All articles tagged with #guncontrol
Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the 'pandemic of arms' following a school shooting in Minnesota that resulted in two children killed and others injured, urging for peace and dialogue in Ukraine and criticizing the arms industry. The pope's appeal emphasizes the need for disarmament and increased efforts for peace and justice worldwide.
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly used a "ghost gun," a type of untraceable firearm often assembled at home using 3D-printed parts. These guns, lacking serial numbers, are becoming easier to obtain, raising concerns about their use in crimes. The Biden administration's policy to regulate ghost guns is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court. Between 2016 and 2021, over 45,000 ghost guns were recovered from crime scenes, highlighting the growing issue.
A new California law prohibiting the carrying of firearms in most public places has been blocked by a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel, maintaining a lower court's injunction that argues the law likely violates the Second Amendment. The law, which was to take effect on January 1, 2024, has faced opposition from gun rights groups and was previously halted by U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney. Governor Gavin Newsom, a proponent of strict gun control, criticized the court's decision, while gun rights advocates view it as a victory for the Second Amendment.
A federal appeals court has reinstated a U.S. District judge's ruling to temporarily block a California law that would ban carrying guns in most public places. The law, which was to take effect on January 1, has faced legal challenges, with gun rights groups arguing it is unconstitutional based on the Second Amendment and recent Supreme Court rulings. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, both Democrats, have expressed their commitment to gun safety and plan to continue defending the law. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments in April.
A federal appeals court has allowed a judge's ruling to take effect, which prevents California from enforcing a new law that bans carrying guns in most public places, citing a violation of the Second Amendment. This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2022 ruling that expanded gun rights and required gun laws to align with historical firearm regulation traditions. California's appeal will be heard in April, while gun rights advocates celebrate the decision as a victory for the Second Amendment.
A 17-year-old student opened fire at Perry High School in Iowa, killing an 11-year-old and injuring seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot. The principal and other staff members are being hailed as heroes for their actions during the incident. The shooter's motive remains unclear, but bullying and social media presence are being investigated. The community is mourning and showing solidarity, with plans to keep the high school closed for a week. The incident has also entered the discourse of the Republican presidential caucuses in Iowa, with candidates discussing gun rights and mental health rather than policy changes.
Joshua Powell, a former top NRA executive, has admitted to wrongdoing and agreed to pay $100,000 in a settlement ahead of a civil corruption trial involving the NRA's leadership. The New York Attorney General has accused the NRA's top leaders, including CEO Wayne LaPierre who has resigned, of misusing over $64 million in funds. The trial against the remaining defendants will proceed, while the NRA frames the lawsuit as a politically motivated attack. Powell has criticized the NRA's financial practices and fundraising tactics, while LaPierre has stepped down citing health reasons, maintaining his support for the NRA and Second Amendment rights.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the Iowa high school shooting, attributing the actions of the shooter to "gender ideology" rather than gun laws. He criticized the media for not discussing the shooter's motives in this context and mentioned the left's use of mental health issues to push a "woke agenda." DeSantis also suggested that the notoriety provided by social media contributes to such violent incidents and reminisced about a time when students would bring rifles to school without such events occurring.
Former President Donald Trump, during a campaign event in Iowa, told residents to "get over" a recent school shooting that left one student dead and five others wounded. He offered thoughts and prayers but emphasized the need to move forward. This comes as Trump has previously downplayed gun control, calling school shootings a "spiritual problem." Meanwhile, President Joe Biden criticized Trump's 2020 election denial and his threat to democracy, framing the upcoming 2024 election as a choice between preserving democracy and Trump's self-centered campaign. Trump has also controversially expressed a desire to be a "dictator" for a day to achieve his policy goals.
The recent school shooting in Perry, Iowa, has brought the issue of gun control to the forefront of the Republican presidential caucuses. Candidates like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump have offered condolences but emphasized mental health and school security rather than gun law reform. The incident has prompted questions from voters and has become a topic of discussion at campaign events, with candidates largely sticking to their standard political rhetoric. Some voters express a desire to focus on other issues, while experts like former FBI agent Kate Schweit criticize the avoidance of discussing changes to gun laws as part of addressing mass shootings.
A study by Everytown for Gun Safety suggests that nearly 300,000 lives could be saved over the next decade if all U.S. states adopted gun control laws similar to those in California and New York. The study correlates strong gun laws with lower rates of gun deaths, ranking states based on the strength of their gun legislation and its effectiveness in preventing gun violence. States like Arkansas and Mississippi, with weak gun laws, have high rates of gun deaths, while states with stringent gun laws, such as California and New York, have some of the lowest. The study's findings are opposed by the NRA, which argues that gun control laws do not effectively prevent gun violence.
California has enacted a new law that restricts concealed carry permit holders from bringing firearms into designated "sensitive places," including amusement parks, museums, and public parks. This law is facing legal challenges, with a district judge initially blocking it for being "repugnant to the Second Amendment," but a federal appeals court allowed it to proceed temporarily. The law's future hinges on further court decisions, as it may require the Supreme Court to clarify the extent of Second Amendment protections. Governor Gavin Newsom has also signed over 20 new gun safety measures in 2023, all of which are likely to face legal scrutiny under the Second Amendment.
Maine lawmakers are reconvening with the recent Lewiston mass shooting in mind, sparking renewed debate over gun control legislation. While Democrats are open to various gun policy proposals, including red flag laws, Republicans are resistant to such measures, suggesting mental health reform instead. Both parties show some agreement on policies like a voluntary "do not buy" list for potential gun purchasers. The legislature will also consider granting subpoena power to the Lewiston commission investigating the mass shooting. The session will begin with tributes to the victims and first responders of the Lewiston tragedy.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz highlighted the new "red flag" law, which is now in effect, allowing courts to temporarily prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms. The law enables family members, law enforcement, and certain officials to petition for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) if someone poses a danger to themselves or others. The ERPO can result in either a short-term emergency order or a long-term order after a hearing. This measure is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety and gun control in the state.
Wayne LaPierre, the longstanding leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA), is facing a trial initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James that could potentially end his tenure. The lawsuit accuses LaPierre and other NRA insiders of corruption, including the misuse of NRA funds for personal luxuries. The NRA's influence has waned, with declining membership and revenue, and it has already faced a failed bankruptcy filing. The trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks, will bring to light years of financial mismanagement and could result in LaPierre's removal from the organization.