Brady Statement on the Reintroduction of Assault Weapons Ban in U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C., February 1, 2023 – Today the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. The legislation, reintroduced by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA), seeks to ban the sale, transfer, importation, and possession of new military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The Senate bill comes in the wake of 647 mass shootings in the past year, and follows the recent mass shooting in Monterey Park, California committed with an assault weapon.

Kris Brown, president of Brady, released the following statement:

“Assault weapons have no place in our communities. These weapons of war are designed for one purpose – to kill as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. We have seen the devastating effects of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in mass shootings time and time again. It’s past time for Congress to take action and pass this life-saving legislation.

“Last year, the U.S. House passed an assault weapons ban for the first time since 1994, but the Senate failed to follow suit. The American people deserve to know if their elected officials are willing to take action to address this public health crisis and protect their communities from the threat of mass shootings. We urge the Senate to abandon partisan gridlock, vote on this bill, and listen to the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly support a ban on assault weapons.”