Dec 7, 2009
Washington, DC – Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign, issued the following statement on the death of Robert Ricker on December 4, 2009:
"We are deeply saddened to hear of Bob Ricker’s passing. During the years Bob worked for the gun industry, he was an insistent voice for reform within the industry, urging gun makers to take voluntary action to reduce the risks of gun death and injury.
"Eight years ago, out of frustration with the gun industry’s failure to recognize its responsibilities, Bob courageously spoke out, revealing the industry’s collective and conscious refusal to take action to protect against the massive flow of guns from licensed dealers into the illegal market. In sworn testimony, he spoke of the gun industry’s 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil approach' that encouraged 'a culture of evasion of firearms laws.' His testimony in one court led a federal judge to find that the industry's irresponsible distribution of guns constituted a public nuisance.
"We salute Bob Ricker as a historic figure in the ongoing struggle to save lives by bringing some sanity to our nation's gun policies."
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The Brady Campaign is the nation's largest citizens' lobby to prevent gun violence. We represent the voice of the overwhelming majority of Americans who are tired of living with the constant tragedy of gun violence and are in favor of strong laws and policies that will save lives. We are the light that exposes politicians who are putting the American people at risk, empowering the American people to hold them accountable for decisions and actions that undermine public safety.
We are driven by the focused vision of a nation where all Americans are safe at home, at work, at school, and in our communities.
Dan Gross is the President of the Brady Campaign and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. A photo and more information about Dan Gross is available here.
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