Advocates Criticize Fate of Gun Bill in RI, Rep Says “Three Rich White Guys" Decided on Legislation

Advocates Criticize Fate of Gun Bill in RI, Rep Says “Three Rich White Guys" Decided on Legislation

Legislation to limit the number of bullets in a magazine appears to be dead for this legislative session in Rhode Island. 

In recent weeks in Providence, gunfire has left as many as three to four dozen casings on the ground in some shootings. 

The Attorney General, police chiefs, and gun control advocates are still pushing for action - including one legislator who is highly critical of what she says is the lack of action and criticizing legislative leaders.

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“The reality is that this year we have unprecedented support in the chambers and in our state, but without consulting with me or [Senator Gayle Goldin], the sponsor in the Senate, three rich white guys decided on a slate of gun bills that gave as much to the NRA as it did to their majority,” tweeted State Representative Justine Caldwell, the sponsor of the House version of the legislation.

"There is no one measure, or even set of measures, that will solve the gun violence problem facing this country," Attorney General Neronha said. "But there are some things we can do to make progress, while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. This package of bills does just that. As just one example, banning high-capacity magazines – those containing over 10 rounds – is long overdue. Law enforcement has recovered more than 16 high-capacity magazines – magazines containing as many as 30 rounds – in the context of criminal activity in the last two years alone.”

“We are disappointed that with the gun homicides up 50% over last year and the increased use of large capacity magazines as the weapons of choice for drive by shooters, that the General Assembly has ignored a vote for passage on a bill that has broad support across the state and actually has the votes to pass on the floor in both the House and Senate,” said Linda Finn on behalf of the RI Coalition Against Gun Violence.

Specifically, the legislation defines those to be banned as, "Large capacity feeding device" means a magazine, box, drum, tube, belt, feed strip, 13 or other container which is capable of holding more than ten (10) rounds of ammunition to be fed 14 continuously and directly therefrom into a semi-automatic firearm. The term "large capacity 15 feeding device" shall include an ammunition feeding device with a removable floor plate or end 16 plate, if the device can readily be extended to accept more than ten (10) rounds of ammunition."

A video promoted by the RI Coalition Against Gun Violence and supplied by Neronha's office shows a May 2020 shooting incident in Pawtucket, where a boy crouches and then darts for cover when someone in an SUV pulls up and shoots at least 22 rounds in just 6 seconds.

"Let's be real, the majority & its champions are made up of a lot of women. So next year, when my family is getting death threats by gun nuts, I'll know who to thank. But, I'll continue living every day with advice from Hillary  -we'll keep going until we have what justice requires," Caldwell also tweeted.

GoLocal reached out to Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi about why the legislation has not moved forward and Caldwell's comments, but he has not responded.