The statement below is by Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. on behalf of the Board of Commissioners regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6 – 3 decision to reject the ban on bump stocks that allow semiautomatic rifles to fire at machine gun strengths.
This country has reached a point of identity crisis. What sort of nation do we want to be? The onus of that question falls not just on those who choose public service, but on all Americans. We used to pride ourselves as a nation of peace, justice, and solutions, but the Supreme Court’s decision to prioritize the access to lethal weapons shows a different America than what we aspire to be. To say I am disappointed in the court’s decision would be a tragic understatement.
Thoughts and prayers are no longer sufficient when it comes to the gratuitous bloodshed of our fellow citizens. The proposed ban on bump stocks first came to light following one of the deadliest mass shootings in history, when a lone gunman with a bump stock semi assault rifle opened fire at a Las Vegas hotel room killing 60 people and injuring hundreds more. To see the worst shooting in our nation’s history, at a time where public shootings are as common as the flu, still come with no consequences or provisions to ensure nothing like this can happen again is outrageous.
Unfortunately, any consequential progress will only be made possible by civilian engagement. Contact your local representatives and let them know loud and clear that you support a federal ban on bump stocks, and common-sense gun control.