Wisconsin Gun Violence Advocates Call for Comprehensive Legislative Action After 762 Deaths

Gun violence prevention advocates in Wisconsin, including Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, are actively pushing for legislative reforms in 2025 aimed at curbing gun trafficking and improving public safety. Their proposals include mandatory secure storage of firearms by dealers, employee background checks, comprehensive background checks for all gun sales, weapon tracing capabilities for law enforcement, and restrictions on multiple gun purchases within a single month. These efforts reflect a broad coalition of survivors, faith leaders, and community advocates focused on addressing the state's gun violence crisis, which resulted in 762 firearm deaths in 2023, disproportionately affecting Black residents. Advocacy events at the Wisconsin state Capitol have seen significant turnout, with survivors sharing personal stories and bipartisan support emerging for measures like tax exemptions for gun safes. Legislators emphasize that these policies aim to protect law-abiding gun owners and uphold Wisconsin's sporting traditions while targeting illegal gun dealers and traffickers responsible for community harm. Overall, the movement underscores a commitment to balancing gun rights with enhanced safety measures to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths across the state.