The Right Not to Be Shot – How One Leader is Redefining Justice & Leadership
In an era where leadership is too often equated with visibility or volume, Jonathan Lowy reminded me what real leadership looks like — quiet courage, enduring commitment, and a relentless pursuit of justice. As the Founder and President of Global Action on Gun Violence, Jonathan is not just a seasoned attorney. He’s a force for systemic change, one who has taken on an industry cloaked in political protection and transformed legal strategies into life-saving reform.
Our C-Suite Success conversation was more than just an interview. It was a masterclass in how to lead with integrity, especially when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Jonathan entered the gun violence prevention space almost three decades ago, not through political channels, but through the courtroom. Early in his career, he represented survivors and victims of gun violence, many of whom had no other recourse. He quickly saw that litigation wasn’t just a legal remedy; it was a tool for change when the political system remained paralyzed. One example he shared involved two police officers gravely injured by trafficked firearms. The case sparked an unexpected ripple effect: local gun dealers — who were never even part of the lawsuit — voluntarily changed their business practices after learning about the case. That kind of self-regulated reform, inspired by exposure and accountability, is a testament to Jonathan’s impact.
But what struck me even more was Jonathan’s deep sense of humanity. He’s passionate about justice, yes — but also about writing, literature, sports, and family. He talked about how sports can create common ground across ideological divides. It’s hard to hate someone when you’re both cheering for the same team. That framing felt so relevant — not just for the gun debate, but for how we connect as leaders across all sectors.
We live in a world that often feels divided beyond repair, but Jonathan’s commitment to finding common ground is both rare and refreshing. He’s spoken with some of the staunchest gun rights advocates in the country and found friendship and shared values. That doesn’t mean he ignores the problem. It means he looks for the people who want to be part of the solution, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum.
And if you think this journey’s been easy, think again.
Jonathan has faced aggressive legislative setbacks—laws passed specifically to shut down his lawsuits on behalf of cities like Atlanta and New Orleans. In most industries, that would signal defeat. But for Jonathan, it was just a sign to find a new door. He reorganized strategies, adjusted his approach, and kept going. His message? There’s always a way forward. It may not be the way you planned, but it’s there.
That philosophy led him to write The Right Not to Be Shot in 2016, a powerful argument that reframes our constitutional conversation. While the Second Amendment is often used to justify the right to bear arms, Jonathan asks a fundamental question: What about the right to live? Inspired in part by the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin, Jonathan’s legal and moral perspective challenges us to weigh all rights — including the most fundamental one — equally.
His forward-thinking work now includes a global lens. Through Global Action on Gun Violence, he’s expanding the conversation to human rights courts, international law, and cross-border accountability. Countries like Mexico, Jamaica, and Canada are seeing 70–90% of their crime guns coming from the U.S.– not through legal sales, but through illicit trafficking. And Jonathan is helping these nations take legal action to protect their citizens and uphold their sovereign laws.
At the heart of Jonathan’s success is a mindset that we champion every day at the C-SUITE NETWORK™: Disruption for the sake of impact. He’s not afraid to challenge institutions. He’s also not afraid to listen, admit he doesn’t have all the answers, or learn from those he disagrees with.
That humility is what makes him not just a legal warrior, but a true leader.
What I loved most was Jonathan’s commitment to collaboration. He understands that solving gun violence, or any complex problem, requires unexpected alliances. Whether it’s linking gun policy to the fentanyl crisis or drawing connections between gun trafficking and forced migration, he’s constantly seeking solutions that go beyond soundbites. He’s forging partnerships across political, legal, and cultural lines and doing it all with unwavering focus.
I ended our conversation more inspired than ever. Jonathan Lowy embodies what it means to be a purpose-driven leader. His work reminds us that leadership isn’t about being right. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard, even when you stand alone, and especially when it matters most.
To those navigating difficult industries, complex stakeholder relationships, or seemingly intractable problems—Jonathan offers a playbook: Lead with resilience. Be open to learning. Never stop listening. And always keep moving forward.
What will you learn today that will help you move forward?
Watch the full interview on C-Suite TV.
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