Americans for Gun Safety is a project of the Tsunami Fund, a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Americans for Gun Safety (AGS) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy organization that supports the right of individuals to own firearms and urges responsibility in keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and children.
With 300,000 gun-related crimes and 10,000 gun-related homicides occurring every year, there is more we can do to lock up criminals who use guns, effectively enforce the existing gun laws, and close the loopholes in those laws that make it all too easy for criminals and children to get guns in the first place.
AGS, founded in July 2000 by Andrew McKelvey, CEO of TMP Worldwide, has been labeled the "dominant force" for gun safety by The Washington Post. AGS has been widely covered by the media, including The New York Times, Fortune, Newsweek, CNN, U.S. News & World Report, National Public Radio, FOX News and the National Journal, among others.
For decades, America's gun debate has been polarized—a political war fought by opposing ideological forces. One side believes gun ownership is an absolute right that allows for no restrictions, and that the only way to stop gun crime is longer prison sentences. The other side believes gun ownership is an absolute wrong, and that the only way to stop gun crime is to massively regulate, even ban, guns. AGS views this as a false choice, with one side rejecting any reasonable steps to keep guns away from criminals and the other demonizing America's 80 million gun owners.
Instead of playing politics with guns, AGS focuses on the illegal black market where guns are trafficked—with the aim of making it harder for criminals to exploit the loopholes in our laws and the weaknesses in our background check systems. |
AGS Priorities
To reduce gun crime, promote responsible gun ownership, and respect gun rights, Americans for Gun Safety's top priorities are:
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Passing Gun Safety Ballot Initiatives |
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In the fall of 2000, AGS invested $3 million in Colorado and Oregon to pass historic ballot measures requiring criminal background checks at all gun show sales. Voters, including a majority of gun owners, overwhelmingly approved the initiatives. The campaign included ads featuring Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and local law enforcement officials. AGS expects to sponsor additional measures in 2002 and 2004.
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Closing America's Gun Show Loophole |
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There are still 37 states where criminals and terrorists can purchase guns at gun shows. To close this dangerous loophole, AGS joined with Senators McCain and Lieberman to introduce and fight for passage of a bill to require background checks at all of America's 4,400 annual gun shows.
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Improving Background Checks |
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Thousands of criminals illegally purchase guns because states keep poor criminal history records—records that are used to perform background checks. AGS is urging the states and Congress to improve and automate these records.
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Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking |
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In six states, AGS is promoting a "get tough" enforcement package that aims to reduce gun crime by cracking down on illegal gun traffickers and corrupt gun stores, and providing the police with better enforcement tools.
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Promoting Gun Safety |
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The AGS Foundation runs a comprehensive gun safety website and also placed a 30-second PSA featuring Senator McCain in 2,500 theaters nationwide.
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