CHILLICOTHE, Ohio —In response to the escalating gun violence in the region, Brady United, a national gun violence prevention organization, has established a local chapter in the Scioto Valley. The new chapter, Brady Scioto Valley, aims to address the surge in shootings and foster a safer community through advocacy and education.
About Brady United
Founded in 1974 as the National Council to Control Handguns, Brady United has been at the forefront of the gun control movement for nearly five decades. Renamed Handgun Control, Inc. in 1980 and later rebranded in 2001 to honor Jim Brady—who was wounded during the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan—the organization has championed bipartisan efforts to reduce gun violence. One of its most significant achievements is the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which instituted federal background checks for firearm purchasers.
Today, Brady United continues to advocate for comprehensive gun reform, including universal background checks and assault weapon bans. The organization engages in public awareness campaigns and litigation aimed at holding the gun industry accountable, all with the mission of creating safer communities nationwide.
Local Leadership and Advocacy
Leading the Brady Scioto Valley chapter is local activist Jason Salley, who has been a vocal proponent of “common-sense” gun policies. Salley’s commitment to ending gun violence is deeply personal; a family member was injured in a triple shooting on Chillicothe’s east side late last year. In January, Salley addressed the Chillicothe City Council, urging officials to condemn the rising gun violence and take actionable steps to address the issue. During his poignant speech, he highlighted the human toll of these tragedies.
“Don’t wait until gun violence touches your family to take a stand,” Salley told The Guardian. “We have to address this crisis, and there are concrete steps we can take to do so.”
Salley advocates for the implementation of Red Flag Laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These laws allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. Studies have shown that such measures significantly reduce firearm-related deaths; in 2020 alone, they are estimated to have saved approximately 7,300 lives.
A Community Call to Action
Brady Scioto Valley plans to build a coalition of community members, local leaders, and organizations to combat gun violence in the region. Since the beginning of 2022, Ross County has witnessed over 60 shootings, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention.
“Something has to be done. We have had a murder at a local hotel, a deputy shot at the Ross County Law Complex, and several others wounded in these acts of violence,” Salley emphasized. “Gun violence is preventable if we work together.”
Salley intends to continue his advocacy by addressing the Chillicothe City Council again and reaching out to surrounding communities. The Brady Scioto Valley chapter invites residents to join their efforts in promoting policies and initiatives that aim to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety.
For more information or to get involved with Brady Scioto Valley, community members are encouraged to contact the organization directly through their Facebook page.