The horrific mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut was a wake-up call for our nation, and underscored a growing epidemic of gun violence that threatens every American.
In the weeks following this tragedy, New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasioand elected officials across the country launched a national divestment campaign to urge hedge funds and money managers to divest from the manufacturers of assault weapons and high-capacity ammo clips. Gun advocates from across the country joined this effort, making phone calls, sending letters, and leading protests at the offices of the nation’s largest gun investors.
The divestment campaign has quickly proven that public pressure can be a game-changer. Since first launching the divestment campaign against manufacturers of assault weapons and high-capacity ammo clips, ten hedge funds and money managers have completely divested their gun holdings, valued at $170 million. Twelve more firms have scaled back their gun investments by 5.7 million shares—25 percent of their holdings.
The Campaign to Unload is comprised of more than 30 advocacy organizations , which represent more than 20 million Americans from across the country. If you would like to join the coalition, click here to send us a message.
