Brady Campaign: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Brady Campaign or Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence or The Brady Campaign united with the Million Mom March was founded in 1974 as the National Council to Control Handguns and was named Handgun Control, Inc. from 1980 until 2001.

Gun control goals

"We're going to have to take one step at a time, and the first step is necessarily — given the political realities — going to be very modest. ... Our ultimate goal — total control of handguns in the United States — is going to take time. My estimate is from seven to ten years. The first problem is to slow down the increasing number of handguns sold in this country. The second problem is to get them all registered. And the final problem is to make the possession of all handguns and all handgun ammunition — except for the military, policemen, licensed security guards, licensed sporting clubs, and licensed gun collectors — totally illegal."

- Pete Shields, former Chair of Handgun Control, Inc. (1976)

James and Sarah Brady have been influential in the organization since at least the mid-80's. James Brady, who was shot by John Hinckley, Jr. on March 30, 1981. Though permanently paralyzed, Brady continued with his duties as White House Press Secretary until 1989 despite his disability.

Sarah Brady became the Chair of Handgun Control, Inc. in 1989, replacing Pete Shields who held that position since 1978.

Since 2000 former Maryland Congressman Michael Barnes has been the President of the Brady Campaign.

• "A Reporter At Large: Handguns," The New Yorker, July 26, 1976, pp. 57-58