Press Release  AG Healey Leads Multistate Effort Urging Congress to Address Gun Violence

Boston — Stressing that there is no time to waste when it comes to preventing gun violence, Attorney General Maura Healey is leading a multistate coalition urging Congress to immediately fund research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into the causes and prevention of gun related injuries and death.

In 1996, Congress included a provision in the annual appropriations bill prohibiting the use of any CDC funds “to advocate or promote gun control.” AG Healey, along with 13 other attorneys general, sent a letter today calling for Congress not only to eliminate the annual rider that blocks gun research efforts, but also to direct funding for the CDC to study the causes of gun violence. The goal is to help determine the most effective prevention strategies. 

“Federal restrictions on CDC funding stifle important progress we have made to help mitigate the devastating effects of gun violence on families and communities in Massachusetts and across the country,” AG Healey said. “With this critical tool at our fingertips, we are calling on Congress to take immediate action as millions of lives are affected by this public health crisis every year. I will continue to work with my partners in law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe and combat the epidemic of gun violence that is ravaging our states.”

Analyses of prevention measures, such as counseling by healthcare providers, and scientific research into the root cause and psychology of gun violence are needed to help reduce the number of gun violence victims. Unfortunately, while more than half a million Americans have died by firearms over the past twenty years, federal funding for gun violence research has been cut by 96 percent. In their letter, the attorneys general state that sidelining the CDC severely limits data collection and discourages public health professionals from working in this field. 

According to the letter, more than 33,000 people die every year in the United States from gun violence. Unintentional shootings account for almost 600 more deaths annually. Gun violence also disproportionately affects communities of color, as African Americans are nearly twice as likely to be killed by guns as white individuals. 

While Massachusetts has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, and is a leader in gun safety, AG Healey has made putting an end to irresponsible and illegal gun use and sales and getting guns out of the hands of dangerous people a top priority.

In December, the AG’s Office sent a letter notifying all registered sellers of their obligations under the state’s stringent laws and regulations, and has been investigating gun dealers the office has reason to believe are selling illegal weapons.

The AG’s Office is defending its gun safety regulations, has held training for church leaders on security and active shooter scenarios, has argued for stronger background check systems, and has fought for strict interpretation of the federal ban on straw purchasing.

Over the past few months, the AG’s Office has been reaching out to physicians, those in the public health community, and advocacy groups, to identify opportunities for collaboration. AG Healey recently announced a partnership with the Massachusetts Medical Society to develop guidance for health care professionals to speak with patients about guns and gun violence.

###