Latest news with #Giffords
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
California Tops the Nation for Strongest Gun Laws, But Gun Deaths Are Still Rising, New Report Finds
A new study released by High Rise Financial reveals that California leads the United States in the strength of its gun laws, according to data from the Giffords Law Center. But while the Golden State ranks #1 in firearm legislation, it's not immune to the rising trend of gun-related deaths across the country. The analysis compared state rankings from 2014 to 2023 and paired them with gun death rates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It found that even in states with some of the strictest gun laws, gun death rates have continued to rise, highlighting a complex national crisis where legislation alone may not be enough. State 2023 Rank 2014 Rank Gun Death Rate (2023) 10-Year Change California 1 1 8.25 per 100K +8.49% New Jersey 2 3 4.66 per 100K –10.30% Connecticut 3 2 6.20 per 100K +19.32% Illinois 4 8 13.48 per 100K +46.52% New York 5 5 4.80 per 100K +9.15% California held steady in first place over the decade, demonstrating the state's longstanding commitment to gun safety through universal background checks, red flag laws, and an assault weapons ban. Despite this, it saw an 8.49% increase in gun deaths per 100,000 residents over the last 10 years. New Jersey, however, stands out as the only top-ranked state to reduce its gun death rate, down 10.30% since 2014. This achievement, combined with its climb from third to second place in the Giffords ranking, makes New Jersey a standout example of how legislation, enforcement, and local action can work together to reduce firearm-related fatalities. In contrast, Illinois saw a dramatic 46.52% increase in gun deaths, even as it rose from 8th to 4th place in legislative strength. Experts note that urban violence, access to firearms from neighboring states, and systemic inequality may all contribute to the rise, indicating that strong laws can be undermined by factors outside a state's borders. State 2023 Rank 2014 Rank Gun Death Rate (2023) 10-Year Change Wyoming 50 44 22.36 per 100K +40.63% Missouri 48 44 21.46 per 100K +37.59% Arkansas 48 32 22.10 per 100K +32.32% Kentucky 47 47 18.66 per 100K +29.58% Idaho 46 39 18.36 per 100K +41.23% At the other end of the spectrum, Wyoming ranks 50th in the nation, making it the state with the most permissive gun laws. The state's firearm death rate has soared over 40% in a decade, now exceeding 22 deaths per 100,000 people, nearly three times higher than California's. Arkansas experienced the sharpest decline in legislative strength, dropping from 32nd to 48th place over the last ten years. Meanwhile, gun death rates in Missouri, Kentucky, Idaho, and Montana continue to climb, reflecting the potential consequences of relaxed firearm regulation. 'There's no single solution to gun violence,' said a spokesperson for High Rise Financial . 'But our data suggests that states with stricter laws tend to have lower gun death rates overall. The challenge is that even the strongest laws can't operate in a vacuum. Social, economic, and regional dynamics all play a role.' For example, New York's rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000 residents remains among the lowest in the nation — yet the state still experienced a 9.15% increase in the past ten years. Meanwhile, highly ranked Connecticut saw a surprising 19.32% increase, despite consistently strong legislative frameworks. Gun law strength rankings were sourced from the Giffords Law Center's annual scorecards, which assign each U.S. state a ranking based on the scope and strictness of its firearm legislation. Data was collected for the years 2014 and 2023 to evaluate changes over time. Gun death rates were pulled from the CDC Wonder Tool, comparing rates per 100,000 residents in 2014 and 2023 to calculate percentage changes. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Politico
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Mark Kelly finds a receptive audience to talk about gun violence
Sen. Mark Kelly tried Tuesday to shift the national conversation to gun safety in an appearance that was notable for its location and its timing. As the nation reels from the latest outbreak of political violence, the senator from Arizona and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, recalled the horrific attack that tore apart their lives as they addressed an audience in Charleston, South Carolina, on the 10-year anniversary of the mass killing at Mother Emanuel AME church. Kelly and Giffords, who was badly wounded in a 2011 attack in her congressional district, appealed for action to address violence that the former Navy pilot and astronaut said makes the U.S. stand out 'in the worst of ways' among developed nations. 'There are loopholes in our gun laws that you can drive a truck through,' Kelly said during a packed town hall in a state that carries electoral weight because of its early primary — giving the senator's visit an added political dimension. His remarks came during an evening town hall at Charleston's Casper Hall, about two miles from where nine people were gunned down by a white supremacist during a Bible study gathering. 'I, on behalf of me and Gabby, want to express our condolences about what happened a decade ago,' said Kelly, seated on stage with Giffords. The racially motivated shooting is 'something that should not happen in any sanctuary of any religion, anywhere in our country, ever,' he added. The senator went on during the hour-long forum to highlight the nation's seemingly unyielding frequency of gun violence, peppered throughout with friendly questions that allowed him, along with his wife and two state Democratic lawmakers to opine at length about why changing gun laws in a deep red state like South Carolina and federally has been a challenge. At one point Giffords was asked by Christale Spain, the South Carolina Democratic Chair who served as emcee: 'Do you ever want to give up on your work to end gun violence?' 'No way, Jose!' Giffords responded, before adding, 'Don't look back, I hope others are inspired to keep moving forward, no matter what.' The timing of the event comes as the nation's political leaders are on edge following the attack on a pair of Minnesota lawmakers over the weekend. The alleged gunman, identified as Vance Boelter, has been charged with federal and state charges of murder and attempted murder for the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and critically wounding another lawmaker and his spouse. Authorities say Boelter had a 'hit list' that included nearly four dozen elected officials, all Democrats. The audience at the town hall held a moment of silence for the victims in Minnesota. Kelly is seen as an emerging Democratic with a rising national profile. He suggested the only way out of the U.S. can find its way out of the seemingly endless cycles of gun violence is for both political parties to work together. He noted it happened last Congress when then-President Joe Biden signed into law a measure that modestly strengthened background checks and provided resources to address mental health. 'We can accomplish things. It's just not as much as we would like,' Kelly said, before adding that registering people to vote is key. 