Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

Following U.S. Supreme Court decision, bump stocks remain illegal in Rhode Island

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Garland v. Cargill to strike down an important federal gun safety regulation:

 

“In 2017, thousands gathered in Las Vegas to attend a country music festival, during which a gunman opened fire on the crowd, killing 60 people and injuring more than 850 – the worst mass shooting in American history. Several of the shooter’s firearms were fitted with bump stocks that allowed him to fire approximately 90 rounds in 10 seconds and more than 1,000 rounds in total. Today, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on bump stocks that was imposed following this horrifying event.

 

“It has always been my belief that common sense gun regulation keeps Rhode Islanders safe and secure. Since I’ve been Attorney General, I’ve fought hard for necessary reforms to our gun laws, including bans on large capacity magazines, straw purchasing, and ghost guns, and most recently, a law that requires safe storage of firearms when not in use. And my office has successfully defended several important gun safety measures.

 

“Notwithstanding today’s decision, Rhode Island has a state law in place that prohibits specific devices that modify a firearm to allow fully automatic rates of fire – so bump stocks have been and remain banned in our state. Because today’s Supreme Court decision affects only federal regulatory authority regarding bump stocks, our Rhode Island bump stock ban can and will continue to be enforced.

 

“My office’s approach to dangerous, illegal firearms remains clear: we will use every tool at our disposal to rid Rhode Island of the perils of gun violence, and we will continue to fight for common sense gun laws that protect innocent people from harm.”

 

 

Donald Trump is taking a victory lap today following the presidential debate. During a campaign rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump said the debate showed Biden is grossly incompetent. He said "no amount of rest or rigging" could help Biden defend his "atrocious record," referencing Biden's time spent preparing for the debate at Camp David.        The Supreme Court has ruled that a January 6th Capitol rioter was improperly charged with obstruction. The case involved a former Pennsylvania police officer charged for his alleged participation in the attack on the Capitol. The Justices ruled 6-3 that the government's broad use of a 2002 law that specifically deals with obstruction does not apply to the officer, and by extension, others.        An Iowa law that bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected will go into effect. The Iowa State Supreme Court is upholding a 2023 law that was put on hold by an Iowa judge days after it was passed. In most cases the electrical impulse of a heartbeat can be heard by a doctor as early as six weeks.        The Pentagon is sending an amphibious assault ship with Marines to the eastern Mediterranean. That comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah rise along Lebanon's border. The USS Wasp entered the sea on Wednesday, according to US European Command.        Oklahoma's state school superintendent is requiring all public schools to have a Bible in every classroom from grades five through 12. On Thursday, Superintendent Ryan Walters announced teachers will also have to teach from the bible and incorporate it as part of their curriculum. Walters claims it's in accordance with academic standards and state law.        New court documents reveal Michael Jackson was more than 500-million dollars in debt when he died. A petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by the executors of his estate showed the extent of the King of Pop's debt. The filing also said Jackson's estate was left financially liable for 40-million dollars to tour promoter AEG. Jackson died shortly before a planned 50-show residency in London.        

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