Albany County Legislature calls on federal government to reinstate weapons assault ban
by WRGB Staff
Albany County Legislature calls on federal government to reinstate weapons assault ban (WRGB)
Albany, NY (WRGB) —
Members of the Albany County Legislature continue to prioritize ending gun violence while also calling on the federal government to do the same.
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On Tuesday, the Legislature issued a proclamation calling for members of the federal government to reinstate an Assault Weapons Ban, similar to the one that was enacted in 1994 but never reinstated when it expired.
Studies have shown that while the ban was in place, there was a decrease in the use of assault weapons. One study by the Justice Department reported a 6.7 percent decrease in total gun murders.
The proclamation is in addition to the steps being taken on the local level to adopt a comprehensive domestic terrorism policy, which was ordered by Governor Kathy Hochul on May 18.
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“I was an assault rifle owner until I came to the correct realization that while it was fun to take to the range, something with so much destructive killing power didn’t belong in my home,” said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce. “From Newton, to Buffalo and now, Texas, we have failed to keep weapons of war out of the hands of deranged killers. We must reinstate the federal assault weapons ban now and begin the work necessary with mental health professionals and law enforcement to develop a plan to prevent any tragedies in our community and Albany County.”
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