Dec 30, 2024|Happy & Safe New Year

We take great pride in our advocacy efforts over the past 30 years, which have significantly contributed to Massachusetts’ outstanding reputation for gun safety. Recently, the Giffords Law Center awarded the Commonwealth its first grade A for our robust gun safety laws, recognizing us as the safest state in the nation!

What’s next in 2025?

A 2026 ballot question attempts to repeal our new laws. We will begin to strategize and craft a vital public awareness and educational campaign to counter the lies, rhetoric and falsehoods by the gun lobby.

Your contribution will empower us to protect our gun safety laws in our state, ultimately helping to protect lives from gun violence. Thank you for considering and thanks to all who have already donated.

Nov 22, 2024 | Thankful for YOU

In these uncertain times, we are grateful for our supporters, donors, board members and advocates who are committed to our cause of gun violence prevention. After 30 years, Stop Handgun Violence will remain in the fight but your help is needed. Please donate to support our work and save lives from gun violence.

Thank you!

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Oct 22, 2024 | Vote for Gun Safety

Early voting in Massachusetts has begun and runs for two weeks from Saturday 10/19 through Friday 11/1.

Update on Gun Law Opponents Repeal Campaign:

The opposition’s campaign appear to have submitted the necessary number of signatures to the MA Secretary of State. The next step is the Secretary of State review process where those signatures will be vetted and tallied by county because no more than 25% of the total can come from a single county. A spokesperson for Secretary of State William Galvin said the review process is unlikely to begin until after the Nov. 5 election.

Legal experts agree Massachusetts’ new gun laws will likely hold up.

“What this law has done is a little bit more modest than the way it’s been framed by opponents,” said Cody Jacobs, a lecturer at the B.U. School of Law who studies constitutional law and state gun policy. “I don’t think that the changes that this law made are likely to be struck down by a court under the Second Amendment.

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Sep 30, 2024 | President Biden and Vice President Harris Announce Additional Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Save Lives

Yesterday, President Biden signed a new Executive Order directing federal agencies to improve school-based active shooter drills and combat the emerging threats of machine gun conversion devices and unserialized, 3D-printed firearms, and more that advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda to reduce gun violence and save lives.

Read the full White House press statement here.

Watch the recorded streamed event on White House Facebook page here.

Executive Director Sonya Coleman attended the States United to Prevent Gun Violence annual conference that included a private meeting with the White House Office of GVP.

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Aug 23, 2024 | The School Bus of Change The Ref Coming to Boston

Manuel and Patricia Oliver of Change The Ref (CTR) are traveling across the country in a transformed yellow school bus to activate gun violence awareness. You can get on the School Bus of CTR and hear about their newest campaign using AI technology, the Shotline; plus the opening of the Gun Violence Memorial Project at Boston City Hall, ICA and MASS Design Group gallery.

Stop Handgun Violence encourages all to attend and support CTR’s movement for change!

WHEN: Thursday August 29, 2024; 12-3pm

WHERE: Boston City Hall plaza by the flag poles

UPDATE: Massachusetts Gun Law, an Act Modernizing Firearms:

WBUR Gun Law Opponents Begin Repeal Campaign

  • A referendum petition by Gun Owners Action League seeks to repeal the law was submitted to the state elections division, the first step in a process which could land the question on the 2026 ballot.
  • Petitioners will need to file 49,716 signatures if they want to suspend the law upon the filing of the petitions, but can’t suspend the law if the governor adds an emergency preamble.

WWLP Springfield Gov. Healey strongly opposes challenge to new gun reform law

  • Laws generally take effect 90 days after being signed by the governor.
  • The governor has the authority to file an emergency preamble to the law to prevent it from being suspended during the petition process.

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July 25, 2024 | Governor Healey Signs Gun Safety Legislation

Governor Healey signed An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws (H.4885), into law today.

