New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

Working to Reduce Gun-Related Violence Since 1993

(NY, NY) New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) is pleased to announce its strong support for the "Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2003" legislation introduced today by Representatives Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and John Conyers (D-MI). This important legislation will strengthen current law, while making the assault weapon and high-capacity magazine ban permanent.

The federal ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, signed into law in 1994, will expire on September 12, 2004, unless Congress acts. It is vital that the law be renewed and strengthened before it sunsets. Semi-automatic assault weapons are civilian clones of military weapons whose only purpose is to kill large numbers of people. Assault weapons are used to kill police officers and continue to be prized by a variety of criminals. A recent analysis of FBI data by the Violence Policy Center found that between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2001, one out of five law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty was killed by an assault weapon. This past March, two New York City undercover police officers gave their lives trying to take a TEC – 9 assault pistol, a banned weapon, off the streets. President Bush pledged his support for the ban during the 2000 election and reiterated this support just a few weeks ago. Even Attorney General Ashcroft has stated in testimony before Congress that he supports a ban on assault weapons.

Over the last nine years, the gun industry has shrewdly evaded the 1994 ban by producing an entire new class of assault weapons. Guns like the Bushmaster XM15 M4 A3 assault rifle (a knock off of the banned Colt AR-15), used in the Washington, DC sniper shootings and the AB 10 (a knock off of the banned TEC – 9) help to illustrate the need for reauthorization and strengthening of the ban. These types of "post ban" assault weapons also pose a threat to national security and are easily accessible to terrorists. Al Qaeda training manuals found in Afghanistan noted the ease with which firearms can be purchased in the United States.

"We as a nation cannot continue to stand by and watch as these "anti-personnel" weapons wreak havoc in our neighborhoods and threaten our security" Andy Pelosi, Executive Director of NYAGV said today. "At a time when the safety of law enforcement and our fellow residents must be a top priority, the House of Representatives has been busy currying favor with the gun lobby by passing legislation granting immunity to the gun industry. They should focus instead on protecting the people by passing the McCarthy/Conyers legislation."

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is New York State’s leading grassroots organization committed to reducing gun violence in our communities through advocacy and education that leads to changes in public awareness and policy to protect New York State residents and particularly youth from gun violence.