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The Independent
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
How Rhode Island finally pushed a partial assault weapons ban over the finish line
Passing a new law restricting assault weapons took Rhode Island lawmakers more than 10 years, but it may offer a road map to other states looking to ease the proliferation of such firearms. For advocates, the fight is a prime example of the current challenges to passing gun control measures in the U.S., particularly surrounding semiautomatic rifles that have become the weapon of choice among those responsible for most of the country's devastating mass shootings. When Rhode Island's bill was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Dan McKee late last month, its sponsor, Democratic Rep. Jason Knight, told jubilant supporters: 'What was once the impossible became the inevitable.' How? Persistent advocacy, a change in legislative leadership and a last-minute overhaul to note the broader legal landscape. What did Rhode Island do? Rhode Island's ban, which goes into effect in 2026, prohibits the sale, manufacturing and distribution of certain high-powered firearms that were once banned nationwide. The law does not prohibit possessing such weapons, a key distinction compared with other assault weapon bans enacted elsewhere in the U.S. Currently, only Washington state has a similar law. A leadership change helped propel momentum The assault weapons ban got a much-needed boost from Senate President Valerie Lawson, who secured the Senate's top spot in the middle of session after her predecessor, Sen. Dominick Ruggiero, died in April. Lawson turned to the bill's sponsors and others to find common ground between lawmakers in the House and Senate who remained split on how far the law should go. Lawson's endorsement was seen as critical to securing the bill's passage, whereas Ruggiero had previously deferred action, pointing instead to the need for Congress to act rather than a state Legislature taking the lead. 'There are issues at certain points that meet the moment,' Lawson said. 'I think it was the time for this." Gun control advocates also acknowledged that banning assault weapons in Rhode Island hadn't previously been a top priority given that the state has largely been spared from national high-profile shootings that sometimes help propel legislative change. Assault weapons bans consistently face court challenges In the U.S., just 11 states and Washington D.C. have some sort of prohibition on certain high-powered firearms that were once banned nationwide. Rhode Island's version is the only one not yet facing a constitutional challenge — though a lawsuit against it is all but assured. Certain state legal battles are on hold until others make their way through lower federal courts. To date, none of the lawsuits have been completely thrown out, but the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to have the final say. As Rhode Island lawmakers were in the middle of their gun debate, the high court declined to hear a challenge to Maryland 's assault weapons ban — a move that some of the more conservative justices opposed. Justice Brett Kavanaugh even signaled that laws banning assault weapons are likely unconstitutional. 'Opinions from other Courts of Appeals should assist this Court's ultimate decision making on the AR–15 issue,' Kavanaugh wrote, referencing a popular style of high-powered rifle. Yet the legal focus on banning such weapons often hinges on possessing firearms such as AR-15-style rifles and AK-47s, rather than on the distribution process. Rhode Island lawmakers hope that by tailoring their assault weapons ban to sales, manufacturing and distribution, they might will bypass the thorniest legal questions raised by the Second Amendment. What other states are doing Attempts to expand Democratic-dominated Hawaii's assault weapons ban to rifles in addition to pistols stalled this year. In New Mexico, Democratic lawmakers who control the General Assembly adjourned without taking up an assault weapon ban. In Rhode Island, advocates say their work isn't over. 'It's progress,' said Melissa Carden, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. 'But we know that a true assault weapons ban includes an enforceable ban on possession as well." Defenders of Rhode Island's law bristle that their version could be considered weak. They point out that residents looking to purchase an assault weapon from nearby New Hampshire or elsewhere will be blocked. That's because federal law prohibits people from traveling to a different state to purchase a gun and returning it to a state where that particular of weapon is banned. 'Some of my constituents have already called me and made comments about 'bad, bad bad, I'm going out and buying three and four of them now,'' said Sen. Louis DiPalma, the Senate sponsor of the statute. 'Okay, come July 1st next year, you will not be able to do that anymore.'
