Nutter Among Mayors Calling for Tougher Gun Laws in Wake of CT School Shooting

Nutter, along with New York Mayor Bloomberg, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and several others, sent an open letter to President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress on Monday calling for tougher gun laws.

In the wake of last Friday’s school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, Mayor Michael Nutter has joined other Mayors across the country who are calling for stronger gun laws. Nutter, along with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and several others, sent an open letter to President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress on Monday, calling for tougher gun laws and what they called “a reversal of the culture of violence in this country, a commission to examine violence in the nation, and more adequate funding for the mental health system.”

An excerpt from the letter:

 “Again and again and again, Americans are stunned by senseless acts of violence involving guns. Friday’s tragedy targeting young children in Newtown is incomprehensible. Too many times this year, mayors have expressed shock at a mass shooting.  Even more frequently, many of us must cope with the gun violence that occurs on the streets of our cities.  …

 “The Conference has been calling for sensible gun laws to protect the public for more than 40 years.  Mayors and police chiefs from cities of all sizes have worked together in this effort over the years. 

“We urge you to take immediate action: the President to exercise his powers though Executive Order and Congress to introduce and pass legislation to make reasonable changes in our gun laws and regulations.  Specifically we call on you to:

  • Enact legislation to ban assault weapons and other high-capacity magazines being prepared by Senator Dianne Feinstein and others;
  • Strengthen the national background check system and eliminate loopholes in it; and
  • Strengthen the penalties for straw purchases of guns. …


“We believe that with this latest national tragedy and the high incidence of gun violence that continues to plague our streets, we have reached a tipping point.  The nation’s mayors pledge to work with you to build a safer America for our children and all of our citizens.”
 

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