A $62 Million Victory

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Friend,   In the wake of all the hard news of the past few weeks, this weekend we want to share with you a huge victory: Brady Legal has secured the largest ever verdict dealt against a gun dealer.   Between 2019-2022, ghost guns devastated the city of Baltimore, with nearly a 1500% increase in the number of ghost guns linked to crimes. These unserialized and therefore untraceable firearms are popular among prohibited purchasers, including minors, individuals convicted of felonies, and gun traffickers.   In 2022, Brady took the issue to court, filing suit on behalf of the City of Baltimore against the largest ghost gun manufacturer, Polymer80, and Maryland gun dealer Hanover Armory. The suit sought to hold Polymer80 and Hanover accountable for the harm they caused the city and alleged they had funneled ghost guns onto Baltimore streets with no care or consideration for whether or not the purchasers were prohibited from owning a firearm.     In 2024, we got our first victory in the case when Polymer80 settled with the City of Baltimore for $1.2 million. That same year, Polymer80 was forced to close its doors in the wake of the suit and other similar litigation.    The case against  Hanover Armory continued to move forward, ultimately going to trial in August 2025. And last week, that case concluded with the jury awarding the City of Baltimore $62 million dollars in damages.    This is the LARGEST EVER verdict in American history against a firearms retailer and is a harbinger of the type of accountability that is to come for the gun industry. Funds from the verdict will be managed by the City of Baltimore and distributed to three community violence intervention groups to address gun violence in the city.   These are the types of victories that will truly help end the gun violence epidemic in our country. Brady was proud to represent the City of Baltimore and is dedicated to continuing these efforts in the courts and in communities across the country.    But we cannot do it without your help. Will you consider supporting Brady's mission to end gun violence with a gift today? DONATE >>> In solidarity, Team Brady   Honoring the Victims of Annunciation Catholic School Shooting with Action On August 27, a shooter in Minnesota killed two children and injured 17 others at Annunciation Catholic School. As the third day of school began, children were attending a celebratory morning mass when the shooter fired through the windows of the church with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol.   Late August and early September mark the beginning of school for students across the country. But back to school shouldn't mean back to school shootings. We cannot allow this to continue to be our reality. Every single child deserves to go to school free from the fear of gun violence, and no parent should ever have to worry about whether or not their child will return home.    Thoughts and prayers are not enough. It is beyond time to take action. Join us today in calling on Congress to finally pass the national ban on assault weapons. TAKE ACTION >>>   The Trump Administration's Federal Takeover The Trump administration's takeover of our nation's capital has continued even as the city protests against this overreach of power. Today, Brady is joining the "We Are All DC" march to show our resistance against this armed occupation.    To make matters worse, U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro has announced that her office will not be prosecuting individuals for carrying long guns or large-capacity magazines in violation of D.C.'s open carry laws. This means that we will likely see more guns in Washington D.C., putting the lives of everyone who lives in the city and everyone who visits in danger. And this Trump doubled down, indicating that he will soon expand his federal takeover into Baltimore and Chicago.    If the Trump administration cared about decreasing crime, they would restore the billions in funding to community violence intervention groups and other programs that have resulted in historic lows in violent crime — NOT put more weapons on our streets. If more guns meant less crime, America would be the safest nation on Earth.   We can't let Trump take over American cities with his deadly guns everywhere agenda. Join us in calling for Congress to take action and stop the armed occupation of our cities. TAKE ACTION >>> You can also listen to Brady President Kris Brown talk about the decision to end the prosecution of people carrying long guns and large capacity magazines on Morning Joe. WATCH NOW >>> Firearm Suicide Prevention Month  On September 9, we recognize the fourth annual Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. Created by Brady in 2022, Firearm Suicide Prevention Day was designed to draw attention to the crisis of firearm suicide and the life-saving role of secure firearm storage.    On average, we lose 74 people to firearm suicide every single day in the U.S. — which is more than are lost to firearm homicide and unintentional shootings combined. And these tragedies are becoming more common. Youth firearm suicide rates have risen 57% and this increase is even larger among Black youth, who have experienced a 183% rise in firearm suicide.   But we can help change this.    In 75% of youth firearm suicides in which the gun storage method was identified, the gun was stored loaded and unlocked. By simply storing firearms securely — locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition — we can greatly reduce firearm suicide. Unfortunately, just 54% of new gun owners report storing all firearms in the home locked and unloaded. That's why we need to have candid conversations about firearm suicide and the importance of secure storage.   This year, drawing attention to America's gun suicide crisis and the robust evidence on the role safe firearm storage plays in preventing these tragedies is more important than ever. Since taking office, the Trump administration has targeted mental health research and funding for suicide prevention programs, including closing down the specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth within 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.   Please visit our website to learn about safe firearm storage and how to take action throughout Suicide Prevention Month. LEARN MORE >>> Of Course you Shouldn't be Able to Carry a Shotgun Around D.C., Washington Post   Baltimore Awarded $62 Million in Ghost Gun Lawsuit Against Arms Dealer, Washington Post   Minnesota Mass Shooting: Gun Control Groups Call For Concrete Congressional Action On Guns, Black Star News   Brady Condemns Advancement of Appropriations Bill Which Outlaws Federal Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Research, Brady The Unanswered Questions that Could Save Lives After the Minneapolis School Shooting, Kris Brown Substack SHARE ON BLUESKY >>>   Brady 840 First Street, NE Suite 400 Washington, DC 20002 United States   unsubscribe.   Thank you for supporting Brady and our work to prevent gun violence and save lives. We rely heavily on the generosity of activists like you to fund our work to create a safer America. If you're in this fight, please join Brady today by making a gift. DONATE >>>