Gun Reform Update: Dear Congress

Stop Handgun Violence +221 advocates signed a letter to Congress for gun violence research. Read the full letter here.

What’s ahead:

  • April 6 (Sat) Operation Liptstick Grand Opening in Boston.
  • April 9 (Tues) March For Our Lives: Boston public meeting in Boston.
  • April 22 (Mon) March For Our Lives:Springfield fundraiser.
  • April 25 (Thur) Support Stop Handgun Violence at the 91% private screening in Arlington.
  • May 12 (Sun) Annual Louis D. Brown Peace Walk in Boston.

Across Our Nation

House rebukes the NRA and passes Violence Against Women Act.

Federal bump stock ban goes into effect, and the Supreme Court won’t stop it.

There could be support by Republican Senators for an Extreme Risk Protective Order bill.

BU School of Public Health study shows universal background checks reduce homicide rates.

Public support for gun law reform holds steady.

A study correlates stronger gun laws to safer high schools.

Time to retire the term “Red Flag Law”.

Gun alarm panic buttons go on sale in America.

CEO of Dicks’ Sporting Goods has no regrets on company’s gun selling policy change.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention & Other States

Massachusetts lawmaker identifies a loophole in the state background check system.

Gloucester Father Greg Gibson teams up with his son’s killer for gun reform.

Maine gun buyback will turn guns into garden tools.

A Detroit Michigan student, a victim of gun violence, prohibited from school activities.

Rhode Island police report no return of bump stocks since state ban.

California judge rules state ban on high capacity magazines as unconstitutional.

Columbine students launch #MyLastShot campaign.

Safe storage bill passes in the Delaware House.

March For Our Lives D.C. students use ARTivism to call out the inaction of Congress.

The Gun Industry Rounds

The NRA is lobbying to block the Violence Against Women Act.

An NRA official contacted Sandy Hook hoaxers to respond to Parkland shootings.

The NRA is pushing their pro-gun agenda in Australia.

Republican Senators want to prevent financial firms from cutting ties with firearms industry.

Bump stock seller RW Arms surrenders 60,000 devices to the ATF.

The firearms industry remain on the edge of the gun reform debate.

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Now is the Time for Gun Violence Research

In 2018, nearly 40,000 people died from gun violence in our country. We cannot deny that gun violence is a public health epidemic. It’s time for Congress to act now to address it.

Stop Handgun Violence plus 221 organizations advocating to prevent gun violence urge Congress to appropriate 50 million dollars in the FY 2020 budget specifically for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and National Institutes of Health to fund gun violence research. Research from these public health institutions has reduced death and injury from car accidents, food contamination and infectious diseases. If given the funds, it can do the same for gun violence.

Read our full letter addressed to the House and Senate Leaders of Congress here.

Gun Reform Update: March For Our Lives

A year ago, we joined the March For Our Lives protest with students in Washington D.C. and across the nation. Since then, Stop Handgun Violence has continued to support the youth in the region to strengthen their activism for gun violence prevention.

What’s ahead:

  • March 28 (Thur) MVP Peace Award night in Wellesley.
  • April 3 (Wed) Extreme Risk Protective Order overview in Hyannis.
  • April 6 (Sat) Operation Liptstick Grand Opening in Boston.
  • April 25 (Thur) Support Stop Handgun Violence at the 91% private screening with film director, John Richie, Survivor Judi Richardson and founder John Rosenthal.

Across Our Nation

A year after Parkland, Gabby Giffords chats with David Hogg on what’s next.

Studies confirm strong gun laws save lives.

Guns on college campuses on the rise.

Federal prosecutors crack down on domestic abusers keeping guns.

Active-shooter drills are big business.

Recent study shows more school-aged children die from guns than on-duty officers or military.

New Zealand gun owners voluntarily handing in semi-automatic weapons to police.

New Zealand announces ban on military and semi-automatic weapons.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention & Other States

Manuel and Patricia Oliver speak to UMass Amherst students on their activism work.

Connecticut passes gun storage bill.

In Rhode Island, a Las Vegas shooting survivor testifies in support of the state’s gun reform bills.

At San Francisco International Airport, a loaded magazine clears security.

In Florida, nine men stage Operation Hunger Strike to end gun violence in Miami.

Indiana teachers shot with pellets during an active-shooter drill.

Schools in Maryland lockdown after a double-shooting.

New Mexico will seize guns on domestic abuse cases.

Broadway show ‘Oklahoma’ will donate to destroy illegal guns taken off the streets.

The Gun Industry Rounds

NRA in New Zealand considers changing its’ name.

A year later, the NRA still holds a grudge against CNN for Parkland Town Hall.

