WASHINGTON — Today, after the White House released data showing the Justice Department has now successfully denied more than 500 illegal gun purchases by people under 21 years old, which was made possible by enhanced background checks process created by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action released the following statements:
“Common-sense gun laws save lives — and the data released today showing the life-saving impact of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act further proves the point,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and Department of Justice for using every available tool to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and we urge Congress to consider how many more American lives could be saved with more federal action.”
“This data is evidence of what we’ve long known to be true: gun safety laws save lives,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a pivotal moment, but our work is far from over. We’re committed to work alongside the White House and the Justice Department to ensure that the promises of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act translate into action to prevent senseless violence on our streets.”
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) is the first federal gun safety bill to pass in 30 years. BSCA established an enhanced background check process for gun buyers under age 21, provides federal funding to implement state Red Flag laws, helps disarm more domestic abusers by addressing the dating partner loophole, and funds community violence intervention programs, among other life-saving items.