Stop Handgun Violence Response to Thousand Oaks Bar Mass Shooting

Boston, MA – This morning, news of another mass shooting broke, this time at a college bar in Thousand Oaks, CA. According to the Gun Violence Archive this is the 307th mass shooting in 2018. At least twelve were reported dead including a responding sheriff’s deputy.

“There are Mass shootings, 100 gun deaths and 250 gun injuries every day in the United States. It is a uniquely American problem and Congress is to blame. Every other developed Country has angry white men and mentally ill people but no other country arms them with easily concealed handguns and military style assault weapons without regulations and detection by law enforcement” said John Rosenthal, founder and chairman of Stop Handgun Violence. “While the shooter’s motives are still unclear, one thing is blatantly obvious: The time for action is now. Tuesday’s vote was largely a referendum on gun violence prevention and Americans overwhelmingly supported candidates that favored strong gun laws. The newly elected Congress must act on this issue as soon as they are sworn in. For decades, the majority in Congress have chosen blood money campaign contributions over public safety and the deadly consequences have reached a tipping point. It is clear that the current congress and President do not care and will not act against their gun industry benefactors. Until they do, we will continue to lose more Americans from gun violence every forty-five days than people killed by the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.”

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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: Make a plan to vote

In case you missed it, Stop Handgun Violence unveiled a new billboard designed by Change The Ref in Boston. Many advocates, activists and elected officials were with us to amplify the message of “Gun Laws Save Lives.” Read more media coverage here and check out our Facebook page for videos and photos.

What’s ahead:

  • Nov 6 (Tuesday) – March to the polls, it’s Election Day!
  • Dec 5-14th – Annual vigils to end gun violence in Massachusetts and across the country.
  • Dec 12 (Wednesday) – MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence vigil at First Church UU in Boston.

Massachusetts & New England:

Massachusetts continues to lead in gun violence prevention programs among youth.

Shirley man arrested for 47 illegal firearms and home-made silencers.

John Rosenthal, founder of SHV, recognized as a leader in gun violence prevention.

In New Hampshire, a student was shot and injured on Dartmouth campus.

In Rhode Island, incumbents draw on gun violence prevention as one of their top three issues this election.

Across the Nation:

Suburban women polling for more gun control this election.

Parkland students amplify their message to the polls.

A gunman kills 2 and injures several women in a Florida yoga studio.

Gun Violence Prevention groups gain momentum over the NRA this election season.

Parkland parents face a crowded space to fundraise for gun violence prevention.

Fedex ends NRA membership discount.

In New York City, Change The Ref outfits Fearless Girl to Fearful Girl.

In Pittsburgh, surgeons learn from past mass-casualty drills in Las Vegas and Orlando.

In California, Stanford releases research connecting lax gun laws to higher gun-related children deaths.

In Florida, state prosecutor states ‘stand your ground law’ is unconstitutional.

 

Stop Handgun Violence and Parkland, Florida Change the Ref Partner to Release New Billboard

Boston, MA – Today, Stop Handgun Violence and Change the Ref unveiled a new billboard designed by Manuel Oliver, the father of Parkland, Florida victim Joaquin Oliver. The billboard aims to compare the effective gun laws in Massachusetts with the lax dangerous gun laws in Florida, particularly Florida’s lack of criminal background checks for private gun sales as well as unregulated and unrestricted access to assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines.

The new 90’ x 20’ billboard is located on the 50 Dalton St. Parking Garage close to the corner of Boylston and Dalton Streets next to the Prudential Center in Back Bay. The message depicts a photo image of 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver, murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida with a quote: “If I had attended high School in Massachusetts instead of Parkland Florida, I would likely be alive today”. GUN LAWS SAVE LIVES.

“When Joaquin was murdered with an assault weapon designed for war, we asked ourselves how this could happen in our town and in our state?” said Manuel Oliver founder of Change the Ref. “We soon discovered that there were many common sense gun laws in Massachusetts and other states that could have prevented the senseless murder of our son if they were in place in Florida.”

“In Massachusetts, we have proven that effective gun laws can save lives and reduce gun violence without banning most guns. We have enacted laws that closed dangerous loopholes that allow prohibited individuals to gain access to firearms without detection by law

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enforcement” said John Rosenthal founder of Stop Handgun Violence. “By regulating gun manufacturers, banning assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines, requiring safety training and safe storage, giving police discretion in issuing renewable firearm licenses and allowing family members to petition the court to remove firearms from individuals in crisis, we have prevented countless tragedies like Parkland.”

