Gun violence in Kenosha

Police Violence + Armed Vigilante = Death in Kenosha

Jacob Blake, another victim of violence by police, is paralyzed after being shot in the back several times by an officer. To make matters worse in Kenosha, three people were shot and two died at a Black Lives Matter protest. The assailant was a 17-year old white male, who walked away from the scene of the crime even after witnesses informed Kenosha police that he had just shot innocent people. He was eventually arrested and charged with murder the following day. Sadly, some are saying shooting protestors is a justified act. But Anthony Huber shouldn’t have had to risk his life to peacefully protest. Armed vigilantes do NOT make us safer.

#BlackLivesMatter

More News:

  • Unmasked and armed protestors force themselves into Idaho legislation session on Police Immunity – none were harmed or arrested.
  • Charlestown man charged with gun trafficking from straw purchases in NH.
  • In Maine, a teen accessed an unsecured gun and killed himself during a video chat.
  • Parkland survivor Emma Gonzales spoke on the epidemic of gun violence in our country.
  • Happy to report that NRA membership and revenue down in 2019, marking a 7-year low.

Shootings in Boston are up 29% from a year ago.

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Spread the message #VOTEFORUS

Election Day 2020 draws near. How will you make them count?

We’re working on getting out the vote on gun violence prevention.

Last week, we put up a new billboard in Boston, pictured above, to remind folks to vote for those we’ve lost due to gun violence. We also put up billboards in Atlanta (below), Miami and New York.

But we need help to continue to spread this message.

Gun violence touches every state and we need every state to vote for candidates this November that support gun violence prevention. We need your help to make this happen.

Please donate to #VOTEFORUS!

“Lives are on the line this November and we have a duty to vote for candidates who want to end the daily mass shootings and average 100 gun deaths and 150 gun related injuries every day in America.”

~ John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence

Are You Ready for September 1st Primary?

In the News:

  • Winthrop man made illegal ghost guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
  • California court of appeals reverses ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.
  • A Florida mother was shot during her child’s online Zoom class.
  • New York AG James explains the dissolution lawsuit against the NRA.
  • NRA loses NY lawsuit on gun store closures during pandemic.
  • Former NRA Chief of Staff to release Tell-All book of ‘waste and dysfunction’.

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Get the message out #VOTEFORUS

Stop Handgun Violence and Change the Ref unveiled a new billboard designed by artist Manuel Oliver, the father of 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver, killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The billboard‘s stark message and hashtag #VOTEFORUS is on display at 50 Dalton St., Boston MA. Read more here.

With your help, we can share this important message to other cities across America!

DONATE HERE

Did you hear?

New York Attorney General is suing to dissolve the NRA after an 18-month investigation. Washington D.C. joins the party to sue the NRA Foundation over misuse of funds.

Read John Rosenthal’s statement here. Also, an interesting commentary written by student activist, Trevaughn Smith.

In other news:

  • NH Governor Sununu vetoed the state’s Extreme Risk Protective Order bill.
  • Rhode Island remove guns from man who was charged with racially motivated assault.
  • Grandmothers Against Gun Violence on Cape Cod launched a new campaign, You Can Save A Life Now!

Congratulations to our partners!

The Mass Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence now represents over 100 organizations in the Commonwealth! As a founding member, we are proud to continue the work of gun violence prevention with them.

Congrats to Change the Ref for successfully reaching their fundraising goal after their 20-hour Guacathon! Students from 50 Miles More-Massachusetts reunited on a zoom panel with Patricia Oliver and shared fond memories of the protest march to Smith & Wesson nearly 2 years ago.

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New National Billboard Campaign Features A Stark Message

Press Release: From Gun Violence Victims Urging Voters to Support Candidates Who Favor Sensible Gun Laws.  

Billboards sponsored by Stop Handgun Violence of Massachusetts and Parkland, Florida-based Change the Ref.

