Congressman Jake Auchincloss Unveils End Gun Violence Act
Congressman Jake Auchincloss, along with Reps. Joe Neguse, and Robin Kelly, have introduced the End Gun Violence Act, legislation to restrict the sale of firearms to those convicted of violent misdemeanor crimes in the last five years.
The bill is a response to what happened at a King Soopers in Boulder, Colorado on March 22, when a man who had previously been convicted of a violent misdemeanor shot and killed 10 people. Under this act, he would not have been eligible to purchase the gun that killed so many.
“Tragedies like the King Snoopers shooting should never be repeated," said Auchincloss in a statement. "No one with a violent misdemeanor conviction should have access to guns. By closing the boyfriend loophole, we are saving lives and keeping our neighborhoods safer."
Currently, 22 states and the District of Columbia prohibit handgun purchases by those convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes. However, these individuals are still eligible to purchase firearms in the remaining states. Establishing a federal law would legally protect vulnerable populations not currently covered by state law and create a national standard.
"While our local law enforcement seek justice for the senseless act of violence perpetrated against our community on March 22nd, we are working to change the law to prevent future tragedies,” said Neguse in a statement. “Ensuring that firearms cannot be sold to violent individuals is crucial to preventing gun violence and saving lives. This law is common-sense and would keep guns out of the hands of those likely to use them to perpetrate violence.”
In 1996, Congress amended the Gun Control Act of 1968 to prohibit individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from shipping, transporting, possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition. Since then, research has shown that persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of violence are at high risk for committing additional crimes, but Congress has not updated the law.
The End Gun Violence Act has been endorsed by Giffords Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, Colorado Ceasefire, Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, Newtown Action Alliance, Guns Down America, Sandy Hook Promise, and Violence Policy Center. Cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Lucy McBath, Lou Correa, Jamie Raskin, Ted Deutch, Jason Crow and Ted Lieu.
Source:
Annie Sandoli