Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued a statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Garland v. Cargill to strike down a federal gun safety regulation. "In 2017, thousands gathered in Las Vegas to attend a country music festival, during which a gunman opened fire on the crowd killing 60 people and injuring more than 850 – the worst mass shooting in American history. Several of the shooter’s firearms were fitted with bump stocks that allowed him to fire approximately 90 rounds in 10 seconds and more than 1,000 rounds in total. Today, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on bump stocks that was imposed following this horrifying event."
Neronha emphasized his commitment to common sense gun regulation for Rhode Island's safety. "It has always been my belief that common sense gun regulation keeps Rhode Islanders safe and secure. Since I’ve been Attorney General, I’ve fought hard for necessary reforms to our gun laws, including bans on large capacity magazines, straw purchasing, and ghost guns, and most recently, a law that requires safe storage of firearms when not in use. And my office has successfully defended several important gun safety measures."
He reassured residents that Rhode Island's state law prohibiting devices like bump stocks remains unaffected by the Supreme Court ruling. "Notwithstanding today’s decision, Rhode Island has a state law in place that prohibits specific devices that modify a firearm to allow fully automatic rates of fire – so bump stocks have been and remain banned in our state. Because today’s Supreme Court decision affects only federal regulatory authority regarding bump stocks, our Rhode Island bump stock ban can and will continue to be enforced."
Neronha concluded by reaffirming his office's dedication to combating illegal firearms and advocating for protective legislation. "My office’s approach to dangerous, illegal firearms remains clear: we will use every tool at our disposal to rid Rhode Island of the perils of gun violence, and we will continue to fight for common sense gun laws that protect innocent people from harm.”