The NRA looks weakened, but maybe not.

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Stop Handgun Violence, March for Our Lives: Massachusetts and Boston University School of Public Health hold regional student summit on gun violence prevention

Over a weekend in mid-March, Boston University School of Public Health, March for Our Lives: Massachusetts and Stop Handgun Violence partnered to hold a regional student summit and training on gun violence prevention. We began on a Friday with Massachusetts students to learn about local gun trafficking and take a variety of workshops looking at the intersectionality of gun violence. Students were joined for an engaging discussion of Massachusetts gun laws by Attorney General Maura Healey. On Saturday, more student activists from Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut attended for another day of programming with Massachusetts which included an inspirational discussion with Representative Ayanna Pressley. Finally on Sunday, students completed their weekend with a group project and an “ARTivism” workshop with Manuel Oliver, father of Parkland Florida victim, Joaquin Oliver. This last workshop was clearly the favorite from the weekend.

“We are proud to support the efforts of New England area students working to end gun violence” said Zoe Grover, Executive Director of Stop Handgun Violence. “Every day a hundred individuals are killed by guns in America, tackling this issue regionally and intergenerationally is the only way we will succeed in ending this epidemic.”

“The student movement has accomplished a lot in the year since the Parkland shooting” said Vikiana Petit-Homme, Regional Director of March for Our Lives. “We lobbied, we voted, we marched. Last weekend we brought together students from across New England to plan, collaborate and build coalitions. We’re not done, we are just getting started.”

“BUSPH is on the forefront of gun violence prevention research and we are proud to work alongside the student activists who are leading the charge toward change” said Harold Cox, Associate Dean for Public Health Practice, Director of the Activist Lab. “We know that gun violence is a public health crisis. And we also know that student activists like the ones who gathered at SPH last weekend are making more progress than we’ve seen in decades reaching their local and federal government officials. We believe in the power of their voices to take the lessons we have learned and turn them into a healthier future for all.”

Our incredible partner organizations included Change the Ref, Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Connecticut Teens Against Gun Violence, Granite State Progress, GunSense Vermont, Hartford Communities That Care, Inc., Jr. Newtown Action Alliance, Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, Operation LIPSTICK, and Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence.

Watch the time-lapse of the Wall of Demand workshop:

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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

Gun Reform Update: New Zealand

We are grief stricken and mourn with New Zealand after the country’s deadliest shooting at a Mosque.

Read more about Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s immediate response of action to disarm hate.

What’s ahead:

  • Mar 21 (Thursday) A vigil for New Zealand in Lexington.
  • Mar 23 (Saturday) Activism & Social Justice Forum in Salem.
  • Mar 23 (Saturday) March for Our Lives Rhode Island rally in Providence.
  • Mar 27 (Wednesay) Gun Violence Prevention Panel in South Easton.
  • Mar 28 (Thursday) MVP Peace Award night in Wellesley.
  • Apr 3 (Wednesday) Extreme Risk Protective Order overview in Hyannis.
  • Apr 6 (Saturday) Operation Liptstick Grand Opening in Boston.
  • Apr 25 (Thursday) Support Stop Handgun Violence at the 91% screening with film director, John Richie.

Across Our Nation

Dick’s Sporting Goods stops all sales of rifle and ammunition.

Gun violence research is incomplete.

Democrats’ new strategy to secure funds for gun violence research.

Watch how easy it is to buy a gun in America.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention & Other States

B Peace for Jorge organizes another protest at Smith & Wesson.

In Boston, Manuel Oliver works with students to use art for social action.

Attorney General Healey shares her visit with March for Our Lives- MA at the GVP student summit..

A research study in Illinois looks to highlight the exposure of gun violence to mental health.

The New Jersey governor plans to name shame gun manufacturers.

Students in Washington D.C. rally a protest against gun violence.

Washington state college arms campus police with assault rifles.

The Gun Industry Rounds

Remington loses a major court case.

This lawsuit could change the protection of the gun industry.


Students at the Regional Gun Violence Prevention Summit hosted by Stop Handgun Violence, March for Our Lives- Boston and BU School of Public Health complete a “Wall of Demand” with Change the Ref. You can see it on display until March 25th at the BUSPH campus or see a live recorded video on our Facebook page.

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Gun Reform Update: Senate Judiciary Meeting

Senator Graham announced the Senate judiciary committee will hold a hearing on gun reform bills on March 26th. Take action to support S.184 by calling your Senator at 1-800-972-3524 and check out others listed here.

