On Columbine anniversary, and as the country faces unprecedented threats to public health and safety, the Alliance issues its first presidential endorsement 

SEATTLE, WA – Today, in its first-ever presidential endorsement, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Federal Victory Fund endorsed Vice President Joe Biden. Twenty-one years after the shooting at Columbine High School, which shaped public awareness of the gun violence crisis we know today, the need for bold federal leadership on gun safety has never been more urgent. 

“Columbine woke the country up to the gun violence epidemic. More than two decades later we’ve seen local and state progress, but at the federal level far too little has changed,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Federal Victory Fund. “That is why we are proud to issue our first presidential endorsement in support of Vice President Joe Biden who has a long record of not only passing major gun safety laws but also taking on the gun lobby and winning.” 

“The current administration represents a graver threat to our public safety than any before. Since taking more than $30 million in campaign contributions from the NRA in 2016, Trump has remained eager to do whatever it takes to remain in the gun lobby’s favor, from deeming the gun industry essential amidst a global pandemic to continuing to block life-saving legislation to inciting violence and provoking domestic rebellion.”

“Many challenges lie ahead as the country works to recover from COVID-19. Among those challenges is the increased risk of gun violence. Now more than ever, we need a president who will put the health and safety of Americans first and fight to end the gun violence epidemic. We are confident Joe Biden will be that president.”

The Victory Fund is committed to endorsing candidates who will champion—not just support—gun responsibility measures if elected and Vice President Biden’s long record proves that he will prioritize this fight. He helped craft the Violence Against Women Act, helped pass the bill that established the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, voted against giving legal immunity to the gun industry, and more. He has built on this record throughout the campaign calling for much-needed policies that will expand background checks, close dangerous loopholes, keep weapons of war out of our communities and more. 

The Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund will be announcing primary endorsements in Washington state races shortly.

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