'Winning elections is what really, really matters in this fight.' Kelly was under consideration to be Kamala Harris' running mate before she chose Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota. That sparked chatter that he could be a presidential contender down the line. He was first elected to the Senate in a special election in 2020 to serve the remaining remainder of the term of the late Sen. John McCain, the GOP presidential nominee in 2008. Kelly was elected to a full six-year term in 2022, proving his special election win was no fluke and he could hold on to a Democratic seat in a critical swing state, which likely also boosts his appeal for a potential presidential run. While not expressly addressed during the town hall, Kelly also got the opportunity to introduce himself to a key South Carolina voting bloc. Unlike in Arizona, Black voters make up a sizable portion of South Carolina's Democratic primary voters, who could again be a decisive coalition as they did with Joe Biden in the 2020 cycle. South Carolina Democrats have hosted other potential White House hopefuls in recent weeks including Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland,who headlined the party's Blue Palmetto Dinner in late May, and Walz, who delivered the keynote address at the state party convention on June 1. Both talked about leading the party out of the political wilderness, even as uncertainty remains whether South Carolina will hold on to its lead off spot in the party's nominating calendar three years from now. Kelly did not hesitate to name check Charleston's longtime Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, who has earned a reputation as a kingmaker in the state party. Kelly reminded the audience that Clyburn has previously introduced legislation in Congress aiming to close the Charleston Loophole, but has yet to be taken up. One of the final questions Kelly was asked about was what the future looks like for young Americans and what advancements he hopes to create for them on curbing gun violence. 'It's not the kids fault,' he said. 'It's our fault, collectively as a nation. It's the fault of Congress, it's the fault of the South Carolina legislature that we can't get our shit together in a way to do something that clearly makes this society safer for kids.'
Sunday World
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
US politician and husband killed in ‘political' assassination in Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz said Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed early this morning Law enforcement officers including local police, sheriffs and the FBI near the scene of a shooting in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, US (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) A US politician and her husband have been killed in a politically motivated shooting, according to a state governor. Governor Tim Walz said Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed early this morning 'in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination," he told reporters. He said a second state politician, senator John Hoffman, was also wounded in the 'targeted' attack in Minnesota on Saturday. Minnesota mayor Ryan Sabas said Mr Hoffman and his wife were also shot. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that investigators believe that the suspect may have been posing as a law enforcement officer. The person said investigators were still working to establish motive for the attacks. Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. A police officer sets up a perimeter with tape near the scene of the shooting in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Ms Hortman is the top House Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004, is a lawyer and married with two children. Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect. Post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Mr Evans said. Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer. He said: 'Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honour and responsibility.' The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions. Giffords, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement. 'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Ms Giffords said. 'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. 'Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.' Ms Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
US state politician and husband killed in ‘targeted' attacks on two Democrats
A second state politician, senator John Hoffman, and his wife were shot and wounded in the 'targeted' attack near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday, said governor Tim Walz. I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon. — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Mr Walz said at a press conference on Saturday. 'Those responsible for this will be held accountable.' Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012 and runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Ms Hortman was the top house Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004. A police officer sets up a perimeter with tape near the scene of the shooting in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represented districts located north of Minneapolis. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect. Post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Mr Evans said. Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer. He said: 'Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honour and responsibility.' Law enforcement officers including local police, sheriffs and the FBI at the scene (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions. Giffords, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement. 'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Ms Giffords said. 'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. 'Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.' Ms Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
Glasgow Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
US state politician and husband killed in ‘targeted' attacks on two Democrats
A second state politician, senator John Hoffman, and his wife were shot and wounded in the 'targeted' attack near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday, said governor Tim Walz. I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon. — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Mr Walz said at a press conference on Saturday. 'Those responsible for this will be held accountable.' Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012 and runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Ms Hortman was the top house Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004. A police officer sets up a perimeter with tape near the scene of the shooting in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represented districts located north of Minneapolis. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect. Post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Mr Evans said. Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer. He said: 'Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honour and responsibility.' Law enforcement officers including local police, sheriffs and the FBI at the scene (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions. Giffords, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement. 'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Ms Giffords said. 'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. 'Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.' Ms Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
