(Harrisburg, Pa.) — The U.S. Federal Appeals Court today overturned restrictions on handgun purchases by 18-to-20-year-olds, sparking deep concerns from gun violence prevention advocates across the country.
Adam Garber, Executive Director of CeaseFirePA said in a statement:
“This ruling will put more lives at risk and deepen the devastation of gun tragedies impacting Pennsylvanians. It is deeply troubling that young adults will be able to purchase handguns when gun tragedies are the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers. At a time when half of Pennsylvania youth worry about a school shooting on a weekly basis, we need to take action to make our schools safe places to learn.
Research shows that firearm injuries are a leading cause of death for young people nationally, including accidents, homicides, suicides and mass shootings.
“This ruling comes shortly after the White House recently shuttered the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, ending a landmark program that coordinated a national response to gun violence for the first time in U.S. history. Recent events remind us that we need strong local action now more than ever. We urge lawmakers and state leaders to take action this legislative session in collaboration with communities most impacted by gun tragedies to implement stronger safeguards to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”
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CeaseFire PA envisions life without gun violence that allows people from every community across the commonwealth to thrive — where communities feel safe, because they are safe.
