The second amendment is dear to us in the Fifth district. Many of us use guns for hunting, sport and self-protection. Families often bequeath guns to family members and there are those that have treasured collections. This is as it should be.

But gun violence, particularly that done with rapid-fire weapons, has made it impossible to ignore the need to balance rights of individuals with the need of public safety. We must respond to the call by national law enforcement organizations, who have asked for immediate action by citizens, law enforcement and elected officials alike to address the “crisis of gun violence” in our society.  Working together, I believe we can enact some common-sense protections for the public. When talking about rapid-fire or “assault” style weapons, discussion of background checks and of purchasing controls at gun shows are responsible considerations to ensure public safety.  

Source: From the “Statement of Principles” of The National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence (NLEPPGV) . See  http://www.policefoundation.org/  and choose Gun Safety.