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
How Rhode Island finally pushed a partial assault weapons ban over the finish line
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Passing a new law restricting assault weapons took Rhode Island lawmakers more than 10 years, but it may offer a road map to other states looking to ease the proliferation of such firearms. For advocates, the fight is a prime example of the current challenges to passing gun control measures in the U.S., particularly surrounding semiautomatic rifles that have become the weapon of choice among those responsible for most of the country's devastating mass shootings. When Rhode Island's bill was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Dan McKee late last month, its sponsor, Democratic Rep. Jason Knight, told jubilant supporters: 'What was once the impossible became the inevitable.' How? Persistent advocacy, a change in legislative leadership and a last-minute overhaul to note the broader legal landscape. What did Rhode Island do? Rhode Island's ban, which goes into effect in 2026, prohibits the sale, manufacturing and distribution of certain high-powered firearms that were once banned nationwide. The law does not prohibit possessing such weapons, a key distinction compared with other assault weapon bans enacted elsewhere in the U.S. Currently, only Washington state has a similar law. A leadership change helped propel momentum The assault weapons ban got a much-needed boost from Senate President Valerie Lawson, who secured the Senate's top spot in the middle of session after her predecessor, Sen. Dominick Ruggiero, died in April. Lawson turned to the bill's sponsors and others to find common ground between lawmakers in the House and Senate who remained split on how far the law should go. Lawson's endorsement was seen as critical to securing the bill's passage, whereas Ruggiero had previously deferred action, pointing instead to the need for Congress to act rather than a state Legislature taking the lead. 'There are issues at certain points that meet the moment,' Lawson said. 'I think it was the time for this.' Gun control advocates also acknowledged that banning assault weapons in Rhode Island hadn't previously been a top priority given that the state has largely been spared from national high-profile shootings that sometimes help propel legislative change. Assault weapons bans consistently face court challenges In the U.S., just 11 states and Washington D.C. have some sort of prohibition on certain high-powered firearms that were once banned nationwide. Rhode Island's version is the only one not yet facing a constitutional challenge — though a lawsuit against it is all but assured. Certain state legal battles are on hold until others make their way through lower federal courts. To date, none of the lawsuits have been completely thrown out, but the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to have the final say. As Rhode Island lawmakers were in the middle of their gun debate, the high court declined to hear a challenge to Maryland's assault weapons ban — a move that some of the more conservative justices opposed. Justice Brett Kavanaugh even signaled that laws banning assault weapons are likely unconstitutional. 'Opinions from other Courts of Appeals should assist this Court's ultimate decision making on the AR–15 issue,' Kavanaugh wrote, referencing a popular style of high-powered rifle. Yet the legal focus on banning such weapons often hinges on possessing firearms such as AR-15-style rifles and AK-47s, rather than on the distribution process. Rhode Island lawmakers hope that by tailoring their assault weapons ban to sales, manufacturing and distribution, they might will bypass the thorniest legal questions raised by the Second Amendment. What other states are doingAttempts to expand Democratic-dominated Hawaii's assault weapons ban to rifles in addition to pistols stalled this year. In New Mexico, Democratic lawmakers who control the General Assembly adjourned without taking up an assault weapon ban. In Rhode Island, advocates say their work isn't over. 'It's progress,' said Melissa Carden, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. 'But we know that a true assault weapons ban includes an enforceable ban on possession as well.' Defenders of Rhode Island's law bristle that their version could be considered weak. They point out that residents looking to purchase an assault weapon from nearby New Hampshire or elsewhere will be blocked. That's because federal law prohibits people from traveling to a different state to purchase a gun and returning it to a state where that particular of weapon is banned. 'Some of my constituents have already called me and made comments about 'bad, bad bad, I'm going out and buying three and four of them now,'' said Sen. Louis DiPalma, the Senate sponsor of the statute. 'Okay, come July 1st next year, you will not be able to do that anymore.'
