every child and every family to take meaningful steps toward preventing these tragedies. Preventing gun violence requires thoughtful, sustained action, before even more lives are senselessly lost.” 

Maggiy Emery, Executive Director of Protect Minnesota.

It is hard to believe a State representative and her spouse were assassinated in Minnesota, and an attempt was made on a State senator and his spouse.

Protect Minnesota Executive Director Maggiy Emery stated, “Speaker Hortman was our partner in working to prevent gun violence on this state. We’ve lost not only a compassionate, kind, smart leader but also the person whose drive and conviction allowed to pass lifesaving legislation in this state. We are shattered by this violent loss and committed to working all the harder to end the public health crisis. Today is yet another day of mourning for our state and country because of gun violence.”

UTAH: A protestor was shot and killed at a No Kings rally in Salt Lake City.

Sara Montoya, Co-Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah stated “It is unconscionable that anyone should have to fear for their lives or run from gunshots while exercising their first amendment rights in their own community. We must continue to push for common sense laws that will make our communities safer.”

COLORADO: So many bills enacted, so little time! The most notable mentioned is SB25-003, Semiautomatics High Capacity Magazine Ban Enforcement. Read more here.

CONNECTICUT: HB 7042 firearm industry accountability bill passed and on its’ way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

ILLINOIS: State lawmakers passed the “safe at home” firearms storage bill.

MASSACHUSETTS: VOTE YES for a Safer Massachusetts campaign officially launched. It will focus on safeguarding the 2024 gun safety law from being repealed on the 2026 state ballot.

MICHIGAN: MI Senate Judiciary Committee advances several bills addressing bump stocks and ghost guns.

RHODE ISLAND: Assault weapons sales ban bill was signed by Governor McKee on June 26th.

VERMONT: VT lawmakers in the House took up a Burlington charter change that calls for banning guns in bars.