‘The bill modernizes Massachusetts’ existing firearms laws to address issues such as untraceable “ghost guns” and 3-D printed guns, enhance the “Red Flag Law,” further protect safety in public spaces and increase violence prevention programming in the state.’

“I couldn’t be more proud and grateful for Gov Healey and our Legislative leaders for continuing to make Massachusetts the safest state and a model for the Nation with, respect to gun violence prevention. This new gun safety Bill will effectively close dangerous loopholes in existing law, save countless lives and endless grief from preventable gun violence and do so without any inconvenience to law abiding gun owners and sportspeople like me.” ~John Rosenthal, SHV Founder and Chair

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July 19, 2024 | MA Legislators enact an Act Modernizing Firearms

SHV statement on newly enacted MA gun bill

I applaud the Massachusetts House and Senate for enacting a very thoughtful new comprehensive gun violence prevention bill that is specifically targeted to close dangerous loopholes in our existing gun safety laws and that will effectively save lives without infringing on the 2nd Amendment.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in America and we are so lucky to live in MA, the gun violence prevention capital of America!! If every State followed our lead, over half of the 48,000-gun deaths a year in the US could be prevented without any inconvenience to law abiding gun owners.

Congress just needs to show the courage to stand up to the unregulated special interest gun industry and exhibit the leadership of our MA Legislature.

– John E. Rosenthal, founder and chair

READ MORE:
  • Stop Handgun Violence Praises an Act Modernizing Firearms
  • Mass. lawmakers reach deal on gun bill that would regulate ghost guns, expand ‘red flag’ law
  • More than a year in the making, Mass. legislature sends gun bill to Healey
  • Legislature Passes Firearm Safety Reform Bill

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June 21, 2024 | SCOTUS Upholds Restriction on Guns Under Domestic-Violence Restraining Orders

We are extremely pleased for today’s SCOTUS ruling against Rahimi. From the SCOTUS Blog –

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that bars anyone subject to a domestic-violence restraining order from possessing a gun. By a vote of 8-1, the court ruled that the law does not violate the Constitution’s Second Amendment, which protects the “right of the people to keep and bear Arms.”

A great night at Fenway for Gun Violence Awareness night!

John Rosenthal joined Gabby Giffords and survivors from Lewiston, Maine on the mound for the game’s first pitch.

Stop Handgun Violence at the #WearOrange press conference with Advocacy partners, survivors, legislators and Gabby Giffords at the MA State House.

Sound bites from Senate and House Leadership:

  • The MA senate is committed for sane and sensible gun policy- President Spilka
  • We stay one step ahead the SCOTUS to make MA the safest place – Speaker Mariano

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May 2, 2024 | News from Stop Handgun Violence

Stop Handgun Violence is a non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence

2009 Gun Show Billboard

We applaud the Biden Administration for implementing expansion of background checks as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Stop Handgun Violence has advocated for comprehensive background checks on ALL gun sales and closing the gun show loophole for YEARS!! One of our favorite billboards, Gun Show, was a creative by the late Gary Koepke and his M! team.

Stop Handgun Violence is recognized for 30 years of GVP advocacy and awareness at the MA Coalition quarterly meeting.

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April 3, 2024 | In Memory of Gary Koepke

Tribute to Gary Koepke

Gary Koepke served on the Stop Handgun Violence board for decades and was the creative lead for many of our most impactful Mass Pike billboards. Read more about Gary and his amazing achievements:

A Tribute to Gary Koepke

Donate to honor Gary’s legacy at SHV

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Jan 29, 2024 | #SHV30 and MA Safer Act Bill

SHV30 first billboard

Gayle Miles, Kendra’s mom, shared her memory of Stop Handgun Violence. Our first billboard on the Mass Pike in 1995 paid tribute to her daughter’s life and 14 other children. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in America.

