Our History
Arizonans For Gun Safety was founded in 1995 by Geraldine Hills after her brother, Adam Hills, was killed by a man with an AK-47 and a history of mental illness.
In the years since, Arizonans for Gun Safety has been a critical voice in the fight for a safer Arizona. We’ve filed amici curiae briefs in litigation surrounding reasonable gun restrictions and promoted a Gun Buyback Program. Arizonans For Gun Safety has also partnered with other organizations to promote gun safety, serving as the fiscal sponsor of March for Our Lives Arizona and advocating at the Arizona Legislature alongside partner organizations.
Centering Survivors
Survivors of gun violence have long been at the forefront of our organization, serving as prominent gun violence prevention advocates in Arizona.
Former State Representative Jennifer Longdon joined AZGS after she was paralyzed due to a random drive-by shooting. Representative Longdon later became the president of Arizonans For Gun Safety
Otis and Lory Smith joined after their daughter Shannon was killed by a stray bullet fired into the air. AZGS was critical in passing Shannon’s Law, making it a felony offense to shoot a firearm into the air.
Most recently, we’re starting Survivors United to provide community and continue centering survivors’ voices.
Continuing the Fight
Maya Zuckerberg took over as President in 2022. She is looking forward to steering Arizonans For Gun Safety to create real, lasting change, and to make our communities a safer place for Arizonans to live and thrive.
Through ongoing partnerships in the Arizona gun safety movement, the creation of Survivors United and the Youth Advisory Board, and the dedicated work of our team, Arizonans for Gun Safety is continuing the fight to end gun violence in Arizona.
