Brady Marks Six Years Since the Death of Jim Brady

Washington, D.C., August 4, 2020 - Today, Brady marks six years since the death of Jim Brady from complications resulting from gunshot injuries he sustained in the 1981 assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan. Jim’s death was ruled a homicide due to his injury’s origins, a stark reminder of the lifelong physical and emotional toll and trauma that gun violence survivors carry with them. Today, Brady remembers Jim’s lifelong commitment to gun safety and unwavering support of common-sense gun violence prevention policy, and celebrates Jim’s many contributions and accomplishments.

Brady President Kris Brown shared:

“All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Jim and Sarah Brady for their tireless work saving lives. Brady, the organization that bears their name, continues that life-saving work today, building on their legacy, including their work in creating the background check system that bears their name, the “Brady” law, and ensuring that remains the strong fortress it was intended to be.

Today marks six years since Jim Brady died of the injuries he sustained on March 30, 1981. For more than 30 years, Jim lived with the ‘severe health consequences’ of the shooting and, despite these injuries, prevailed in helping establish federal, common-sense gun violence prevention policies. His legacy includes the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established the National Instant Background Check System (NICS) that screens prospective firearm purchasers and has prevented more than 3 million sales to prohibited purchasers. This law has saved countless lives since it was enacted and has served as a fundamental building block for numerous other policies that have likewise worked to keep weapons out of the hands of those who should not have them. In thinking of Jim and Sarah’s legacy, we must remain committed to their clear mission to prevent gun violence and make this country safer. Brady is proud to continue in that work and is proud to bear their name.”