|
Deval Patrick on Gun Control
Democratic Governor (MA) and presidential contender
|
|
|
State gun laws don't matter when guns come from other states
Q: I'm a high school English teacher and I'm concerned about guns in our schools. PATRICK: Doesn't it just blow our minds that we're preparing children for active shooter drills? How did we come to this? I share the consensus that exists in America
around most or many gun safety measures, national registries, background checks, closing the gun show loophole. This is one of these issues that has to be dealt with at the federal level. We have some of the best laws in America in Massachusetts.
They were good before I was in office and we added to them. But it doesn't much matter if you can buy a crate of guns elsewhere and bring them into Massachusetts. We have to have--we have to have a federal solution.
I would also ban assault weapons. And I would do a voluntary buyback, as well. I believe there is consensus on many of those, and other, measures.
Source: CNN N. H. Town Hall on eve of N. H. primary
, Feb 6, 2020
Rejected Ruby Ridge task force recommendations
A task force of 24 FBI and Justice Department officials compiled a 542-page report detailing federal misconduct and coverups and suggested criminal charges against FBI officials involved in Ruby Ridge. Patrick rejected the task force's recommendation,
ruling instead that the FBI sniper who killed Vicki Weaver had not used "excessive force" and did not intend to violate her civil rights. The Justice Department paid $3 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit from the Weaver family.
Source: USA Today on 2019 Democratic primary
, Nov 27, 2019
More gun safety measures to help stop tragedies
Only this morning we re-filed several gun safety measures to help stop tragedies like Newtown. Yes, there is more to do. The truth is that, in any successful organization, the work of self-improvement is never finished. I am proud of the fact that,
working with the House and Senate, no administration has ever delivered more sweeping reform of state government than ours has. We have our proposals. There are many others before you now as well. Let's continue this work together.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Commonwealth Legislature
, Jan 16, 2013
Strengthen existing gun laws; require background checks
Indicate which principles you support regarding guns. - Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
-
Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
- Require a license for gun possession.
Source: 2006 MA Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
, Nov 7, 2006
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2020