Vote Comes as Hundreds of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers Gather in Lansing for Annual Advocacy Day, and Just Two Hours After Governor Whitmer Signed Historic Bills to Require Background Checks on All Unlicensed Gun Sales and the Secure Storage of Firearms
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement today after the Michigan House lawmakers voted to pass legislation that would create an Extreme Risk law and allow for the temporary removal of firearms from people who pose a significant risk to themselves or others.
This comes just hours after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two critical gun safety bills into law. These historic bills include a law to require the secure storage of firearms in homes where children are present and another to require background checks for all unlicensed gun sales in the state of Michigan. At least 400 Moms Demand Action and Student Demand Action volunteers and gun violence survivors stood with the Governor as she signed the bills on Moms Demand Action’s annual Advocacy Day.
“After years of grief and tireless organizing, mobilizing, and educating— our lawmakers took action, proving the power of our grassroots movement. This is what advocacy looks like,” said
Jaclyn Sivers, a volunteer with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Today, Michigan becomes a leader on gun violence prevention. We look forward to working with our lawmakers to ensure this bill makes it across the finish line, and we remain committed to creating a safer Michigan for all.”
These victories come exactly two months after a shooter who had previously exhibited dangerous warning signs opened fire on Michigan State University’s campus, killing three students and wounding five others. In the wake of the shooting, students, survivors, and advocates with Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action have shown up relentlessly to demand action from lawmakers, holding vigils, organizing protests, meeting directly with legislators, and testifying in support of gun safety legislation.
More information about gun violence in Michigan is available here.
If you would like to speak with an expert or a volunteer with Michigan Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action, please do not hesitate to reach out.