“This new billboard is a wrenching testament to the price we pay for politicians who are too afraid to stand up to the hard-line gun proponents at the helm of the NRA and demand change” said U.S. Senator Edward Markey. “In Massachusetts, we’ve found ways to make progress despite NRA opposition to sensible gun safety legislation. It’s time to pass federal legislation that will ensure that all states have the same strong gun laws as the Commonwealth. I thank Stop Handgun Violence for their continued leadership in the movement end to senseless gun violence.”

“Bullets tearing through our communities have left too many families grieving a loved one taken too soon” said Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III. “In our Commonwealth, we know that strict, commonsense gun violence prevention laws lower firearm death rates. It’s not just a theory, it’s been proven over and over again. In Joaquin’s memory, guided by Manuel and Patricia’s relentless advocacy, we can begin to replicate our laws across the country to stop this violence that has terrorized our schools, sanctuaries, and quiet streets.”

“Massachusetts is leading the nation in gun safety thanks to the collaboration among lawmakers, government officials and advocates, especially the brave gun violence survivors and victim families who shared their painful stories,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “Today we are here to thank John Rosenthal and Stop Handgun Violence for their work. While we celebrate our progress together, we also pledge that we will continue our work to keep Massachusetts safe as gun safety is a priority for the House.

Watch our Facebook Live video of the press conference:

https://www.facebook.com/stophandgunviolence/videos/185445135633038/

 

Gun Reform Update: Tree of Life Synagogue

Another horrific mass shooting and we grieve again. After reading our public response to the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue, please make a plan to vote and remind your friends and family to vote. Lives depend on it.

What’s ahead:

  • Oct 30 (Tuesday) – Volunteer with SHV to Get Out the Vote in Cambridge.
  • Nov 1 (Thursday) – SHV and Change The Ref billboard unveiling ceremony in Boston.
  • Nov 2 (Friday) – Last day for early voting in Massachusetts.
  • Nov 6 (Tuesday) – March to Vote on Election Day!
Massachusetts & New England:

A Boston vigil draws over a thousand for victims and solidarity of another mass shooting.

Reframing gun violence as a public health issue at Boston University School of Public Health.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark plans to reintroduce legislation banning animal abusers from owning firearms.

In Connecticut, Yale University endowment won’t invest in sale or marketing of assault weapons.

In Rhode Island, Gun Safety Task Force recommends limiting purchases on large magazines

Across the Nation:

After a week of gun violence and pipe bombs, the country remains divided.

Warrior’s coach, Steve Kerr, decries gun violence after Pittsburgh shooting and urges voting.

Watch this young student share her advocacy effort for gun law reform in Pennsylvania.

Research data concludes a correlation of U.S. mass shootings to the Federal Assault Weapons ban of 1994-2004.

Pediatrics identify opportunities to reduce adolescent suicide by firearm risk.

Social media campaign by GunsDown to keep guns out of polling locations.

Time Magazine publishes project on guns and a search for common ground.

In North Carolina, a student died after being shot by another student.

In Kentucky, two are shot dead at a Kroger’s grocery store.

In Montana, Missoula city bans firearms in several public spaces.

In New Jersey, Rutgers University receives funding for gun violence research.

In Florida, fishermen arm themselves to highlight open carry rights.

The Gun Industry and NRA:

Six GOP candidates refused NRA campaign donations.

Remington settled a class action suit on faulty triggers.

Stop Handgun Violence Response to Tree of Life Synagogue Mass Shooting

Boston, MA – Yesterday, a domestic terrorist opened fire on an infant’s naming ceremony at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The all too common massacre is the 294th mass shooting this year and this time, left eleven dead and a six injured, including four police officers who were outgunned by the shooter with multiple high-powered firearms.

Pennsylvania does not require criminal background checks for private gun sales or restrict the sale or possession of military style assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines. Consequently, Pennsylvania’s gun death rate is 11.87 per 100,000 population compared to urban Massachusetts with 3.42 and a national average of 11.96.

“While the details of this yet another horrific massacre continue to emerge, our hearts and thoughts are with victims of this attack and the Pittsburgh community” said John Rosenthal, founder and chairman of Stop Handgun Violence. “The shooter’s motives are clear and one thing is blatantly obvious: The combination of unrestricted access to high powered firearms and the growing culture of hate, have deadly results. When lax state and federal gun policies allow a civilian shooter to access military style assault weapons designed to kill as many people as possible without reloading. A shooter can outgun police and the results are abhorrent, but should come as no surprise. The federal government and most state legislatures unconscionable priority of unregulated and unrestricted access to deadly firearms over human lives has disastrous consequences. Over 90 Americans die, 250 are injured and there is a mass shooting of at least four or more people every day in America. No other developed Country has this problem and the daily massacres won’t stop until Congress enacts federal gun safety policies like those that have proven to work in Massachusetts.”

