For Immediate Release:
July 25, 2023
For More Information:
Adam Garber, Executive Director, (267) 515-1220, adam.garber@ceasefirepa.org
STATEMENT: Lawsuit Against Gun Dealers Opens New Front In Life-Saving Efforts in Philadelphia
Philadelphia — Today, the City of Philadelphia announced it is suing three licensed firearm dealers in Philadelphia for enabling firearm trafficking. The City’s lawsuit, in partnership with Everytown, alleges the three dealers sold firearms to individuals who they knew were engaged in straw purchasing arrangements endangering the lives of residents.
Adam Garber, CeaseFirePA Education Fund’s Executive Director, issued the following statement in response:
“Gun dealers are the primary line of defense in the fight against gun violence under current law. We expect them to run background checks and do their best to keep firearms from prohibited purchasers. Unfortunately, today’s lawsuit makes it clear a few are breaking that defensive line, letting crime guns slip into our community with violent consequences.
“This failure isn’t a surprise to many. A report from Brady found just a handful of firearm dealers are responsible for the majority of recovered crime guns. We applaud the City of Philadelphia and Everytown for today’s lawsuit ensuring that licensed firearm dealers live up to their responsibility to keep our communities safe. While we can’t bring back the people lost due to their fatal failure, with this lawsuit the court can send a signal that dealers have a moral and legal obligation to keep firearms from prohibited purchasers.”
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As the Commonwealth’s leading gun violence prevention organization, CeaseFirePA works to ensure everyone can live a life free from gun violence. We organize with communities closest to the issue, hold those in power accountable, and maximize the strengths of every member in our broad coalition.
