Nearly 100 Moms, Elected Leaders, Gun Violence Survivor Gather for Gun Safety Advocacy Day at California State Capitol to Rally for Legislation Aimed at Closing Dangerous Gap in California’s Gun Laws

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, nearly 100 volunteers with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and a member of the Everytown Survivor Network, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, came together with elected leaders for a press conference and rally to kick-off an advocacy day at the California State Capitol. At the rally, gun safety advocates discussed how Assembly Bill 1511 – which is currently awaiting a vote in the Assembly – would help keep guns out of dangerous hands by closing a loophole in California’s background check law. Elected leaders in attendance at the press conference included California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin De Leon, Assembly Public Safety Committee Chairman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, Assemblyman David Chiu and Assemblyman Mike Gipson.

California’s existing background check law includes a dangerous loophole, which is broader than any other state that requires criminal background checks on all gun sales. This loophole allows anyone to borrow a gun for up to 30 days without a background check. Assembly Bill 1511 would bring California in line with the vast majority of the states with comprehensive background check laws, including neighboring states like Washington and Oregon.

STATEMENT FROM RICHARD MARTINEZ, WHOSE SON CHRISTOPHER ROSS MICHAELS-MARTINEZ WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN THE MAY 2014 SHOOTING IN ISLA VISTA AND SENIOR OUTREACH ASSOCIATE FOR EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY:

“I was devastated to learn of the tragedy in Florida – I know what those families are feeling because tragically, my family also knows the pain of having a loved one taken by gun violence,” said Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez was shot and killed in the May 2014 shooting in Isla Vista and Senior Outreach Associate for Everytown for Gun Safety. “Each day, more than 90 Americans are shot and killed, while hundreds of others are injured. Here in California, our leaders have an opportunity to help keep guns out of dangerous hands, which will keep Californians safe. I urge our elected leaders in the Assembly to vote yes on Assembly Bill 1511 and once it hits the Governor’s desk, for him to sign this important piece of legislation into law.”

STATEMENT FROM SARA KEELER, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE CALIFORNIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“As a parent, I do everything I can to keep my kids safe which is why California Moms are urging our elected leaders here in California to help make that a reality by voting yes on Assembly Bill 1511, which will close a dangerous loophole in our state’s background check system,” said Sara Keller, a volunteer with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Gun violence is an American problem – it affects us all, whether you’re going to work, to church or simply to enjoy a night of dancing. Assembly Bill 1511 will help to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and will in fact keep our families and communities safer.”

After the rally, gun safety advocates met with elected leaders at the State Capitol and urged them to follow the state Senate’s lead and pass AB 1511. While meeting with elected leaders, gun safety advocates delivered more than 11,000 petition signatures urging the passage of AB 1511.