Statement by Assembly-Member Mike Gipson:
CARSON, Calif — Today’s abundance of deadly gun violence has little to do with the 2nd Amendment and more to do with the U.S. Senate Republicans and President’s indebtedness to the powerful gun lobbyists for significant favors and campaign contributions.
To be clear, California legislators have never asked for a ban on personal guns designed for individual and family protection. What we have asked for are background checks for gun owners and the registration of parts used to assemble guns.
As families and communities are regularly decimated by gun violence in this country, the Senate Republicans and President Trump have the audacity to look into the faces of grieving mothers to solely offer “prayers and condolences” – again and again and again. Meanwhile, the rest of the American public routinely scans the faces of terrified students on newscasts as they run for cover while an active shooter takes down classmates.
It is true that California has been a leader in gun violence prevention and on the forefront of reform for the past 30 years. While actively supporting those efforts, I am acutely aware that there is immense work for Washington D.C. to do. I represent Compton, Carson, South Los Angeles, Watts, Wilmington, North Long Beach and neighborhoods whose residents will vehemently tell you that not enough is done to curb gun violence. These communities are not the exception. They mirror numerous other communities up and down the state and throughout our nation.
Soon after the attack in San Bernardino, I began championing legislation to clear the streets of “ghost guns.” These guns are effortlessly built at home with 3-D printers, tools from a hardware store or parts purchased over the internet. They are unregistered and untraceable to law enforcement. Easily hidden from authorities, they are increasingly used in organized crime, street crimes, arms trafficking and murder.
As a former police officer, I have a profound respect for firearms and law-abiding gun owners, but I will not stop fighting those criminals who seek to plague our communities with gun violence.
Mass shootings garner worldwide headlines. Yet, there is little recognition for the men; women; and children of my district and throughout America who are killed nearly every day. At the end of each assembly legislative floor session, we are allowed to adjourn in memory of someone who has passed away. I am heartbroken and weary of adjourning in memory of residents who have died due to gun violence. I take a tough position on gun violence and will continue an unwavering commitment to represent those victims who can no longer speak for themselves.
We simply must come together and advance policies in the best interest of public safety not our own personal gain. The Trump administration and Senate Republicans seek to tear down every possible attempt we make towards sensible gun laws. We will fight this at every step and reject the rhetoric of hate and division. I will continue to stand with my colleagues in the Legislature, gun safety advocates and all of my constituents to reduce gun violence in California. I believe we have what it takes to enact laws that will strengthen public safety.
All residents have the right to live in safe communities and attend schools free of the fear of gun violence. I urge the President and GOP to look beyond their own back yards and see that innocent American children and families are suffering because of their unwillingness to look beyond special interests and campaign dollars.
Assemblymember Gipson is chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. He represents the 64th Assembly District which includes Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South L.A., Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.