SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 8, 2023) – Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Mike A. Gipson stands firmly alongside Governor Gavin Newsom for a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution in order to address rampant gun violence in California and throughout the nation. This comprehensive amendment aims to safeguard public safety while upholding the principles of the Second Amendment.
“The American people have grown weary of the inaction and gridlock surrounding gun safety legislation in Congress,” said Assemblymember Mike A Gipson (D-Carson). “It is time for bold and decisive steps to be taken to protect our communities from gun violence. Over 21,000 deaths in 2021, over 20,000 deaths in 2022, and in the first 6 months of 2023, there have already been over 8,000 deaths due to gun violence. This might just look like a statistic to you, but each of those numbers represents a person. A daughter or son, a mother or father, a brother or sister. A person that was loved by family and friends. A person that is missed and who left grieving communities behind. A person whose life was cut short by senseless gun violence. I say “no more”, I don’t want to see another 20 thousand deaths in 2024. I don’t want to be scared for my children going to the grocery store, to our church, to their school. I am done living in fear of getting a knock on my door from a police officer informing me that my child was murdered by gun violence. Enough is enough, and it has been enough for far too long. I am sick and tired of waiting. We need reform now.”
“The 28th Amendment seeks to enshrine four widely supported gun safety freedoms that will bolster public safety while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. Raising the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21 aligns with the age restrictions already in place for various activities, such as purchasing alcohol and renting a car. By raising the minimum age, we can help ensure that firearms are in the hands of responsible and mature individuals. To strengthen our nation's efforts to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, the 28th Amendment proposes comprehensive and universal background checks for all gun purchases. By closing loopholes and conducting thorough background checks, we can enhance our ability to keep firearms away from individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Introducing a reasonable waiting period before the completion of a gun purchase can serve as an effective measure to prevent impulsive actions and provide an additional layer of protection. This provision acknowledges the importance of thoughtful consideration when acquiring firearms. By prohibiting the civilian purchase of assault weapons, we can take a significant step toward reducing the devastating impact of mass shootings and other acts of violence.”
“It is essential to emphasize that the proposed 28th Amendment does not infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Instead, it seeks to strike a balance between public safety and responsible gun ownership. I stand firmly behind Governor Newsom’s thoughtful leadership to tackle rampant gun violence across this nation.”
Assemblymember Gipson urges fellow legislators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to come together in support of the 28th Amendment. By championing these common-sense gun safety measures, we can demonstrate our commitment to a safer and more secure future for all Americans.