FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Program Michigan
June 24, 2024
Contact: Sam Inglot, sam@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Statement on Recent Gun Violence Prevention Developments
Governor Whitmer establishesGun Violence Prevention Taskforce amid mixed SCOTUS rulings on gun safety
MICHIGAN — On Friday, the United States Supreme Court issued an 8-1 decision to uphold a ban on domestic abusers owning guns and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office announced that they are establishing a gun violence prevention taskforce. Progress Michigan Executive Director Sam Inglot released the following statement:
“As is often the case with gun violence prevention policy in this country, the events of the last few weeks have produced mixed results. While Gov. Whitmer is doing the right thing with the announcement of the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, we must remember that Supreme Court decisions, both good and bad, also directly impact Michiganders and the safety of our communities.
“Governor Whitmer’s creation of this taskforce shows her strong commitment to the safety and well-being of Michigan residents and shows a continuation of the work being led by Democrats in the Michigan Legislature. By combining insights from the public safety and medical fields, the taskforce aims to develop innovative strategies to enhance public safety and address the root causes of gun violence.
“The recent Supreme Court decisions in U.S. v. Rahimi, which upheld the law disarming domestic abusers, and Garland v. Cargill, which overturned the bipartisan-supported ban on bump stocks should show everyone how quickly both progress and setbacks can happen, as well as how important the court system is when it comes to policy. These rulings demonstrate the mixed impacts of the current Court’s decisions on gun control measures.
“Governor Whitmer’s decisive action is commendable. However, we must remain vigilant and continue advocating to protect our communities from gun violence. We urge all stakeholders and partners to join us in advocating for meaningful strides toward reducing gun violence and safeguarding all Michiganders.”
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