What’s ahead:

  • Mar 14 (Thursday) MFOL Boston Roundtable Series in Boston.
  • Mar 18 (Monday) MFOL DC Letter Campaign to Congress.
  • Mar 23 (Saturday) Activism & Social Justice Forum in Salem.
  • Mar 23 (Saturday) MFOL Rhode Island rally in Providence.
  • Mar 28 (Thursday) MVP Peace Award night in Wellesley.
  • Apr 6 (Saturday) Operation Liptstick Grand Opening in Boston.
  • Apr 25 (Thursday) Support SHV at the 91% screening with film director, John Richie.

Across Our Nation

A recent study shows states with higher gun ownership have more mass shootings.

Extreme Risk Protective Orders are moving quickly across the country.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention & Other States

Cambridge man arrested for illegally buying ammunition at a Wilimington gun show.

A Florida bill could prevent the public from seeing state records on mass shootings.

Illinois is the only state that bans this handgun made to look like a cell phone.

An 11-year old Indiana boy charged with shooting his father.

In Kentucky, permit-less concealed carry bill passes.

Maine Representative Jared Golden voted against background check bill, HR.8.

New Mexico enacts new law on background check for all gun sales.

New York is the first state that allows teachers to petition for an Extreme Risk Protective Order.

New York  legislators approve new gun storage bill.

North Carolina School Security Act gives teachers raises to carry guns to school.

The Gun Industry Rounds

Is the tide is turning against the NRA?

The NRA behind the uptick in high school shooting teams.

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Gun Reform Update: HR.8 passes in the House

In case you missed it, the Congressional House passed HR.8 last week! Read our press release here.

What’s ahead:

  • Mar 7 (Thursday) A Mother’s Dream Quilt showing in Lowell.
  • Mar 11 (Monday) Tackling Gun Violence at CitySpace in Boston.
  • Mar 28 (Thursday) MVP Peace Award night in Wellesley.
  • Apr 3 (Wednesday) Grandmothers Against Gun Violence meeting.
  • Apr 25 (Thursday) Stop Handgun Violence screening the 91% with film director, John Richie.

Across Our Nation

The House passed two gun reform bills in one week.

The House background check bill includes GOP amendment targeting undocumented immigrants.

The Whitehouse announced President will veto any background check bill.

A former Marine takes on educating gun owners and suicide prevention.

Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO reflects on his tough stance for gun safety.

Democrats are no longer afraid of gun control.

CEO’s from Tom’s Shoes, Levis and Dick’s Sporting Goods urge Congress to pass bills.

Federal judge advances the federal Bump Stock Ban.

Research shows a lack of gun violence prevention measures.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention & Other States

BU School of Public Health continues to keep gun violence in the forefront.

Massachusetts Extreme Risk Protective Order temporarily removes six firearms since enacted into law.

David Hogg speaks in Illinois on student activism.

In Maryland, Baltimore votes to arm school officers.

New Hampshire Medical Society nods support on 4 gun reform bills.

New York Governor signs Extreme Risk Protective Order into law.

New York City Sergeant arrested for manufacturing and selling ghost guns.

Permit-less open carry now legal in Ohio.

Rhode Island introduces three bills for gun reform.

The Gun Industry Rounds

Facts on 5 active investigations on the NRA.

The clout of the gun lobby is now challenged.

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U.S. House passes HR 8 background check bill

Stop Handgun Violence Applauds House of Representatives for Passing H.R. 8, Background Check Bill for All Gun Sales

Boston, MA– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), voted to pass H.R. 8, a bill that would require background checks on all firearm sales.

The following is a statement of support from Stop Handgun Violence (SHV):

“We applaud the efforts of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Mike Thompson, and the entire Massachusetts House Delegation for co-sponsoring this bill” said John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence. “We are proud to join thousands of advocates who have worked around the country for this bill. Thirty-one states do not currently require background checks for all gun sales. We urge the Senate to take up this bill. This law would save countless lives by preventing dangerous individuals from accessing firearms without inconveniencing law-abiding gun owners. It would prevent those who are a proven risk to themselves and others, such as individuals convicted of violent felonies and domestic abusers, from purchasing firearms without detection. Background checks are supported by 97% of Americans, including the majority of gun owners, and I applaud the new Congress for prioritizing this life-saving and proven gun safety initiative.”

“We are very encouraged that a majority of the House has joined the vast majority of Americans who support this common-sense legislation that simply makes it harder for prohibited people to buy deadly weapons without a criminal background check and detection by law enforcement. We are extremely energized by this vote, a first in twenty years, and we hope that this is just the first step of many to strengthen our nation’s gun safety laws. We hope the Senate will also respond to the will of the overwhelming majority of Americans.”

 

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Stop Handgun Violence(SHV) is a Massachusetts gun violence prevention 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

Gun Reform Update: MA State Bill Support

We have a call to action TODAY!

