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Auchincloss introduces End Gun Violence Act after mass shooting

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2021

Ken Paiva

Washington, D.C.—Thursday, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, along with Representatives Joe Neguse and Robin Kelly, are unveiling the End Gun Violence Act, legislation to restrict the sale of firearms to those convicted of violent misdemeanor crimes in the last five years. The shooter who killed 10 people at a King Soopers in Boulder, Colorado on March 22nd, had previously been convicted of a violent misdemeanor. Under this Act, he would not have been eligible to purchase the firearm used to kill 10 individuals that day.

Currently, 22 states and the District of Columbia prohibit handgun purchases by persons convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes. However, these individuals are still eligible to purchase firearms in the remaining states, creating a patchwork of eligibility and increasing the risk of firearm-related violence. Establishing a federal law to prohibit the sale of firearms to those who have been convicted of violent misdemeanor offenses will legally protect vulnerable populations not currently covered by state law and create a national standard. In June, the Colorado state legislature enacted similar legislation barring those convicted of violent misdemeanor crimes from purchasing guns for five years.

“Tragedies like the King Snoopers shooting should never be repeated. No one with a violent misdemeanor conviction should have access to guns. By closing the boyfriend loophole, we are saving lives and keeping our neighborhoods safer,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss.

“While our local law enforcement seek justice for the senseless act of violence perpetrated against our community on March 22nd, we are working to change the law to prevent future tragedies,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “Ensuring that firearms cannot be sold to violent individuals is crucial to preventing gun violence and saving lives. This law is common-sense and would keep guns out of the hands of those likely to use them to perpetrate violence.”

“I applaud Representative Neguse’s leadership and his continued commitment to reducing gun violence in this country. This bill represents a strong step forward,” said Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty. “By preventing gun purchases for those with violent criminal convictions in the preceding 5 years, this bill focuses on those individuals who have just recently proven to be a real danger to other people. The bill is exactly what we need — a focused effort to keep guns away from those who present an immediate danger to others in the community. The District Attorney’s Office strongly supports Representative Neguse’s work to reduce gun violence.”