Meaning: The quote, "Unless they're a fugitive or a felon, or adjudicated mentally ill, we're not against them buying guns at all," by Sarah Brady, an activist, reflects her stance on gun control and the limitations she believes should be in place for purchasing firearms. Sarah Brady was a prominent figure in the United States in the late 20th century, advocating for stricter gun control laws after her husband, James Brady, was shot and paralyzed during an attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Following the incident, Sarah Brady became a vocal advocate for gun control, co-founding the organization Handgun Control, Inc. (now known as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence) with her husband.

In the quote, Sarah Brady is expressing a nuanced position on gun control. She acknowledges that there are certain circumstances in which individuals should be restricted from purchasing firearms – specifically, if they are a fugitive, a felon, or have been adjudicated mentally ill. This statement reflects a pragmatic approach to gun control, recognizing that there are valid reasons for limiting access to firearms in order to promote public safety and prevent gun violence.

The first part of the quote, "Unless they're a fugitive or a felon," addresses individuals who have committed serious criminal offenses. In the United States, federal law prohibits individuals who have been convicted of a felony from purchasing or possessing firearms. This restriction is intended to prevent individuals with a history of violent or serious criminal behavior from obtaining firearms, reducing the risk of further harm to society.

The second part of the quote, "or adjudicated mentally ill," pertains to individuals who have been legally determined to be mentally ill or incompetent. This component of the quote reflects the concern for the intersection of mental health and access to firearms. In the context of gun control debates, there is ongoing discussion about how to balance the rights of individuals with mental illness with the need to ensure public safety. Sarah Brady's statement suggests that she supports limitations on gun purchases for individuals who have been adjudicated as mentally ill, recognizing the potential risks associated with firearms in the hands of those with serious mental health issues.

Sarah Brady's position on gun control, as expressed in this quote, aligns with the broader goals of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which advocates for policies aimed at preventing gun violence and promoting responsible gun ownership. The organization has been involved in efforts to enact legislation such as the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established federal background checks for firearm purchases from licensed dealers.

Overall, Sarah Brady's quote reflects a balanced approach to gun control, emphasizing the importance of reasonable limitations on firearm purchases while also recognizing the rights of law-abiding citizens to own guns. Her advocacy for measures to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds or serious mental illness from accessing firearms underscores the ongoing debate and efforts to address gun violence in the United States.