GIFFORDS LAW CENTER: GUN CONTROL ADVOCACY

Our Client: The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is a prominent organization dedicated to ending gun violence in the United States. It was formed in 2016 through the merger of the Legal Community Against Violence and Americans for Responsible Solutions, founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, a retired Navy combat veteran and astronaut.

Our Challenge: Conversations around gun violence in the US are hot button and polarized. JCI
positioned a complex and heartbreaking story as a narrative to change the course of litigation in California. JCI supported a bereaved mother and her attorney by inciting public pressure upon the California Department of Justice to respond to a lawsuit and comply with the California Public Records Act around the botched background check that led to the purchase of the murder weapon. This includes highlighting “Wyland’s Law,” which aims to shore up California’s background check system following the tragedy.

Our Approach: JCI worked to identify reporters, provide materials, and work closely with them to ensure powerful messaging around Wyland’s murder and the background check lawsuit. JCI conducted media outreach and connected with key stakeholders around gun control.

Our Results: JCI secured several high-profile media appearances, including a front-page feature in the Los Angeles Times, generating thousands of online conversations. The Sacramento Bee released a powerful opinion piece inspired by the LA Times article that called out the DOJ.