LYNN — After the Supreme Court’s decision Thursday to expand Second Amendment rights to include concealed carry of a firearm, local officials hope the Commonwealth will keep its strict gun restrictions.
In the aftermath of the decision, Congressman Seth Moulton said he thought that the revised definition of the Second Amendment would wreak havoc on the state’s ability to keep its gun safety legislation.
“Massachusetts has the lowest rate of gun violence in the country, and that is because of our gun safety laws. This decision takes us in the wrong direction. The evidence shows that gun safety laws work, and this ruling makes it much easier to strike those laws down,” Moulton said.
Moulton also said that the majority of Americans agree with rudimentary gun safety laws, and that the Supreme Court’s decision is going “against the will of the American people.”
“Sadly, I suspect that it will affect state gun laws. Not only do these laws work, but the vast majority of Americans support expanding common sense gun safety laws like universal background checks, red flag laws, and raising the age to buy a gun, especially an assault weapon,” Moulton said. “The Supreme Court is making America less safe, they’re taking us in the wrong direction, and they’re going against the will of the American people.”
Among those who said they supported Massachusetts’ gun laws is Lynn Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger.
“The gun laws in Massachusetts are pretty strong, and a lot of states would be wise to mirror them. When you apply for a firearm in Massachusetts, it’s through the local police chief, and there’s a thorough process to determine suitability that’s done through a background check,” Coppinger said.
Coppinger said he was not sure whether or not the Supreme Court decision will affect gun laws on a state level, but he said that he hopes that the current gun laws will continue in Massachusetts.
“I’m not quite sure the full effect this will have on Massachusetts, but, like I said, I think our gun laws are pretty strong. Other states aren’t as rigid and there’s more guns out there, but at least in Massachusetts, our current laws are strong, which will hopefully balance what they’re trying to do.”
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at [email protected].