Stop Handgun Violence and Parkland, Florida based Change the Ref Partner to Release New Billboard in Boston

MEDIA ADVISORY: Stop Handgun Violence and Parkland, Florida based Change the Ref Partner to Release New Billboard in Boston, Back Bay, with Press Conference to be held November 1st, at 11:00am;

Boston, MA– On Thursday, November 1st, 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 aims to compare the effective gun laws in Massachusetts with the lax dangerous gun laws in Florida, particularly Florida’s lack of criminal background checks as well as unregulated and unrestricted access to assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines.

Press Conference Details:

Manuel and Patricia Oliver available for interviews in English and Spanish.

When: November 1, 2018 at 11:00am EST

Where: Corner of Boylston St and Dalton Street, with views of Dalton Street Parking Garage at 50 Dalton St, Boston.
Who: U.S. Senator Edward Markey, U.S. Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III, MA Attorney General Maura Healey, MA Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, State HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders, MA Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, MA House Representatives Marjorie Decker, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, Manuel and Patricia Oliver of Change the Ref, John Rosenthal of Stop Handgun Violence

What: Press conference and billboard unveiling

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

ESPAÑOL

AVISO A LA PRENSA: Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro Stop Handgun Violence y Change the Ref se unen para la exhibición al público de una nueva valla gigante ubicada en, Back Bay, Boston que será presentada a través de una rueda de prensa el próximo 1ero de Noviembre, 2018 a las 11:00am;

Boston, MA– El jueves 1ero de Noviembre, Stop Handgun Violence y Change The Ref inauguran una valla gigante diseñada por el artista Manuel Oliver, padre de Joaquin Oliver, joven asesinado en su escuela en la ciudad de Parkland, Florida el pasado 14 de febrero 2018. Esta valla gigante ha sido creada por el artista para comparar las efectivas leyes de uso de armamento que existen en Massachusetts en comparación con las debiles leyes en el estado de Florida donde no es requerido la verificación de antecedentes y tampoco está restringido el acceso a armas automáticas y magazines con alta capacidad de amuniciones.

Detalles de la Conferencia de Prensa:

Cuándo: Noviembre 1ero, 2018. 11:00am

Dónde: Esquina de Boylston St y Dalton Street, con vista a Dalton Street Parking Garage en 50 Dalton St, Boston.

Quién: Alcalde de la Ciudad de Boston Marty Walsh, MA Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, State HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders, Chief de Salud de la Ciudad de Boston Marty Martinez, Comisionado de la Policia de Boston William Gross, Manuel y Patricia Oliver de Change the Ref, John Rosenthal de Stop Handgun Violence, y jovenes miembros de la organización March for Our Lives.

Qué: Conferencia de Prensa y exhibición de valla gigante.

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Stop Handgun Violence(SHV) es una organición sin fines de lucro comprometida para la prevención de la violencia con armament a traves de educación, conocimiento público, leyes efectivas y de sentido comón para el uso de armament. SHV ha liderado la activación de leyes preventivas de violencia por el uso de armas y las primeras regulaciones de protección al consumidor sobre el tema en la nación. La organización no busca restringir los derechos constitucionales pero si aboga por legislatura de sentido común para salvar vidas. Para más información visite www.stophandgunviolence.org

Change the Ref- (CTR), Fundada en memoria de su hijo Joaquin (2000-2018), quien fue una de las 17 víctimas del tiroteo en la escuela Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School en Parkland, FL, Manuel y Patricia Oliver están comprometidos para que Joaquin y las otras 16 victimas nunca sean olvidadas sugiriendo cambios reales en la sociedad para prevenir futuras tragedias similares. La Misión de CTR es la de dar a conocer y tener conciencia sobre estas masacres a través intervenciones a través de arte urbano para lograr reducir la influencia de la Asociación Nacional del Rifle (NRA por sus siglas en inglés) en el liderazgo de la Nación. Para más información www.changetheref.org

 

Gun Reform Update: #VoteforGunSafety

In case you haven’t been paying attention, your vote matters! Be an informed voter at the polls and check how your local state representative or senator voted in the last session for gun law reform.

Get out the Vote with your-selfie!!

Take a selife with your #WhyIVote #VoteforGunSafety sign & share it on social media.

