Fighting to Reduce Gun Violence in Rhode Island
Our coalition of more than 100 partner organizations includes over 120,000 Rhode Islanders united in the effort to reduce gun violence.
2019 Legislative Agenda
We’re working hard to pass common sense legislation to help keep Rhode Island citizens and law enforcement officers safer.
Safe Schools Act
Keeping kids and teachers safe by prohibiting guns on all school grounds with sensible exceptions.
No Large Capacity Mags
Making it harder for mass killers limiting ammunition magazines with more than 10 rounds.
Assault Weapon Regulation
Stepping in where the federal government has failed to regulate military-style assault weapons.
Gun Control IS Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Using Heller v. DC, six U.S. Courts of Appeal have REJECTED Second Amendment protection for state assault weapons and/or high capacity magazine bans, most recently in Massachusetts on April 26, 2019!
Rhode Islanders Are Not Fooled By Propaganda
The corporate gun lobby would have everyone believe that even the most sensible gun regulation represents a direct attack on the Second Amendment. Rhode Islanders know better, favoring gun violence reduction laws that are in line with academic and law enforcement recommendations and also respecting Second Amendment rights.
83% In Favor
Restricting guns on all elementary and secondary school grounds except by police, retired police, and resource officers.
Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) holders cannot be counted on to save lives and often put themselves and others in danger when they attempt to confront an active shooter.
- The large majority of CCP holders do not have specialized “shoot/don’t shoot” training
- Since 2007 at least 921 non-self defense gun deaths have been caused by CCP holders
75% in Favor
Banning high capacity magazines with more than 10 rounds (the weapon on choice for mass shootings).
Local, state and national law enforcement are strongly against high capacity magazines (HCM), citing increased shootings and deaths being committed by individuals using HCM.
In addition, most of the recent mass shootings used HCMs that allowed the firing hundreds of bullets in minutes, including:
- Las Vegas concert
- Orlando night club
- San Bernardino holiday party
- Sandy Hook Elementary School
Recent Gun Violence News, Politics, Incidents and Statistics
Youth Empowerment Strategy Unveiled
YES!RI is statewide network that partners with established student groups as well as the RI ACLU to effectively combat gun violence in Rhode Island.
2018 Session Wrap Up: Big Gains for Common-Sense Gun Violence Reforms
Legislative success and phenomenal organizational and grassroots growth in 2018.
Final Lobby Day of 2018 a Huge Success
Another great turnout for lobbying lawmakers on The Safe Schools Act.
RICAGV Statement on HB 8119 – Legalizing Civilian Ownership of Stun Guns (Tazers)
RICAGV joins with public health officials and law enforcement in opposition to the legalization of stun guns (tazers); these same officials are in support of The Safe Schools Act, which is still being held for study by the Judiciary Committee.
RI Students to Legislators: We Are Not Targets
RI students do it again! Kudos to all the kids who showed up to protest the inaction of the RI legislature for 4 years in a row.
RICAGV Canvasses Speaker’s District on Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Day
RICAGV supporters took action on National Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Day for all victims and their families by canvassing RI Speaker Mattiello’s district in Cranston.
49 Motorcycle Gang Members Arrest in Pre-Dawn Drug Bust
Biggest bust in RI State Police history included 53 illegal guns and large quantities of illegal drugs.
Bishop Tobin Writes in Support of RI Coalition Against Gun Violence Efforts for Common Sense Gun Control
Bishop Tobin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence wrote in support of common-sense gun reforms.
Condemning RI Dems Exclusion of Gun Safety on Party Platform
Party platform committee members are surprisingly dismissive of traditional Democratic issues at local meeting.
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.
Join us at our
6th Annual Fundraiser
Thursday, October 24, 2019
from 6 to 8pm at the
Casino at Roger Williams Park
Proactively Saving Lives and Making Communities Safer in Rhode Island
Our work is focused on reducing gun violence across our state through:
LEGISLATIVE REFORM
Advocating for common-sense legislative changes and electing gun safety reform lawmakers.
YOUTH ORGANIZING
Empowering students to create and sustain positive change through grassroots advocacy, education and training.
RAISING AWARENESS
Organizing outreach and events to bring communities together in advocacy.
EXPANDING INFLUENCE
Strategically adding key partners whose missions and goals intersect with reducing gun violence in R.I.
Gun Control IS Constitutional
In 2008, DC v. Heller affirmed:
Using Heller, SIX U.S. Courts of Appeal have REJECTED Second Amendment protection for state assault weapons and/or high capacity magazine bans, most recently in Massachusetts on April 26, 2019!
Rhode Islanders Overwhelmingly Support Gun Control
In a 2016 poll of registered R.I. voters, large majorities supported common-sense legislation to make our communities safer.
83% Support No
Concealed Carry in K-12 Schools
75% Support Limiting
Magazines to 10 Rounds
60% Support Regulating
Assault-Style Military Weapons
Recent News About Gun Violence and Safety Reform in R.I. and the U.S.
Massachusetts Upholds Assault Weapons Ban
For the second time in almost exactly one year the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals rejects Second Amendment protection for assault-style weapons and high capacity magazines.
Amazing Speakers at April Meeting in Cranston
Watch the videos of our featured speakers and how they’re taking on gun violence in our communities.
Wear Orange to the Senate Judiciary Hearings
We really need you tonight! Sign-in, submit written testimony or testify in person for common-sense gun safety.
Please note, donations made online through our website are not tax deductible.