We’re highlighting our 30 years on social media and newsletters. If you have a story, memory or photo to share, please send it to info@stophandgunviolence.org

The SAFER Act was introduced by Senate leadership last week. “President Spilka and Senator Creem pledged to bring forth a broad gun safety bill and it has come to fruition. This legislation is a step forward in keeping our communities safer from the rising epidemic of gun violence.” John Rosenthal, founder and chair.

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Jan 18, 2024 | #SHV30 and Call to Action

30yr logoStop Handgun Violence was founded 30 years ago by John Rosenthal and the late Michael Kennedy. Initially recognized for the massive billboard campaigns on the Mass Pike, we are also proud of our advocacy and student organizing projects in the Commonwealth. Do you have a special memory or photo with us? Please send it to info@stophandgunviolence.org. We’ll be highlighting our 30 years on social media and newsletters in the coming months!

CALL TO ACTION

Our Massachusetts elected officials promised to pass a comprehensive gun violence prevention bill before the session ends this year. Don’t delay and contact your Senator today!

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Dec 7, 2023 | Season’s Greetings

SUPGV 2023 workshop

Stop Handgun Violence attended the States United to Prevent Gun Violence annual meeting and Center for American Progress GVP conference. Sonya used this opportunity to engage with state partners, advocates and the White House Office of GVP.

The HILL: Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked efforts by Senate Democrats to pass an assault weapons ban and universal background checks legislation after the United States over the weekend broke the record for the most mass shootings in a single year.

NBC News- Shooting suspect arrested after 6 killed and 3 injured in Texas.
CBS News- UNLV suspect dead after 3 gunned down on campus.
WSJ– Activist Nuns, with stake in Smith & Wesson, sue gun maker.
Boston Globe– Tackling the scourge of ghost guns in the Commonwealth, preventing the next tragedy a must in 2024.

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MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC HEARING ON FIREARMS

The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security is holding an in-person and virtual hearing on Senate and House bills related to Firearms on Tuesday, November 28th at 11 AM. Sign up to give oral testimony at the hearing using this  form. The deadline to sign up to testify is Friday, November 24th at 11:59 PM.

Written testimony can be emailed to Destiny Ihenacho at destiny.ihenacho@mahouse.gov or Ryann Mitchell at ryann.mitchell@masenate.gov

Attorney General Campbell Launches Gun Violence Prevention Unit

‘The AG’s new GVPU will help prevent senseless gun violence, help law enforcement prevent and solve gun crimes, help Communities and families and will continue to make Massachusetts the safest state in the nation with respect to gun violence.’

Read John’s full statement of support here.

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Nov 1, 2023 | Happenings At SHV

John at GBH studioIn the aftermath of the Lewiston mass shooting, John spoke live about the gun violence epidemic on the Jim & Margery show.

Sonya with Rep Maxwell Frost and Rep Katherine Clark

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Rep. Maxwell Frost hosted a student town hall on gun violence as a priority issue and the importance of voting in all elections.

 

 

 

NEWSWORTHY:

WHDH– Maine Shootings raise questions about how gunman was able to own weapon used in attacks.

GBH NEWS– Jim & Margery interviews John on the latest and most deadly mass shooting this year.

ABC NEWS– Victims of the Lewiston mass shooting named.

CNN– Rep. Jared Golden reverses his opposition to a Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

Happy Birthday to our founder and chair, John!

Celebrate with us by donating to support our work at Stop Handgun Violence

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Oct 19, 2023 | House Passes H.4135 An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws

John, Sonya and Molly

WE DID IT. Thank you to our supporters, volunteers and partners who took time and energy to advocate for gun safety bills that PASSED the House last night!

Read our full press statement here.

“We applaud the Massachusetts House for passing H.4135, an Act Modernizing Firearm Laws” said John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence. “These bills will save lives without any inconvenience to law-abiding gun owners like me. They will also continue to make Massachusetts a national model as the safest state with the most effective gun violence prevention laws and lowest gun death rate in the Country.”