Boston, MA –

Today, Stop Handgun Violence and Change the Ref will unveil a new billboard designed by artist Manuel Oliver, the father of 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver, killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The billboard features the face of Joaquin Oliver with the words “I was murdered. I can’t vote. Vote for me.”

The billboard, which also features the tagline Gun Laws Save Lives and the hashtag #VOTEFORUS,” will be on display at 50 Dalton St., Boston MA and in donated digital billboards in the following locations:

  • Boston — Theatre District
  • New York — Times Square
  • Miami — Causeway between Downtown Miami and South Beach
  • Atlanta — Centennial Olympic Park
  • Las Vegas — Adjacent to the Convention Center

Several of the sites were chosen because of their prominent locations and because states like Florida, Nevada and Georgia are considered swing states or have hotly contested Congressional races.

“My son was one of 40,000 Americans who died in 2018 due to gun violence and one of 150,000 Americans who have died since the last presidential election” said Manuel Oliver, father of Joaquin Oliver and co-founder, along with his wife Patricia, of Change the Ref. “I can’t get my son back, he can’t get his voice back, but we can honor him this November by voting for candidates who support effective national gun laws that will work to prevent gun deaths.”

“When we elect candidates that prioritize gun violence prevention, we save lives” said John Rosenthal, founder and president of Stop Handgun Violence. “In Massachusetts, we’ve passed some of the strongest gun laws in the country- with bipartisan support. We’ve proven that gun laws save lives without undue inconvenience to law abiding gun owners like me. This isn’t about parties or politics, it’s about saving lives from preventable gun violence. Lives are on the line this November, we have a duty to vote for candidates who want to end the daily mass shootings and average 100 gun deaths and 150 gun related injuries every day in America.”

“As an outdoor advertising company, our medium helps to communicate messages.  We are happy to help as many people see this message as possible” said Mark Van Fossan, Managing Partner of Amherst Media.  “Gun violence is an important issue in America, and all Americans have a duty to get out and vote this November.”

Read the Boston Globe coverage here.

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 Stop Handgun Violence (SHV) is a Massachusetts based non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common sense gun laws. SHV has been the lead advocate in Massachusetts for enactment of the most effective gun violence prevention laws and first in the nation consumer protection regulations. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights,but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org

 

Change the Ref- Change the Ref- CTR) Founded in the memory of their son Joaquin, who was one of the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL, Manuel and Patricia Oliver are committed to making sure that their son’s life and the lives of the other 16 victims are never forgotten and that real change takes place to prevent future tragedies like this from happening ever again. CTR Mission is to raise awareness about mass shootings through strategic urban art interventions that will reduce the influence of the NRA on the Federal level. For more information, go to.www.changetheref.org

STATEMENT: Response to NY lawsuit to dissolve NRA

Stop Handgun Violence Founder on New York Attorney General Suit to Dissolve the National Rifle Association

Boston – In response to the lawsuit by New York Attorney General Letitia James to dissolve the National Rifle Association, Stop Handgun Violence founder, John Rosenthal, made the following statement:

“For over 25 years, I have been fighting against the NRA to pass even the most minimal gun violence prevention laws, while over 750,000 Americans have died due to preventable gun violence. I would like to see them go to jail for the blood on their hands, but I am happy to see that they will be held accountable for the many-years-long pattern of self-enrichment at the expense of their members and hundreds of thousands of American lives.”

Read more about New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit to dissolve the NRA.

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Stop Handgun Violence (SHV) is a Massachusetts based non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common sense gun laws. SHV has been the lead advocate in Massachusetts for enactment of the most effective gun violence prevention laws and first in the nation consumer protection regulations. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights, but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org

Update: MA Public Safety Reform Bills

UPDATE: Massachusetts public safety reform bills will continue negotiations into August. Meanwhile, last Friday Governor Lamont signed into law police reform bills in Connecticut.

Gun violence in a pandemic.

  • Jason Brandao died from his injuries. He was the 38th victim to gun violence in Boston this year.
  • Florida man shoots and kills a Burger King employee.
  • The Austin, TX driver incited violence with protestors.
  • El Paso remembers 23 lives one year later.

