Hollywood stars including Amy Schumer, Mark Ruffalo, and Julianne Moore penned an open letter, published on Monday, asking films and television shows to portray responsible gun ownership and curb scenes including children with firearms. 

It was written in response to the shootings at Uvalde and Buffalo, and signed by top producers like JJ Abrams and Shonda Rhimes. 

Led by the gun control nonprofit, Brady Campaign, the letter reads, “Cultural attitudes toward smoking, drunk driving, seatbelts and marriage equality have all evolved due in large part to movies’ and TV’s influence. It’s time to take on gun safety”.

Also Read | Uvalde high school students faced gun threat weeks after shooting: Report

It continues, “We are not asking anyone to stop showing guns on screen. We are asking writers, directors and producers to be mindful of on-screen gun violence and model gun safety best practices.” 

The letter suggests some methods like showing characters lock up their guns safely, and talks being held before production begins to decide whether alternatives to guns can be used without “sacrificing narrative integrity.” 

Also Read | Where the Senate stands on the gun bill after US House passed it

It takes note of the fact that firearms are now the leading cause of death in the United States, having overtaken motor vehicle crashes. The letter asks that “colleagues in the creative community limit scenes including children and guns.” 

The Uvalde shooting claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults. Ten days before, a racist attack at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, claimed the lives of ten people. 

Also Read | Actor Matthew McConaughey calls for gun legislation at White House

Over 200 Hollywood figures have signed this letter, including Jimmy Kimmel and Adam McKay. It notes guns “are prominently featured in TV and movies in every corner of the globe, but only America has a gun violence epidemic.”

The letter continues, “The responsibility lies with lax gun laws supported by those politicians more afraid of losing power than saving lives.”

It concludes, “We didn’t cause the problem, but we want to help fix it.”