Gun Sense Now
#GunSenseNow advocates for “common sense” gun safety legislation, emphasizing that gun reform doesn’t mean banning all guns — but implementing evidence-based policies to reduce gun violence. The hashtag is closely associated with Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action.
Everytown for Gun Safety
Formed in 2014 from merger of Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Everytown became the largest gun violence prevention organization, rivaling NRA influence.
#GunSenseNow became Everytown’s mobilizing hashtag.
Moms Demand Action
Founded by Shannon Watts after Sandy Hook Elementary shooting (December 2012), Moms Demand Action organized mothers to advocate for gun safety:
- Local chapters in all 50 states
- Grassroots activism (phone banks, rallies, lobby days)
- Electoral endorsements (“Gun Sense Candidates”)
- Corporate pressure campaigns
The organization pioneered “red shirt” branding at protests.
Policy Priorities
#GunSenseNow campaigns for:
- Universal background checks: Closing private sale loopholes
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders: “Red flag laws” temporarily removing guns from dangerous individuals
- Secure storage laws: Preventing child access
- Domestic abuser disarmament: Removing guns from convicted abusers
- Closing boyfriend loophole: Extending abuser restrictions beyond spouses
- Research funding: CDC gun violence research (banned 1996-2019)
Reframing The Debate
#GunSenseNow shifted language:
- “Gun safety” instead of “gun control” (less threatening to gun owners)
- “Common sense” policies (emphasizing broad support)
- “Gun violence prevention” (public health framing)
- “Gun sense candidates” (positive branding)
Bloomberg Funding
Michael Bloomberg poured hundreds of millions into Everytown, creating infrastructure to compete with NRA:
- Full-time staff in every state
- Data analytics and targeting
- Ad campaigns
- Lobbying capacity
- Electoral spending
Critics called it billionaire buying influence; supporters said it leveled the playing field.
Electoral Success
#GunSenseNow claimed victories:
- 2018 midterms: Gun safety candidates won; NRA-backed candidates lost
- 2020: Gun safety majorities in several state legislatures
- Virginia 2019: First gun reform laws in decades after Democratic takeover
- State-level wins: Background check laws in Colorado, Nevada, Washington
NRA Rivalry
The hashtag represented direct challenge to NRA:
- Competing for gun-owning moderates
- Outspending NRA in key races
- Recruiting “gun sense” Republicans
- Highlighting NRA’s declining membership
Parkland & Youth Engagement
After February 2018 Parkland shooting, #GunSenseNow intersected with #NeverAgain student movement:
- Joint rallies and events
- Student voter registration drives
- Youth ambassadors program
- School walkouts with Moms Demand Action support
Corporate Campaigns
Everytown pressured corporations to adopt gun safety policies:
- Retailers: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart restricted gun sales
- Banks: Citigroup, Bank of America limited gun industry financing
- Tech companies: Social media policies on gun sales
Counter-Resistance
Gun rights advocates fought back:
- State preemption laws blocking local gun ordinances
- “Constitutional Carry” laws eliminating permit requirements
- Stand Your Ground expansions
- Lawsuits against gun restrictions
COVID-19 & Racial Justice
Pandemic saw record gun purchases (22+ million in 2020). #GunSenseNow emphasized:
- Suicide risk with increased gun access
- Domestic violence escalation
- Safe storage urgency
Racial justice protests complicated messaging:
- Police violence driving some communities to arm themselves
- Questions about disarmament amid state violence
- Intersectional gun safety approach needed
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