Joe W. Bowers Jr., California Black Media  

The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia on Sept. 4, claiming four lives, is a sobering reminder of the grave threat gun violence poses in America. Even more disturbing is how some lawmakers have allowed mass murderers easy access to high-powered firearms, leaving parents fearing whether their children will return home safely each day they send them to school.

By refusing to pass commonsense gun control measures, those lawmakers have ensured that mass shooters have easy access to military-grade weapons designed for war.

The Georgia school shooter used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. The four killings happened within minutes and left nine other people injured.

Attorney General Rob Bonta, addressing the urgency of the situation, declared, “None of it is acceptable. We will continue to promote the blueprint of California that has led us to transform from 30 years ago, being a state with one of the highest levels of gun violence, to now one of the lowest because of our commonsense gun laws that make us safer. If others did that, we would be safer.”

Bonta, along with 19 other attorneys general, is fighting back by filing an amicus brief supporting Cook County, Illinois’s ban on assault weapons. California has proven that such measures save lives.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom has also weighed in, reflecting on the immediate tragedy and the broader failure of leadership. “I’ve got four kids, one just going into high school,” Newsom said. “The trauma of these shootings is devastating, not just for the families directly affected, but for entire communities. This is the only country in the world where this happens over and over again.”

Newsom did not mince words in holding lawmakers accountable: “I mean, you had a nominee for president of the United States who almost lost his life to an assassination attempt from a member of his own party, and still, we’ve had no substantive conversations around gun safety. No real discussions on background checks, no conversations about an assault weapons ban, or limiting large-capacity magazines. It’s a serious moment in America that requires serious leadership, and you do not have that from the other party. Gun safety saves lives.”

California’s strict gun laws, which are among the toughest in the nation, were born out of tragedy — the 1989 Cleveland Elementary School shooting in Stockton. That horrific event, where five children were gunned down, led to the country’s first assault weapons ban. From mandatory background checks and red flag laws, California has created a comprehensive framework that aims to prevent mass shootings like the one in Georgia.

It’s crucial to point out that protecting Second Amendment rights is not at odds with making communities safe. Responsible gun ownership and public safety can coexist through thoughtful regulations that prioritize human lives without infringing on constitutional rights.

As we approach the 2024 election, Americans face a critical choice: continue allowing mass murderers access to military-style weapons or follow California’s lead in implementing life-saving gun laws. With gun violence rising, it’s time for the rest of the country to prioritize safety and adopt measures like California’s that protect children, families, and communities.

About the Author

Joe W. Bowers Jr. is a contributing editor to California Black Media. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

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