Or send it to us and we’ll post it!

 

Upcoming events:

  • Oct 24 (Wednesday) – The Peace Abbey Victims of Violence Stonewalk in Boston.
  • Oct 29 (Monday) – SHV speaks on Gun Violence Prevention panel at Tufts University.
  • Oct 30 (Tuesday) – Help SHV Get Out the Vote in Cambridge.
  • Oct 30 (Tuesday) – Student panel on Gun Violence at Emerson College.
  • Nov 1 (Thursday) – SHV and Change The Ref billboard public unveiling ceremony in Boston.
  • Nov 2 (Friday) – Last day for early voting.  

Massachusetts:

The Brady Center sues online gun retailer Armslist on behalf of a Boston police officer.

Boston Mayor Walsh wants stronger gun laws to combat illegal guns.

Everytown gives endorsement for governor and Giffords endorses for the 3rd District Representative in Massachusetts.

Stop Handgun Violence is honored by Boston University School of Public Health with “Beyond Health Award” at annual gala.

Across the Nation:

Parkland Survivor, Manuel Oliver, wants America to vote out the NRA influence.

GVP groups are endorsing Republican candidates and some activists are turned off. 

This boy scout wants NRA lobbying out of scouting.

Students at a D.C. summit ratify a Students’ Bill of Rights for School Safety

In Florida, the lethal impact of “Stand Your Ground” law.

In Tennessee, a gun threat is reported at a school every 3 days.

In Oregon, the Brady Center and Cohen Milstein announce a landmark settlement against internet and retail gun dealers. 

Levi Strauss credits increased sales to its corporate activism to reduce gun violence.

The Gun Lobby & Industry:

Gun manufacturers have received over $19 million in state subsidies over the last 5 years.

When kids pull the trigger, gun owners are not responsible says the NRA.

Gun Reform Update: Register to Vote

Only 3 weeks until election day. Tomorrow is the last day for MA residents to register to vote in the November election. Don’t delay – register to vote today.

 

 

 

Upcoming events:

  • Oct 17th (Wednesday) – The Student Voice & Policy Change at UMass Dartmouth with David Hogg on the panel.
  • Oct 20th (Saturday) – 2:30pm STAIN performance in Boston by Berklee student commemorating deaths by gun violence& gathering energy for change.
  • Oct 23rd (Tuesday) – Forum on Violence Prevention: Guns, Public Health, and Health Care at B.U. School of Medicine.
  • Oct 24 (Wednesday) – The Peace Abbey Victims of Violence Stonewalk.
  • Oct 30th (Tuesday) – Take action and volunteer with SHV to Get Out the Vote
  • Nov 1st (Thursday) – B.U. School of Public Health honors SHV with “Beyond Health Award” at annual gala.

Massachusetts:
Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office sees a surge in voter pre-registration by Massachusetts teens post-Parkland.
David Hogg, Parkland survivor, speaks on gun violence at HUBweek in Boston.
Attorney General Debate highlights dfferences in recent gun law reforms.
Local artist Mark Erelli’s song, “By Degrees”, features Roseanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Josh Ritter, Anais Mitchell & Lori McKenna that highlights the gun violence epidemic.
Watch local students from Boston area schools give their opinion to VICE on bullet-proof back packs.

Across the Nation:
Students in California create a database on every school shooting in the last 50 years for public access.
Hartford, CT area teens continue the work for gun violence prevention.
Michigan man found guilty for shooting at a teen asking for directions to school.
Illinois mothers sue the state for lack of reasonable regulations to curtail gun traffiking that harms Chicago communities.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy introduces legislation called “No Red Banks and Blue Banks Act” as a result of Citigroup restricting capital to companies selling guns to under 21 yrs old.

The Gun Lobby & Industry:
NRA “A” Rating no longer a badge of honor for Repulbican candidates.
The NRA introduced a new letter grade, “Fx,” for candidates who requested and received the endorsement of Moms Demand Action & Everytown for Gun Safety.
Wells Fargo Bank issued a $40 million line of credit to gun manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Co., according to financial filings.