In the News:

  • MASS LIVE -Mass. House passes updated gun violence reform bill
  • WBUR – Mass. House passes sweeping new gun control bill

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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Sep 19, 2023 | Advocacy Day Success

We are grateful to each and every one of you who came to our Advocacy Day last week with the MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Giffords and Brady.

What’s next? Click here to follow up with an email to thank your state legislator for their time and reiterate prioritization for action on gun safety bills. Thank you!

From the State House News ~ 250 volunteers swarmed the State House to advocate for gun safety bills!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – If you or someone you know is in distress, call or text 988 #lifeline

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Aug 21, 2023 | Advocacy Day Rain Or Shine!

MA State House Advocacy Day

Advocate for gun safety legislation with us and our partners – the MA Coalition, Moms Demand Action, GIFFORDS, and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

WHAT: Register to meet with your state legislator- click here.
WHEN: Wednesday September 13th at 10:30am.
WHERE: At the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St. in Boston to review logistics before we walk up together to the state house.

Our Summer of Action ~

  • During Gun Violence Awareness month in June, we showed up at Fenway for Survivor night and the National Safer Communities Summit in Hartford.
  • John wrote a poignant op-ed published by the Boston Globe to call out the need for an Assault Weapons Ban. Sonya also protested with survivors at the D.C. Capitol for a Senate vote on an Assault Weapons Ban.
  • The Civic Action Project hosted Rep Liz Miranda and John to discuss gun legislation, reform, safety and violence prevention in the state.

CTR knotted gun

  • In August, we saw the unveiling of Manuel Oliver’s interpretation of ‘The Knotted Gun’. His theme – school shootings in America.

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July 25, 2023 | Update On MA Omnibus Bill

Vote on gun bill delayed until Fall – Boston Globe

“You have my word that we will spend the ensuing weeks working with you to address concerns and questions you and your constituents may have about the proposed legislation”, House Speaker Mariano said.

MA statehouse

Advocacy Day tomorrow for HD.4420, an Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, is postponed until September.

We know gun violence doesn’t take a break. We remain focused and committed for gun safety legislation in Massachusetts. Please continue contacting your state Rep or Senator to support gun safety.

Or make a call to the main Statehouse (617) 722-2000 and ask to be connected to your Rep or Senator.

THANK YOU!

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July 11, 2023 | Assault Weapons Op-Ed

Don’t let an assault weapon end another life.

“While easily concealable handguns account for the majority of the average daily 130 firearm deaths and 150 injuries (including a child shot every 30 minutes and seven killed every day), many mass shootings occur with military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines carrying 30 or more rounds. The semiautomatic AR-15, which has accounted for millions of gun sales, was modeled after the M4 carbine and the M16, which was intended for use on the battlefield, not America’s streets.”

Read John’s full op ed here.

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June 29, 2023 | Update: MA Omnibus Bill Filed

An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws

We are pleased to see a Massachusetts omnibus bill, an Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, HD.4420 was filed by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary House Chair Michael Day. Thanks to all who took action to help advance the omnibus bill! A Judiciary committee hearing TBA will be scheduled soon and we hope many can attend or submit written testimony. Follow our FB page to stay informed!

In the News:

Boston Globe: Top House Democrat’s omnibus gun bill would crack down on ghost guns, expand ‘red flag’ law
WGBH: Top Mass. House Democrat unveils sweeping gun safety bill
State House News: Day offers template for next house gun safety bill

John with survivors Tonya Godwin-Baines and family from Cleveland at Fenway, hosted by the Red Sox Foundation.

At the Safer Communities Summit with fellow advocates, partners, and the inspirational Gabby Giffords in Hartford, CT.

Sonya at the MA State House for a press conference with MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and national partners.

 

 

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June 16, 2023 | #WearOrange at the State House

GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

We’ll be on the steps of the MA State House with our local and national partners including MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action, Giffords and Brady to mark June as Gun Violence Awareness month and the anniversary of the SCOTUS NY Bruen ruling.

