Gun Safety
Support and Advocacy for Local Gun Safety Laws
Protecting DC residents from gun violence is a top priority for DC Appleseed. Our efforts involve both litigation and local advocacy.
We have supported DC in defending local gun safety laws in the courts and against Congressional interference. Since the Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in Heller v. District of Columbia, which struck down the District’s ban on handguns in the home, Appleseed has supported the city’s efforts to enact sensible gun regulations consistent with the Heller decision. For example, we advocated for DC’s “Red Flag” law, which makes it possible to remove guns from potentially dangerous people.
Litigation remains part of our work. Since our amicus brief supporting DC in the landmark Heller case, we have continued to file amicus briefs in legal challenges to the city’s gun laws. Violence interruption is a more recent focus of our gun safety efforts. Our work with local groups and city officials includes identifying best practices and compiling critical information about the gun violence that has occurred in our community.
Continued Litigation and Violence Interruption
PROJECT STAFF
& PARTNERS
Staff Contact:
Vanessa Batters-Thompson
Neil Richardson
Pro Bono Partners:
Hughes, Hubbard & Reed
Arent Fox Schiff LLP
Arnold & Porter
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
Hogan Lovells LLP
and WilmerHale
Families for Gun Safety