National Urban League: Reinstate Assault Weapons Ban

Comprehensive Review of All Gun Laws Urgently Needed

NEW YORK (December 17, 2012) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today reiterated his call for a reinstatement of the assault weapons ban, along with a comprehensive review of all gun laws to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement.

"When little children in their classrooms are not safe from gun violence, it's time for a serious reexamination of our national priorities." Morial said.  "The physical safety of America's children is far more important than the political safety of America's elected officials."

The day after Election Day, Morial sent a letter to President Obama, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Speaker of the House John Boehner, which read in part, "The scourge of gun violence cries out for a comprehensive new approach to community safety and crime reduction. This requires stronger enforcement of existing gun laws, re-enactment of the assault weapons ban and a thoughtful examination of criminal justice system disparities..."

Morial noted research shows that more guns lead to more homicides, and states with stricter regulations on firearms have fewer gun-related deaths.  The United States has the highest rate of firearm deaths of any developed country, with more than 12,000 a year - twenty times the average of other developed nations.

"I believe that even the most ardent defenders of the Second Amendment want to find a way to keep military-style assault rifles out of the hands of violent criminals and the mentally unstable," Morial said. "We must seize this moment of national unity and work together for a solution.

CONTACT:  Teresa Candori
                    (646) 319-0891