The Illegal Gun
Problem

5 out of 6 guns recovered in crime
were obtained illegally
(Braga & Pierce, 2005)

51% of guns used by juveniles
& young adults were obtained
through straw purchasers who
buy guns legally and resell to
criminals and youth
(ATF, 1999)

1.2% of federally licensed gun
dealers supply 57% of guns used
in crime
(ATF, 1999)

More than 30,000 Americans die
each year at the end of a gun --
and statistics show the number
growing since 2004

Peace activist Alex "Matthew" Mendes used to say that guns were
as easy to buy as candy in his neighborhood. He doesn't say that
anymore. Matthew was murdered with an illegally trafficked handgun
on May 6, 2006.

Matthew Mendes' story is being repeated in neighborhoods across
America every day.

Tens of thousands of Americans are killed and maimed each year by
criminals and kids who obtain guns illegally. We can prevent most
of these shootings if we find out where crime guns come from and
shut off the supply at the source.

Asking Where did the gun come from? shines a spotlight on gun dealers
and traffickers who supply guns illegally to criminals and young people.
Our mission is to mobilize community members, elected leaders, law
enforcement and the media to ask Where did the gun come from?
after every shooting to cut off the flood of crime guns at the
source and save lives.

It's too late for Matthew and his family, but keeping guns out of the hands
of criminals could save the lives of thousands of Americans like him.

It starts by asking, Where did the gun come from?