Demand the Ban

Announcing a Direct Action to DEMAND THE BAN

Make semi-automatic assault weapons illegal nationwide

• Meltdown and Repurpose an Assault Weapon as a Symbol of Life
• March to and Legal Rally at U.S. Senator Toomey’s Office
• Deliver the Repurposed Assault Weapon to Senator Toomey
• Nonviolent Civil Disobedience to Demand the Ban

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 in Philadelphia

10:00 am:    Gather at Arch Street Friends Meeting House, 4^th and Arch Streets Ceremonial meltdown and repurposing of an assault weapon into a Symbol of Life

11:00 am:    Procession to Senator Toomey’s Office, 200 Chestnut Street                        Short walk from Arch Street Friends Meeting House to Senator’s Toomey’s office

11:30 am:     Legal Rally at Senator Toomey’s Office                                                          Demand Toomey’s Co-sponsorship of S.2095, Assault Weapons Ban of 2017

12:00 Noon: Nonviolent Civil Disobedience Action*                                                                     A group of nonviolent advocates will attempt to deliver the Repurposed Assault Weapon/Symbol of Life to Senator Toomey and will occupy his office until he co-sponsors S.2095

Why are we demanding a nationwide ban on rapid firing, semi-automatic assault weapons?

While the profiles of mass shooters vary, their weapon of choice does not. Rapid-firing, semi-automatic assault weapons have been used in multiple mass shootings over the last five years in the United States, causing unimaginable carnage and human suffering. These weapons are designed to kill as many people as possible, in as little time as possible. They are weapons of war that have no legitimate role in civilian life. Enough! We Demand the Ban.

For more information: http://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/hardware-ammunition/assault-weapons

Why are we focusing on Senator Patrick Toomey?

When U.S. Senator Patrick Toomey (R-PA) co-sponsored the 2013 Toomey-Manchin bill to expand national background checks on gun sales, he received extremely favorable national media coverage. In 2016, Senator Toomey was endorsed by some national gun violence prevention organizations and individuals, helping the senator win reelection in an extremely close race. It’s time for Senator Toomey to earn his reputation as a national leader to prevent gun violence. Since he has refused to meet with Demand the Ban organizers to discuss a ban on assault weapons, we are mobilizing people from Pennsylvania and throughout the United States to bring the Demand the Ban to Senator Toomey’s office in Philadelphia on March 21, 2018.

 Why are we conducting Direct Action and Nonviolent Civil Disobedience?

Recent public opinion polls have reported that 2 in 3 Americans support a ban on rapid-firing, semi-automatic assault weapons. Yet, our national political leaders refuse to act to protect our children and families. In the great tradition of the U.S. movements for slavery abolition, women’s suffrage, civil rights, and other human rights struggles, we are calling on members of the gun violence prevention movement to take direct action and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience. Gun violence prevention advocates from the Philadelphia-area, across Pennsylvania, and throughout the United States are invited to join us on March 21, 2018.

*Individuals participating the nonviolent civil disobedience action WILL be risking arrest. Any individual participating in the nonviolence civil disobedience action will be required to attend a day-long non-violence training and pledge to adhere to the Action’s nonviolence discipline. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE NONVIOLENCE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ACTION ON MARCH 21^st, PLEASE CONTACT: Terry Rumsey at terry@delcounited.net or

484-326-1370

 The Demand the Ban Direct Action is being sponsored by:

CHARLES Foundation, Delaware County United for Sensible Gun Policy, Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence, Raw Tools, and The Simple Way