After hearing from various anti-gun violence groups, including
Coalition To Stop Gun Violence, renowned talk show host, Jay Leno, cancelled his performance with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Leno was to appear at the NSSF's annual Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor Trade show in Las Vegas early next year.
Less than 24 hours after this petition was launched, Jay Leno contacted Po Murray, the executive director of Newtown Action Alliance, to inform her that he had cancelled his appearance at the 2015 SHOT Show. He said he was unaware that the NSSF was a pro-gun lobbying group based in Newtown, Connecticut. As Leno told Mother Jones magazine in separate remarks,
“I understand it’s Newtown, and of course I get it. It’s just, sometimes, mistakes get made.”
Here's to the power of the people who created and signed the petition. Through petitions we are able to exercise our fundamental right to Freedom of Speech, and create change in a peaceful and positive way.
Thank you, Jay Leno, for hearing the public's concern.
Special thanks to Aaron Black for all the time, energy, and hard work he has put into this cause and many others.