Brady PAC will have Fred Guttenberg as a senior advisor. Jamie Guttenberg, his daughter, was an aspiring gymnast and dancer.
Nikolas Cruz has pleaded guilty Wednesday, to 17 counts for first-degree murder in the shooting. He could be sentenced to death in January. Guttenberg, who is a well-known activist over the years following the shooting, stated that he visited his daughter’s grave this week and asked her for guidance. "Cause Jamie's strength is my strength."
Guttenberg stated that while Jamie may have only been 14 years old, she was the most tough and wisest person she knew. Guttenberg spoke in an interview. "If you're curious about my motivation, why I'm doing this now with Brady PAC, here's the answer."
Brady PAC was formed prior to 2018’s midterm elections. It supports candidates who support gun violence prevention. The Brady PAC spent $5 million during 2020's election cycle. It has pledged to invest millions more in next year's races.
Guttenberg, 55-year-old ex-small business owner, stated that "I believe we're one election cycle away either from getting this done or losing the chance."
He said, "Or we don't do it anymore."
Guttenberg pointed out that Democrats, who are largely in agreement with him and Brady PAC on top guns issues, control Congress and could continue to hold both chambers until 2022. However, the party that wins in the White House (as Democrats did through Joe Biden 2020), historically loses seats in each election.
Guttenberg stated, "I believe people should stop pretending that everyone knows what's coming in 2022 and start working for what they want." I want more gun safety candidates to be elected to the Senate and the House. Absolute. End of story. "I think the voters are in agreement with me."
Cruz shot and killed 14 students and three teachers during a seven minute rampage through Stoneman Douglas. He used an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle with which he was able to fire in classrooms and hallways. Cruz was expelled from school one year prior due to threatening, frightening and unusual behavior. This history dated back to preschool.
Stoneman Douglas students were among those who were affected by the shootings and launched the March for Our Lives movement to push for tighter gun laws in America. Guttenberg was not the only one who died. Many other parents have also become activists.
Guttenberg, who was attending President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in February 2017, began shouting after the Republican president stated, "I will always defend your Second Amendment right of keep and bear arms." later apologized via twitter.
In September 2018, Guttenberg was also noticed in Congress when he tried to shake hands during a break in the Senate confirmation hearing with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh turned his head and walked away. Kavanaugh later stated that he assumed Guttenberg to be a protester. He said that he would have shown sympathy and shaken Guttenberg’s hand if he recognized him. Kavanaugh was confirmed by the court.
Brady PAC is the political arm a non-profit named after James Brady, former White House press secretary. Brady was shot in the head during the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan at the Washington Hilton Hotel in 1981.
Brady, along with his wife, became a prominent gun control activist prior to his death in 2014.. Brady is the name of a federal law that requires background checks on handgun buyers.