Join us for a press conference on Thursday June 22nd at 10am featuring survivors, violence prevention workers, and other community voices to address the impact of gun violence in the Commonwealth.

Stand with us wearing ORANGE and bring a sign showing your support for gun violence prevention!

Stop Handgun Violence went to Washington

The week-long Survivor Sit-In protest prompted Senator Osoff (GA-D) to cosponsor the bill. Activists and volunteers drove calls to the Judiciary Committee Chair Durbin to mark up S.25 for a vote.

The Survivor Sit-In protest was organized by Samuel Schwartz, a college student in Boston who is committed to honor the life of his cousin Alex. Alex was murdered at his school in Parkland Florida on Feb 14, 2018 by a gunman armed with a Smith & Wesson AR15.

GOT 30 SECONDS?

CALL & LEAVE YOUR MESSAGE! 202-224-7703

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June 7, 2023 | Advocacy Action

An Act to Stop Mass Shootings

Stop Handgun Violence is committed to gun violence preventionStop Handgun Violence supports An Act to Stop Mass Shootings to prohibit already banned assault style weapons and large capacity feeding devices with 10 or more rounds for the civilian market to be manufactured in Massachusetts. Three states, California, New York and New Jersey, already have effective bans on the manufacturing of assault weapons.

An Act to Stop Mass Shootings, H.1452, co-filed by Representative Marjorie Decker and Frank Moran, is scheduled for a Judiciary Joint Committee hearing on Tuesday June 13th at 1pm (virtual and in-person).

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May 25, 2023 | What’s Happening?

What’s happening at SHV?

Massachusetts legislation session has begun and Stop Handgun Violence is anticipating an Omnibus Bill. We meet regularly with our MA Coalition partners and have outlined our priority bills to include the following:

  • Prohibit already banned assault style weapons and large capacity feeding devices with 10+ rounds for the civilian market to be manufactured in the state.
  • Regulate Ghost Guns by banning the possession, manufacture, and assembly of ghost guns and 3-D printed weapons.
  • Industry Accountability and Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice by allowing for civil actions by victims of gun violence.
  • Crime Gun Data Reporting and Analysis of gun violence data that will allow the state to understand the root causes of gun violence.

Next month is Gun Violence Awareness Month

Show your support and WEAR ORANGE for Gun Violence Awareness Month in June! Tag social media using #WearOrange to help amplify the message that gun violence is a NATIONAL HEALTH CRISIS.

Soul Box project is an artistic focus on the gun violence epidemic. 1,176 soul boxes are currently displayed at Calvary Church in Arlington MA through June 12th.

We are protesting at the U.S. Capitol in June with survivors & advocates for an Assault Weapons Ban.

Help us get there with a donation!

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April 20, 2023 | Solutions to Gun Violence

SOLUTIONS TO THE GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC
Every day over 100 will die and there will be a school shooting and a mass shooting of 4 or more people. If not now when do we call out the obstructionists in Congress who are standing in the way of effective gun violence prevention laws like we’ve proven to work in Massachusetts? ~John Rosenthal, SHV chair and co-founder

Watch John’s interview on Greater Boston here.

We helped organize and rallied with student activists from March For Our Lives at Harvard Yard last month. Read David Hogg’s speech on America’s nightmare here.

Have You Heard…

  • Washington will become the 10th state, plus District of Columbia, to ban assault weapons.
  • The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago denied a request for an injunction by Robert Bevis, a firearms store owner, while he appeals a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kendall that found the Illinois assault weapons ban “constitutionally sound.”
  • In response to the Covenant school shooting, Tennessee Governor Lee signed an executive order to strengthen background checks and called on the General Assembly to pass the equivalent of a red flag law.
  • Two months after the MSU campus shooting, Michigan enacts safe storage requirements and an expansion of background checks for long guns.
  • A federal judge denied Delaware gun groups a preliminary injunction in their lawsuit seeking to block legislation that bans assault weapons and high-capacity firearm magazines.

