Legislative Changes in New York City, New York State, and Federal Level New York City
- Microstamping Technology: Requiring microstamping on all firearms sold in the city can help law enforcement trace bullets to specific guns, aiding in criminal investigations.
- Increased Funding for Community Programs: Allocating more resources to violence interruption and prevention programs can reduce gun violence at the community level.
- Enhanced Surveillance and Policing: Implementing data-driven policing strategies and increasing the presence of law enforcement in high-crime areas can deter criminal activity.
New York State
- Strengthening Red Flag Laws: Enhancing the existing red flag laws to ensure they are effectively implemented and enforced can prevent individuals who pose a risk from accessing firearms.
- Ghost Gun Regulations: Enforcing stricter regulations on the manufacturing and possession of ghost guns (untraceable firearms) can reduce the number of illegal guns on the streets.
- Firearm Dealer Accountability: Increasing oversight and accountability of firearm dealers can prevent illegal sales and straw purchases (buying a gun for someone who is prohibited from owning one).
Federal Level
Former President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump
- Universal Background Checks: Passing legislation to require background checks for all gun sales, including private and online sales, can prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms.
- Assault Weapons Ban: Reinstituting the federal assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004, can reduce the availability of these highly lethal firearms.
- Funding for Research on Gun Violence: Allocating federal funds for research on gun violence can provide data-driven insights and inform effective policy decisions.
Presidential Candidates' Impact on Gun Violence
Vice President Kamala Harris
- Policy Proposals: As a former Attorney General of California, Kamala Harris has advocated for comprehensive gun control measures, including universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, and closing loopholes in gun sales.
- Public Health Approach: Harris supports treating gun violence as a public health issue, emphasizing the need for research, mental health services, and community-based interventions.
- Red Flag Laws: Harris has proposed expanding red flag laws nationwide to prevent individuals who pose a danger from accessing guns.
Biden-Harris Administration: Under the Biden-Harris administration, several executive actions have been taken to address gun violence, including regulating ghost guns and promoting community violence intervention programs.
Former President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump
- Policy Stance: Donald Trump has generally opposed strict gun control measures, advocating for the protection of Second Amendment rights. His administration focused on addressing mental health issues and increasing law enforcement presence.
- School Safety: Trump has emphasized the importance of securing schools, including proposals for arming teachers and increasing security measures.
- Red Flag Laws: While Trump has expressed support for red flag laws in principle, his administration did not implement significant changes in this area.
- Gun Rights Advocacy: Trump has strong support from gun rights organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA), which influences his policy positions on gun control.
Comparative Analysis
- Comprehensive Approach: Kamala Harris's approach to gun violence is more comprehensive, addressing not only gun control laws but also public health measures and community-based interventions. Her focus on a multi-faceted strategy aligns with evidence-based practices for reducing gun violence.
- Legislative Support: Harris's proposals are more likely to face resistance in a divided Congress, whereas Trump's policies, which are less restrictive, may garner more support from conservative lawmakers.
- Long-Term Impact: Harris's emphasis on treating gun violence as a public health issue and addressing root causes such as poverty and mental health could lead to more sustainable reductions in gun violence. Trump's focus on law enforcement and Second Amendment rights may result in more immediate but less comprehensive solutions.