Everytown for Gun Safety, known for its advocacy for stricter firearm regulations, has launched a new gun training program called Train SMART, which offers courses aimed at responsible gun ownership. This initiative aims to promote safety and responsibility through on-demand and Zoom-style sessions, costing between $20 and $100, but it has also drawn sharp criticism from activists who believe it contradicts the organization’s mission to reduce gun violence.
The program, designed by military veterans, seeks to provide a different approach to gun training by emphasizing careful storage and the statistics surrounding gun ownership risks. However, many within the gun violence prevention community view the initiative as a betrayal, with some survivors of gun violence expressing deep offense and even resigning from their positions in protest. Supporters of the program, however, argue it reflects a shift towards a “harm reduction” model that acknowledges the reality of gun ownership while encouraging safe practices.
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