Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban of 2018
FBI Data Shows Dramatic Surge in Gun Massacres
2000-2009 vs. 2010-2016
+55.8%
INCIDENTS
+33.5%
KILLED
+78.7%
WOUNDED
These numbers represent Americans from all demographics and regions. This is only a fraction of the devastation that follows in the wake of such horrifying incidents. Long after the news reports have ended, victims, families, and communities face monumental challenges, including life-long debilitating injuries and psychological scars that may never heal.
The RI Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2018 would:
- Restrict the possession and sale of semiautomatic assault weapons
- Limit ammunition magazines to ten (10) or less rounds
- Make provisions for “grandfathered” ownership of weapons
- Make exceptions for law enforcement
Gun Massacres Surged Dramatically Following Expiration of the Federal Ban
The federal lack of response leaves no choice but for R.I. to take action with common sense gun legislation.
We don’t know where the next mass shooting will occur: a school, church, movie theater, park, concert, or mall.
We do know that we can take steps to prevent this violence from occurring in Rhode Island.
During the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994-2004)
37% decrease in incidents and 42% decrease in deaths
After Ban Expires (2004-2014)
183% increase in incidents and 239% increase in deaths
Source: Rampage Nation – Securing America From Mass Shootings
Louis Klarevas, PhD, Dept. of Global Affairs at the Univ. of Massachusetts–Boston
Connecticut Lowers Gun Violence with Tougher Gun Control
In the wake of the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School Connecticut passed gun safety legislation, including an assault weapons ban.
These new laws have resulted in the fastest drop in violent crime of any state over the last four years.
Connecticut is now one of the states with the strictest gun safety laws and has one of the lowest rates of gun deaths.
Conversely, states with the most lax laws, including Alabama, Alaska and Louisiana, have the highest rates of gun deaths.
R.I. lags behind our neighbors as well as other like-minded states in banning assault weapons. As of February 2018, the following states ban assault weapons:
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- California
- Hawaii
- D.C.
Which Community is Next?
As a nation, we are on track to far exceed the 2004-2014 increase in gun massacres. Since 2015 the number of mass shootings deaths and incidents involving assault-style weapons have increased dramatically:
- 17 killed, 14+ injured at a high school in Parkland, FL on February 14, 2018
- 4 killed, 1 injured at a car wash in Melcroft, PA on January 28, 2018
- 5 killed, 10 injured at an elementary school and other locations in Rancho Tehama, CA on November 14, 2017
- 26 killed, 20 injured at a church in Sutherland Springs, TX on November 5, 2017
- 58 people killed, 546 injured at concert in Las Vegas, NV on October 1, 2017
- 8 killed, 1 injured at a home in Plano, TX on September 10, 2017
- 5 killed, 11 injured at a peaceful protest in Dallas, TX on July 7, 2016
- 49 killed, 53 injured at a nightclub in Orlando, FL on July 12, 2016
- 3 killed, 14 injured at a manufacturing company in Hesston, KS on February 25, 2016
- 14 killed, 21 injured at a holiday party in San Bernardino, CA on December 2, 2015
- 3 killed, 9 injured at a Planned Parenthood health clinic in Colorado Springs, CO on November 27, 2015
- 3 killed in downtown Colorado Springs, CO on October 31, 2015
- 5 killed, 2 injured at a Naval reserve center in Chattanooga, TN on September 16, 2015
An American Epidemic
It is NOT mental health, video games, or racial diversity that makes the difference in the incredibly high rate of gun violence in America versus the rest of the world. The factor that has created this American epidemic of violence is the sheer number of guns.
Student Plans School Shooting in Vermont, Is Released on Bail
“Sawyer stated it may not be next week, next month, or even next year, but eventually he will carry out his plan,” said Det. Sgt. Todd Wilkins, of the VT State Police.
FBI Data Shows Big Upward Trend in Gun Massacres
The most up-to-date report shows a disturbing upward trend in the number of incidents, deaths and injuries.
Parkland Florida Killer Used Assault Weapon to Shoot Through Doors
The high-powered AR-15 allowed the shooter to kill students that were in locked classrooms.
Dramatic Rise of Assault Weapons and High Capacity Firearms in Crime
An updated examination of resources reveals dramatic increase in the use of high capacity semiautomatic weapons in crimes overall.
Mass Shooting at High School in Florida Kills 17, Injuries More than 14
A former student kills 17 and injures more than 14 with assault-style weapons.
American Gun Ownership Correlates with High Gun Violence and Deaths
Data shows the strong correlation of gun ownership and gun violence and death in America, and it far exceeds all other wealthy nations.
5 dead, 10 injured in Rancho Tehama Elementary School shooting
A two-day killing spree in a rural Northern California town that included the wounding of 6 children.
More Than 2 Dozen Killed in Texas Church by Gunman
The killer used a military-style assault rifle, a Ruger’s AR-15, and was clad in a ballistic (bullet-proof) vest.
59 Dead, Over 500 Injured in Las Vegas Mass Shooting
The shooter maximized his killing ability by using easily accessible weapons that allow the firing of hundreds of rounds in minutes.
Estranged Husband Kills Wife and 7 Others at Cookout in Texas
Gunman kills eight at party with multiple automatic weapons.
Orlando Nightclub Shooter Used High Capacity Magazines
The killer in Orlando was able to fire 200 bullets in the first 20 minutes of his rampage, which ultimately killed 49 people and wounded 53 others.
San Bernadino Killers Used High Capacity Magazines
Clearly intent on killing as many people as possible, the killers used semiautomatic weapons, had thousands of rounds of ammunition, and high capacity magazines.
Sandy Hook Elementary Gunman Used High Capacity Magazines
High capacity magazines enabled the shooter to fire 154 rounds in less than 5 minutes.