Dear Friend,
The Glock handgun used in the horrific shooting in Tucson, Arizona fired off 33 rounds before its owner, Jared Lee Loughner, was wrestled to the ground as he paused to reload. In that time, he wounded 13 people including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. He killed six others, including 9-year-old Christina Green.
Until it expired in 2004, the Assault Weapons Ban stopped 33-round clips like the one used in Arizona from being manufactured and sold to civilians. Since that time, these clips have flooded the marketplace. With Congress unlikely to act on this danger and pass legislation, we must do everything we can here in New York City to fight the rising tide of gun violence.
On Thursday, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio joined the New York Post in calling on the New York City Police Department to start buying the firearms they need from a different company until Glock agrees to stop selling 30-round magazines to consumers.
Too often we forget the potential of our enormous purchasing power to convince businesses to act more responsibly. This is an opportunity to use this asset the right way.
Click here to read the New York Post article on the proposal.
Best,
Matt Wing
Communications Director