VIRGINIA BEACH, VA., October 11, 2024 — The Brady Campaign, the nation’s leading gun violence prevention group, and Brady PAC today applauded endorsed-candidate Missy Cotter Smasal after a strong performance in her debate against Jen Kiggans, one of the gun lobby’s top allies in Congress.
“Jen Kiggans has repeatedly voted against common-sense measures to reduce gun violence, from universal background checks to laws that keep guns out of schools and childcare centers, or near polling places,” said Ashley Lantz, Executive Director of Brady PAC, the political arm of the Brady Campaign. “Missy Cotter Smasal is the only candidate in this race who will protect our kids, our communities, and our Commonwealth from the devastation of gun violence – and Brady is proud to support her.”
“As Virginians, we understand the devastating cost of gun violence all too well. This spring marked 17 years since 32 students and faculty were killed at Virginia Tech, and five years since 12 people were killed and four injured in a mass shooting in Virginia Beach. And that’s not to mention the daily gun violence that devastates our communities,” said Kris Brown, a native Virginian and President of Brady and Chair of Brady PAC. “We need representatives in DC who will act to prioritize Virginians’ lives and safety – not just talk about it. That’s why, as a proud Virginian and Brady’s President, I am supporting Missy Cotter Smasal.”
As voters continue to report that gun violence is a top concern in the upcoming election, Brady is working on a multi-state campaign to unseat the ‘Gun Lobby’s Freshman Five‘ – first-term pro-gun extremists in competitive districts who prioritize gun industry profits over community safety.