On Our Calendar:
APRIL 27th: Lesley University hosts Gun Violence Awareness webinar. Free but must register here.
MAY 14th: Walk for Peace on Mother’s Day to benefit LDB Peace Institute. Join the MA Coalition team!
MAY 18th: We celebrate 10 Years of the MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. Get your tickets here.

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March 23, 2023 | Take Action – Rally, Educate, Advocate!

TUESDAY 4/4: #ProtectKidsNotGuns Rally with MFOL @Harvard Yard 6-7pm!

Saturday 3/25: RALLY with student activists and survivors at the Boston Common Parkman bandstand for a Safer Tomorrow. Take ACTION and contact your Senator to pass AWB

1PM rain or shine; and free MFOL T-shirts while supplies last!

Monday 3/27: A Conversation with David Hogg on 5 years after Parkland at WBUR CitySpace in Boston. Both in-person and virtual tickets. Use discount code Hogg23 for general in-person tix.

Wednesday 3/29: Advocacy Day with Moms Demand Action at the MA State House.

Tuesday 4/4: Rhode Island Campaign for Gun Violence Prevention at the RI State House. Meet at 3:30PM – follow the RI Coalition for more info.

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March 16, 2023 | A Safer Tomorrow

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

We stand with student activists and survivors on Saturday March 25th at 1 PM at Boston Common to raise their voices and demand a future free from gun violence. Join us as we stand for a #SaferTmrw to #EndGunViolence!

MEET SOME OF THE STUDENT ORGANIZERS

My school, Sandy Hook, was a place to play, learn and grow. In 6 minutes, it became a place to run, hide and fight. – CJ Hoekenga, Survivor and Activist

My 7yo brother Daniel was murdered at Sandy Hook. When this happened, I was just about to turn 11. I was devastated & destroyed, but I was also in a state of denial for a long time, especially because I was so young. – Natalie Barden, Survivor and Activist

I don’t want to read about students hiding in their dorms. I don’t want to learn how young people’s worst nightmares came true tonight. I don’t want to live under the constant threat of gun violence. – Rachel Jacoby, MFOL Organizer

Be an adult ally! Help amplify and support #SaferTmrw:

  • Share the FB event
  • Follow on Instagram
  • Volunteer at the rally
  • Donate to offset costs

 

 

 

 

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March 1, 2023 | Monthly News

MASSACHUSETTS GUN LAWS SAVE LIVES

Gun violence prevention is not theoretical – it’s a choice. If urban Massachusetts can do it, every state can do it. – John Rosenthal

Read our full press statement here.

On Our Calendar:

  1. Wednesday March 8th: Unpacking American Gun Policy hosted by GBH Studios.
  2. Thursday March 9th: MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Quarterly Meeting at the State House.

Stand Today for a Safer Tomorrow

We’re excited to support a Boston-based student led group committed to ending gun violence in America. Rally details coming soon!

Follow them on Instagram HERE

Donate to help fund student activists HERE.

THANK YOU!

 

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AMERICA IN CRISIS

5 Years After Parkland – A Deadly School Shooting at Michigan State.

What We Know:

  • Three dead, five critically injured after a rampage on Michigan State campus.
  • After a 4-hour shelter in place, police found the shooter dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • Michigan gun laws fall short, and includes no background check on private sales of long guns.

Last year more than 44,000 Americans were killed and over 38,000 were injured with firearms, and gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 19 in America.

This is a uniquely American public health and safety crisis. No other developed country intentionally allows unrestricted access to easily concealed handguns and military-style assault weapons.

Stop Handgun Violence is committed to gun violence prevention

Gun Violence is a uniquely American Crisis

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Read John Rosenthal’s Boston Globe Opinion here.