Gun safety nonprofit receives mixed reactions for donating to Tennessee GOP lawmakers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Voices for a Safer Tennessee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit borne out of the Covenant School shooting that advocates for “pragmatic” gun legislation to save lives, is being criticized by a Covenant parent, Democratic lawmakers, and some on social media for donating to political action committees linked to Republican lawmakers who oppose gun control—but the organization is defending its contributions.

Voices for a Safer Tennessee ‘s PAC contributions were first uncovered by the Tennessee Lookout. According to online records, the nonprofit gave $15,000 to a PAC linked to Republican Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, and $10,000 to a PAC linked to House Speaker Cameron Sexton, among other contributions to Republicans who have historically voted down proposed legislation aimed at restricting and/or regulating guns and gun safety, including safe storage bills.

In a post on X , Covenant parent, Nick Hansen called the contributions “cowardly and shameful.”

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Voices for a Safer Tennessee issued the following statement defending the donations:

“ Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and advocating for pragmatic firearm laws that will save lives. Since its inception, Safer TN has clearly communicated and demonstrated its approach of working with the entirety of the Tennessee General Assembly to advance its mission. We thoughtfully navigate the realities of our political landscape, which currently includes a Republican supermajority in both chambers, in our efforts. Funds distributed from Safer TN’s affiliated PAC are consistent with this approach, with contributions being made to members and leaders of both political parties.

Safer TN saw important progress during the 2024 legislative session with new laws (HB1600 and Jillian’s Law) that meaningfully reduce firearm access for those who pose a danger to themselves and others, and stopped dangerous legislation that would have allowed the open carry of loaded long guns in public places. Working together with lawmakers and advocates, this is the first session in nearly a decade where access to firearms was not expanded, but restricted.

We are encouraged by the growth of our coalition of nearly 30,000 in all 95 counties, the tireless work of hundreds of volunteers, and relationships built across the aisle at the legislature since its founding just over one year ago. Advancing firearm safety laws in Tennessee will take time. Safer TN is committed to this effort for the long run. “

However, House Democratic Caucus chairman, Rep. John Ray Clemmons called the contributions “indefensible,” and pointed out the nonprofit made a $10,000 contribution to a PAC linked to Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) who compared the “Tennessee 3” gun protest at the Capitol after the Covenant School shooting, to an insurrection on the Hallerin Hilton Hill show on NewsTalk 98.7 in Knoxville.

“It was an insurrection, and even the media who have been covering it calls it an insurrection. They were trying to incite people,” Speaker Sexton said in the radio interview in April 2023.

“It was very disheartening to see [Voices for a Safer Tennessee] give such large sums of money to, for instance, an individual who called them and all the other families that came to the Capitol crying out for gun safety legislation, insurrectionists,” Rep. Clemmons said.

Voices for a Safer Tennessee made several contributions to Democrats, including a $2,500 donation to Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville), adding up to a fraction of what their Republican counterparts received. However, Rep. Clemmons told News 2 it’s not about the money.

“We don’t expect the money, so that’s not really the complaint. It’s the fact that these organizations invest against their own self-interest and what they proclaim to be their policy priorities time and again,” Clemmons said.

Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland), who received $5,000 from Voices for a Safer Tennessee, called the “hostility” toward the nonprofit “shameful” in a statement to News 2.

“The hostility directed at Voices for a Safer Tennessee by leftist keyboard activists is shameful. I was honored to have their support, and I appreciate their valuable input on several impactful new laws that will save lives without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. Their efforts should be commended. The safety of our communities matters to all of us, not just Covenant families or the families of the 700 other murder victims across Tennessee last year. We will continue to put forth good ideas that make our state safer for everyone ,” Lamberth wrote.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, whose leadership PAC received $15,000 from Voices for a Safer Tennessee, issued the following statement to News 2:

“I appreciate and value all individuals and organizations who contribute to our efforts to make Tennessee safe, free and prosperous ,” McNally wrote.

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