Gun Reform Update: Get Out The Vote

It was a somber week of events that eventually lead to the Senate confirming Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination on Saturday. His position that a ban on assault weapons as unconstitutional is an obvious declaration of the NRA dollars that supported him.
But we move onward – here are upcoming events in the weeks ahead:

  • Oct 17th (Wednesday) – MA voter registration deadline for the November election.
  • Oct 23rd (Tuesday) – Forum on Violence Prevention: Guns, Public Health, and Health Care – B.U. School of Medicine.
  • Oct 24 (Wednesday) – Victims of Violence Stonewalk from Boston Peace Garden to Boston College.
  • Oct 30th (Tuesday) – Volunteer to phonebank with SHV to Get Out the Vote!
  • Nov 1st (Thursday) – SHV and Change the Ref billboard unveiling at 11am in Boston. More details below.
  • Nov 1st (Thursday) – B.U. School of Public Health’s awards SHV with Beyond Health Award at annual gala.
  • Nov 6th (Tuesday) – Election Day! Voter registration deadlines by state here.

SHV and Change the Ref Billboard Unveiling:

When: November 1, 2018 at 11am EST

Where: Corner of Boylston and Dalton Street; with views of Dalton Street Parking Garage at 50 Dalton St. Boston.

Who: MA Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo, Manuel Oliver of Change the Ref, John Rosenthal of Stop Handgun Violence, and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

What: Press conference and billboard unveiling.

Massachusetts & New England:

Stop Handgun Violence is honored and awarded at this year’s Boston University School of Public Health “For the Future Public Health” Gala.

Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise awarded $1 million to expand school-based violence prevention, suicide and mental health training to students across Massachusetts.

Wayland residents petition for more restrictions on firing of guns in their town.

Bishop Douglas Fisher of Western Massachusetts Episcopal diocese shares his interest as a shareholder of American Outdoor Brands to address the public health crisis of gun violence.

Harvard Chan research team and Utah gun-rights advocates partnering in how to prevent suicide by firearm.

Connecticut’s law banning bump stocks went into effect last month.

Exeter, New Hampshire area students want more involvement in school safety.

NPR-Vermont produces a 5-part podcast “JOLTED” about a school shooting that didn’t happen.

Across the Nation:

Pennsylvania legislature passes gun law reform to remove firearms from domestic violence abusers.

New York Governor’s race highlights the gun issue.

New York State Education Department moves to prohibit the use of federal funds for firearms in schools.  

Ohio Governor Kasich signs executive orders on gun background checks and tracking.

Seattle police sargent speaks to the success of the Extreme Risk Protective Order for his city.

Corporate gun control viewed as the bigger threat to gun rights extremists. 

 

Gun Reform Update: Pledge to Vote

There was big news from Smith & Wesson shareholders. They voted in favor of issuing a report on gun violence and safety!

 

 

On the calendar:

  • October 6th (Saturday) – Election Season Launch with South Shore Moms Demand Action.
  • October 16th (Tuesday) – David Hogg speaks at Boston Public Library on student actvism and gun control.
  • October 19-21st – Student Gun Violence Summit – Washington DC
  • October 30th (Tuesday) – Get Out the Vote and volunteer to phone bank with us.
  • November 6th (Tuesday) – Election Day

Massachusetts:

-2018 Election Information-

  • Massachusetts voter registration deadline is Tuesday October 17th for the general election on Nov 6th.
  • Early Voting in Massachusetts from October 22nd-November 2nd.

The Smith & Wesson Nuns’ shareholders received additional local and national coverage on their win at last week’s annual meeting.

Our founder, John Rosenthal also issued this statement – “This is a seismic shift amongst investors, including some of the largest in the world, BlackRock and Vanguard, flexing their muscle and holding the uniquely unregulated gun companies and their executives accountable in the absence of sensible federal gun regulation.

This is especially significant for American Outdoor Brands who marches in lock step with the NRA but who operates in Massachusetts, the state with the most effective gun laws, the lowest gun deaths and the first in the nation consumer safety manufacturing and marketing standards that regulate guns sold in the State…If American Outdoor Brands and other Massachusetts gun manufacturers want to capitalize on this sea change, they should change their business practices by dumping the manufacture and sale of assault weapons and developing smart gun technology. Not only will they save lives, they will create jobs and thrive economically.”

Plus, Major Cities Chief Association addressed a letter to Smith & Wesson CEO to take a leadership role in gun safety and security.
Across the Nation:

Watch U2 Adam Clayton give The Concert Across America a shout-out!

Courts rule New Jersey’s ban on large magazines is constitutional.

Pennsylvania State house passes a bill to restrict domestic abusers from owning guns. 

California Governor Brown signs gun reform bills into law that ban bump stocks and require training for conceal carry licenses.

One year later, Las Vegas painfully remembers.

Senate Democrats push back on using federal funds to purchase guns for school safety.

Parents top concern over school shootings – is this the new normal?

The NRA is shedding members; membership revenue drops.