Guns Down America Executive Director Calls for Gun-Free July 4th: “Guns Don’t Make You Free”

July 3, 2024

Washington, D.C. — Ahead of the 4th of July, Guns Down America Executive Director Hudson Munoz released the following statement:

“Our vision is an America where we come out of holiday weekends as a connected community, not as individuals shattered by gun violence. Guns don't make us free, and celebratory gunfire is not an expression of our freedom. Guns are a choice, and choosing to distance yourself from them increases your likelihood of enjoying happy celebrations and getting home safely. By opening up conversations about guns in your community and cultivating more gun-free spaces, we can enjoy true freedom. We wish you all a happy, safe, and free Fourth of July.”

Mass shootings during Fourth of July celebrations are on the rise. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 80 mass shootings from July 1-7 over the past three years: 25 in 2021, 27 in 2022, and 28 in 2023. Guns Down America is working towards a future that reverses this trend through corporate accountability and culture change.