‎Our message “Prevent A Gun Tragedy – Speak Up!” has been adopted by Fairfax County, Virginia.

Informal media event at the Government Center on September 20, 2022, to promote the Red Flag gun law initiative. There are now 344 Connector buses with the sign depicted in the photos. They direct people to critical information via QR codes, a webpage, and more.

‎Pod Virginia talks with Paul Friedman: The Cost of Gun Violence and Building a Safer Country”.

POD Virginia
Published August 30, 2022

Should Virginia teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom?

RADIO IQ | By Michael Pope
Published August 4, 2022

Fairfax County Gov’t Meeting

A Message from Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay about the county’s red flag law public awareness campaign, which was initiated by Safer Country.

WVTF Radio

A tip prevented a mass shooting in Richmond, as communities tout the importance of red flag laws

New Safer Country Ad

‘Church and State’ Play Reading and Talk Back

Including Safer Country Executive Director Paul Friedman

Special Thanks to Advisory Committee Members Jason Odell Williams and Charlotte Cohn for the invitation to participate.

Learn more at www.churchandstatetheplay.com

WEBA Interview with Don Beyer

Paul Friedman, Executive Director of Safer Country, hosts a one-on-one interview with Democratic Incumbent Congressman Don Beyer. Get up close and personal with your candidates before election day.

Safer Country’s First Red Flag Ad

Here is our first Red Flag Ad.

Safer Country Honors Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk

Last year, Safer Country initiated a project with Fairfax County to launch a campaign to raise awareness about Virginia’s red flag (Emergency Substantial Risk Order) law.

The work produced a new government webpage which features Safer Country’s recommended slogan, “Prevent A Gun Tragedy – Speak Up!”

On Monday, December 13, the Fairfax County government held a press conference, which included Safer Country Executive Director Paul Friedman. It put the matter at the top of WUSA9’s 6 pm news show that night.

Due to his leadership, on Wednesday, March 9 Safer Country honored Lee District Supervisor and Public Safety Chair Rodney Lusk at The Garden in Building Momentum in Alexandria.

Commentary: A red-letter day

Napa Valley Register: December 16, 2021

Red Flag Law / Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO) Information Campaign Kick-off

This is the official video recording of the December 13 Safer Country/Fairfax County press event launching our Red Flag law public awareness campaign. Towards the end, Safer Country’s Executive Director, Paul Friedman, speaks.
Virginia’s Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO) law, commonly referred to as a Red Flag law, enables the Fairfax County Police Department to investigate and seek a court order to temporarily remove guns from individuals who have been determined an imminent danger to themselves or others.

The Patch, 12/13/2021

Safer Country and Fairfax County launch Red Flag public awareness campaign.

Alexandria Gazette, 12/11/2021

Virginia’s Red Flag law and Safer Country’s public awareness campaign.

Connection Newspaper, 12/09/2021

Virginia’s Red Flag law works best with public involvement.

FEATURING
Judd Ehrlich

Director of “The Price of Freedom,” an explosive look at the NRA, which is available on HBO MAX

Fred Guttenberg

Gun safety activist and father of Jaime, who was killed during the Parkland mass shooting.

Hosted by
Paul Friedman
Executive Director, Safer Country

Transition Virginia Podcast

“How Can We Fight Political Gridlock”

Published:  9/10/2021

Washington Post Opinion: A Better Justice System

By Paul Friedman

Published:  9/7/2021

Fairfax County Press Release Announcing County Wide Awareness Campaign on Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO) Law

Andy Goddard, Safer Country Advisory Committee member and father of Colin, who suffered serious shooting wounds at the Virginia Tech on 4/16/07, is the Legislative Director of the Virginia Center for Public Safety. After learning of the passage of this resolution, Andy sent his congratulations to Safer Country Executive Director Paul Friedman. “Paul, that is a remarkable achievement! Congratulations. Hopefully this concept will spread to other counties, as it will undoubtedly save lives. You must feel justifiably proud.”

Check out this article from the Alexandria, VA publication called The Zebra.

The story is about recent significant changes to gun laws which have been enacted by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

On the Eve of the 40th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Murder:

Could A Gun Safety Law Have Saved the Beatle’s Life?

Tuesday, December 8 is the 40th anniversary of John Lennon’s murder by a gunman. On Monday, December 7th, The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence’s “Red, Blue and Brady” podcast will air ….  read more

Duty to Resist was co-produced by Safer Country in 2020 to express the need to stand up and speak out for change in our nation, particularly with regard to gun violence prevention laws.

With the passage in Virginia of a substantial risk protection order law, Safer Country recognized that this law works best when the public is aware of it and takes advantage of it. Thus, Safer Country organized the first law enforcement forum on the subject right before it went into effect on July 1, 2020.

Recorded: June 25, 2020

Safer Country Launch Party
November 20, 2019

Pete Brodnitz, President Expedition Strategies
Mark Levine, VA Delegate, (D-45)
Mike and Kristin Song The Songs lost their 15-year-old son to an accidental gun shooting in a neighbor’s home and led a successful effort in Connecticut to pass “Ethan’s Law.”

Special Performance: “Duty to Resist” on guitar by singer/songwriter Dusty Horwitt

Held at the Alexandria home of Greg Parks and David Lord, Safer Country Advisory Committee member.