Massachusetts ranked safest state by group after lowest rate of gun deaths; Bay State politicians respond

BOSTON – This week, the GIFFORDS Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence named Massachusetts the safest state in the country for having the lowest rate of gun deaths. Massachusetts received an A grade for its tough gun laws, ranking 5^th in the country. 

“Massachusetts is the best state to live, work and raise a family in large part because we prioritize public safety. No parent should have to worry whether their child will be safe at school or on the playground,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re proud to be named the safest state in the nation and to receive an A grade for our strong gun laws, which was made possible by the strong leadership of our Legislature. Together, we’ll keep working to enhance safety in all of our communities and save lives.” 

“As a former Mayor, I know that partnership and collaboration are key to ensuring we move forward as a state. This ranking recognizes the work of our local, state and federal leaders who make public safety a priority and further proves that strong gun laws lead to fewer deaths,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This national recognition is a testament to the strength of the laws here in Massachusetts, and we are proud to continue the work to ensure Massachusetts remains the safest state.”  

“Massachusetts has some of the lowest gun death rates in the country, and that is no coincidence. Massachusetts’ A grade on the GIFFORDS Annual Scorecard is proof of how effective commonsense gun laws are in saving lives. Americans care about safety—every family wants to know that they are free to live peacefully without the constant fear of gun violence hanging over their heads. Fortunately, we have a roadmap to that reality,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS. 

Earlier this year, Governor Healey signed An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws (H.4885), which bans ghost guns, also known as 3-D printer guns, tightens the Extreme Risk Protection Order statute involving people who are deemed a danger to themselves or others, and invests in violence prevention programs. GIFFORDS cited these provisions in their ranking of Massachusetts. 

“The “A” grade that Massachusetts received from the GIFFORDS Law Center is representative of the work that we have done to ensure that the Commonwealth will continue to have the lowest gun death rate in America. I’m incredibly proud of the historic gun safety law that the Legislature passed earlier this year, legislation that I hope can be a model for other states going forward,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey and our colleagues in the Senate for their partnership on this issue, as well as former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the GIFFORDS Law Center for the critical work that they continue to do to reduce gun violence across the country.” 

“This year the Legislature blazed the trail forward on gun safety, making changes to our gun laws that will save lives while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “In Massachusetts we will not waver in protecting our communities from gun violence, and I’m heartened to see our efforts be recognized by GIFFORDS, which has never ceased advocating for a country safe from gun violence.” 

GIFFORDS Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence’s Annual Gun Law Scorecard grades and ranks each state on the strength of its gun laws. The comprehensive, 50-state analysis reflects that states with stronger gun laws have lower gun death rates and save lives.