Please call or email your Massachusetts state senator and ask him or her to co-sponsor State Senator Cindy Creem’s Bill SD1726: “An Act Relative to Crime Gun Data Reporting and Analysis. If Senator Creem is your Senator, please call and thank her for filing this key anti-trafficking and anti-straw purchasing measure. If you don’t know who your State Senator is, click here.

(Note: You need to call your state senator, not Congressional Senators Markey or Warren!)

What’s ahead:

  • Mar 1 (Friday) MA Coaltion for Gun Violence Prevention submission deadline for Director position.
  • Mar 7 (Thursday) Moms Demand Action Mother’s Dream Quilt in Lowell.
  • Mar 10 (Sunday) Gun Violence Prevention panel with Moms Demand Action in Hingham.
  • Mar 11 (Monday) Tackling Gun Violence at CitySpace in Boston.
  • Mar 23 (Saturday) Operation Lipstick Breakfast Jam.
  • Mar 28 (Thursday) MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Peace MVP Award night.
  • Apr 3 (Wednesday) Grandmothers Against Gun Violence meeting in Hyannis.

Across Our Nation

The House expected to vote on background check bills this week.

Former military advisors urge Congress to pass background check bills.

Are active shooter school drills more damaging than helpful?

Bipartisan Senate support for a Federal Extreme Risk Protective Order is possible.

What you want to know – a brief history on the AR-15.

An argument for more states to raise the age to buy firearms.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention & Other States

Sandy Hook Promise supports the Save Students Act for Massachusetts.

David Hogg speaks to students at Middlesex Community College on his activism role.

Massachusetts’ strong gun laws befuddles the NRA.

Hartford, Connecticut reports 4 people shot in 27 hours.

Rhode Island law enforcement implements the Extreme Risk Protective Order.

In Arizona, a bill to allow loaded guns in cars at school parking lots moves forward.

In San Diego, California, a look at gun violence restraining orders one year later.

Parkland, Florida activists push for assault weapons ban.

Iowa Senate panel approves pro-gun constitutional state amendment.

Maryland students plan school walkouts to the Capitol next month.

Nevada governor signs background checks into law.

North Dakota House rejects a ‘Stand your ground’ bill, but advances conceal carry in schools.

A rooftop gunman kills two in Houston, Texas.

The NRA Rounds

The NRA and its’ violent messaging.

Who’s gets the most money from the NRA?

Delta CEO admits he didn’t know about NRA discounts.

Is the tide turning against the NRA?

American Outdoors (aka Smith & Wesson) one year later, post-Parkland.

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Gun Reform Update: Gone Boy

Sponsor a Student: Since Parkland, 1,200 children have died from gun violence. Support our student activists who are working to change this.

 

Watch this incredible story of father and author of Gone Boy, Greg Gibson, who teams up with his son’s killer to save lives.

 

 

What’s ahead:

  • Mar 1 (Friday) MA Coaltion for Gun Violence Prevention submission deadline for Director position.
  • Mar 7 (Thursday) Moms Demand Action Mother’s Dream Quilt in Lowell.
  • Mar 11 (Monday) Tackling Gun Violence at CitySpace.
  • Mar 23 (Saturday) Operation Lipstick Breakfast Jam
  • Mar 28 (Thursday) MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Peace MVP Award night.
  • Apr 3 (Wednesday) Grandmothers Against Gun Violence meeting in Hyannis.

Across Our Nation

In a recent study, nearly every American will know a gun violence victim.

A gun in the house does not make a woman safer.

Speaker Pelosi harps on the President that gun violence is the National Emergency.

Ten years ago, Democratic political campaigns spoke on guns with care.

Most guns used in a school shooting come from a family member.

A researcher reports no progress on gun deaths among children and teens.

Massachusetts Gun Violence Prevention and Other States

How Parkland impacted local Massachusetts gun organizations.

In Massachusetts a Sherborn church display empty desks outside to remember Parkland.

In San Francisco, a medical emergency mistaken for a shooter turns to chaos at a Hamilton show.

A Florida Representative proposes a ban on high-capacity gun magazines.

The Aurora, Illinois shooter’s permit was revoked but he kept his guns.

The Kentucky senate approves NRA sponsored bill, permit-less carry.

Change The Ref unveils their 17th Wall of Demand in New York city.

Watch Emma Gonzales remark on one year after Parkland.

The NRA Rounds

Gun companies turn their backs on smart gun technology.

After Parkland, the NRA is not the same.

Smith and Wesson shareholder report refers to August protest (aka 50 Miles More) as a public media concern.

Did Trump hurt the gun lobby?

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