WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Assistant Director of Respect My Vote! Chris Walton issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision upholding a federal ban on gun possession for anyone protected by a domestic violence court order:
“The U.S. Supreme Court’s near unanimous decision to uphold a ban on gun possession for people placed under restraining orders for domestic violence thankfully shows that the Court does have some level of common sense. More than half of all mass shootings are perpetrated by people with a record of domestic violence and the second amendment must have its limits.
This month also marks the ninth anniversary of the Emanuel AME Church mass shooting in Charleston, SC, an act of violence led by a white supremacist, which claimed nine lives. Gun violence continues to grip our nation – there have been more than 190 mass shootings this year alone – but this epidemic does not need to continue.
Hip Hop Caucus supports this decision and we urge Congress to take gun regulations even further by passing and reenacting the federal assault weapons ban and enacting a ban on bump stocks. This November, we will join with our coalition partners to remind voters that guns are on the ballot, make clear that we do not want more guns on our streets and in the wrong hands, and ensure that our votes are heard and respected.”
