Hollywood stars, musicians call for end to US gun violence in online PSA

In 2011, more than two out of three murders committed in the United States of America were done using firearms, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
 

Since 2007, majority of the victims murdered (with firearms) were assaulted using handguns. In light of these incidents, as well as previous shootings involcing children and teens arming themselves and shooting their schoolmates, there have already been various efforts for stricter gun control measures. But it wasn't until 20 children died in a mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, that a coordinated effort by both anti-gun advocates and US celebrities took a more aggressive, internet-based tactic against gun violence. 
 

On Dec. 21, an online gun lobbying group launched a video featuring more than 40 celebrities including singers John Legend, and Beyonce, actors Jamie Foxx, Peter Dinklage, Olivia Munn and Selena Gomez, TV host Conan O'Brien, as well as comedian Chris Rock, among others.

In the video titled "Demand a Plan to End Gun Violence", they listed educational institutions like "Columbine, Virginia Tech, Tucson, Aurora, Fort Hood, Oak Creek, Newtown" linked to previous shootings as they urged an "end gun violence."

 

A 700,000-strong group called Mayors Against Illegal Guns even put up a website, a Facebook page, and Twitter account to gather support "press all of our elected leaders to protect every American’s right to safety and security, without living in fear of gun violence."

 

Specifically, they wanted to request a legislation that:

 

• Require a criminal background check for every gun sold in America.

 

• Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

 

• Make gun trafficking a federal crime, including real penalties for "straw purchasers."

 

Mayors Against Illegal Guns was founded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. It is a coalition of American mayors from both Republican and Democratic Parties, together with Independents promoting stricter penalties for illegal gun use. – KDM, GMA News