Wearing a mask has been proven to help protect others and yourself. Please wear your mask to slow the spread!

#MASKUPMA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch with us on our Stop Handgun Violence Facebook page tomorrow starting at 6AM!

A month of gun violence

Gun Violence in Massachusetts

As the death and injury count rise, we see this list as more than data. Each victim is a family member, a friend and a child to a grieving parent.

  • In Revere, Yaseen Butt 20-years old was shot and killed.
  • In Stoughton, Christian Vines 17-years old was shot and killed.
  • In Kentucky, armed gun-rights group march at anti-racism protests.
  • Hollander, who murdered a NJ federal judge’s son and injured her husband, had a hit list of a dozen+ targets.
  • New York state senate passes Untraceable Firearms Act.
  • Weekend gun violence in Philadelphia results in a dozen injured and 4 dead.
  • In Austin, an armed protestor shot dead.
  • Remington Arms files for bankruptcy, again.

 

Save the Date: October 7, 2020

A virtual concert!

Follow @concertacrossamerica Facebook page for event details.

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Massachusetts models success for gun violence prevention

It’s not by coincidence that Massachusetts has the second lowest gun death rate in the U.S. and has successfully reduced gun deaths by 40% over the past 25 years. We have taken a three-prong approach to reducing and preventing gun injuries and deaths for the Commonwealth. Read our full report here.

Research is vital.

Thank you to our partner GVPedia for their recent report on the impact assault weapons in mass shootings and more, titled “Mass Shootings in America: 2013-2019″.

Gun violence in a pandemic.

Firearm sales are soaring, but manufacturers like Henry and Century Arms received coronavirus relief funds from the federal government.

  • Ashburnham man pleads guilty for illegal firearm sales.
  • Two teens killed in Boston.
  • Inside a Florida Walmart, man pulls gun out over mask argument.
  • A deadly shooting at the home of a Federal Judge in New Jersey riddled with misogyny and racism.
  • New Mexico District Attorney sues vigilante militia group with ties to white supremacy.

We mourn with the country over the death of Congressman John Lewis, an icon and leader of civil rights. Thank you for your service and for reminding us to get into good trouble.

(Photo posted by Congresswoman Katherine Clark)

 

 

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MA Voter Registration Deadline

The Massachusetts deadline for voter registration is August 12th for the September 1st primary; and October 14th for the November presidential election.

VOTING MATTERS!

In a recent Gallup poll, gun control was listed as one of the top three issues for 2020 voters. Keep up the good work and tell your friends and family to VOTE FOR GUN SAFETY!

Thanks to all who took action and contacted their MA Senate legislator for the Police Reform bill to ban chokeholds and limit use of tear gas by officers. The Senate voted and passed the bill 30-7!

Gun violence in a pandemic.

A 13-year old will be tried as an adult for killing his younger brother. The loaded gun he used to play cops and robbers was not secured and left on the couch by his father. The father faces no charges.

  • In Bridgewater, a man pulls a gun on a person for not wearing a mask in a Walgreens store.
  • St. Louis police confiscate firearms from couple who pointed guns at peaceful protestors.
  • In Kansas, a gun owner points to his gun as his excuse to NOT wear his mask at a restaurant.
  • Defunct Bump Stock manufacturer files a claim against Las Vegas massacre victims fund.
  • The Trump administration lifted a ban on sales of silencers to private overseas buyers that was intended to protect U.S. troops from ambushes.
  • New report shows nearly half of school shootings occurred in the South, which has lax gun laws, while less than 10% occurred in the Northeast, which has tougher gun laws.
  • NRA tweets to promote the AR-15 as “the modern-day musket”.

On our calendar:

  • Jr. Newtown Action Alliance summer music series in July and August. Register here.
  • Newtown Action Alliance webinar on ghost guns on July 20th. Pre-registration required.
  • Change The Ref Guac-athon to celebrate Joaquin’s 20th birthday on August 4th.

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