Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan At Signing of 'Act to Reduce Gun Violence'

Statement of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan
Regarding the Passage of “An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence”   

“The signing of this bill represents a major step forward. First, because it empowers police chiefs to use their judgment and common sense to identify people who – by virtue of mental illness, addiction, or a history of violence – have shown that they cannot be trusted with a lethal weapon.  And second, because this bill gives prosecutors important new tools to go after the criminals who have flooded Massachusetts with out-of-state guns.  Working with Senator Eileen Donoghue of Lowell, prosecutors from my office were able to help craft this legislation, particularly as it deals with gun trafficking.  I want to thank Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray and House Speaker DeLeo for their leadership, and the Legislature for their commitment to getting this important legislation passed this session.  We should all be proud of the result because this bill will make a real, meaningful difference.”