Irish Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Kevin Kilbane: Weak in midfield and toothless up front, Ireland now left clinging to blind hope
I'm back in Ireland this week. Out west in Galway and Mayo . There is no better way to judge the mood of our nation towards the men's football team than over a few pints in Westport. The same question is continually asked: how do we beat Hungary in September's World Cup qualifier? Gone are the days when bigger football countries feared a manic night at Lansdowne Road. There is still no sign of an Irish midfielder who can take possession, pass it forward and put the opposition under pressure. READ MORE After an impressive season for Bristol City, Jason Knight was invited to nail down the position against Senegal and Luxembourg. A relentless athlete without the ball, he's no number six. John Patrick, Killian Phillips and Will Smallbone were also given chances to impress at training and in the games, but the rested Josh Cullen remains the only midfielder Ireland can truly rely on. We know Cullen is a good player without being a visionary passer. Nobody is coming to save this Ireland team. We have what we have heading into the 2026 World Cup campaign. Chiedozie Ogbene has been missed since his achilles tendon tear. It's not just his pace. Ogbene keeps the crowd and his teammates engaged by chasing lost causes and somehow winning the ball back. Kasey McAteer did well in Ogbene's role down the right during the draws against Senegal and Luxembourg. I actually thought the performance against Senegal last week was all right. However, every person I have encountered this week, for the inevitable football chats before the Luxembourg game, could not see any positives through all the negatives. Nil-nil in Luxembourg damaged Irish football's reputation. Ninety minutes from a flight to somewhere sunny and stress-free, the players were unable to produce a performance. This happens in June. Take Nathan Collins. After playing every minute for Brentford in the Premier League last season, the captain admitted to being physically and mentally spent. [ No shortage of effort, but Ireland fail to find the net against Luxembourg Opens in new window ] At least Heimir Hallgrímsson told Tony O'Donoghue on RTÉ that the performance was nowhere near the standard required. He even said the first-half 'boring'. Previous managers have done themselves no favours by clinging to vague positives when the truth is obvious to see. Call it what it was and move on. The players have already forgotten, I guarantee you that. So, how do we beat Hungary on September 6th? Honestly, I have no idea. The glass is half empty at the moment. Under Stephen Kenny, when it really mattered, Ireland produced one brilliant performance at home to France , only to lose 1-0 in that opening Euro 2024 qualifier. Collins's late header drew a phenomenal save from Mike Maignan. Séamus Coleman marked Kylian Mbappé into obscurity in a leader's performance that showed how much Kenny missed his injury-cursed right-back. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan saves from Nathan Collins in 2023, during one of Ireland's best performances in recent years. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Knight was an all-action, defensive cog that evening. That's what he does. The other time Ireland under Kenny were faced with a nowhere-to-hide situation, against Greece in Athens two years ago, the selection of Smallbone and Adam Idah backfired as the 2-1 loss made it clear that Kenny's days in the job were numbered. What really concerns me is Evan Ferguson's performance against Luxembourg. Let's not panic. He's still only 20. The West Ham loan did not work out. Brighton appear to have moved past him as well. But the version of Ferguson, at 18 and 19 years old, who briefly lit up the Premier League, has gone missing in the past 18 months. The physicality is not there. We know about the injuries. We don't know how much they have stunted his progress. We do know that he is no longer backing into top defenders and looking likely to score. Maybe Ferguson needs to look at Troy Parrott's career path. When life at Tottenham Hotspur did not pan out, Parrott moved to the Eredivisie in Holland, where he has accumulated 37 goals in two seasons. Troy Parrott's career has been rejuvenated by his move to the Eredivisie. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho It was suggested in January that a club like Bayer Leverkusen might get Ferguson's career back on track. Unless Adam Idah hits the ground running at Celtic in August, Parrott deserves to start against Hungary, ideally with Sammie Szmodics, Finn Azaz and Ogbene backing him up. We have what we have. Add Robbie Brady's left foot to the equation and the blind hope starts to rise again. We're going to need big performances right across the team and a rub of the green come September. Speaking of blind hope, Mayo to beat Donegal in the Hyde on Sunday.
Irish Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Heimir Hallgrímsson unlikely to spring a surprise against Luxembourg
Friendly international: Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Stade de Luxembourg, Tuesday, 7.45pm – Live on RTÉ 2 Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson invited the travelling media to watch the Monday morning session at Stade de Luxembourg, where the bones of a potential line-up played the rest of his 24-man panel. Bosun Lawal and John Joe Patrick Finn anchored midfield for the orange bibs but neither is expected to win a first cap against the Grand Duchy, certainly not from the start. The other nine on show, however, could feature when Hungary come to Dublin for the crucial opening World Cup qualifier on September 6th. Brentford's new goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher is a certainty, although Bristol City's Max O'Leary might make his debut as a half-time substitute against Luxembourg on Tuesday night. READ MORE The back four that started Friday's 1-1 draw with Senegal – Matt Doherty, skipper Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and Robbie Brady – is expected to see one change, with Liam Scales replacing O'Shea. The Celtic defender lost his place after being sent off against England in November 2024. Everton's Jake O'Brien remains an option at both right back and centre half. Patrick Finn (21), who was born and raised in Spain and whose father is from Mayo, has some developing to do at French club Reims before Hallgrímsson will cap him. Arguably, 22-year-old Lawal has a higher ceiling. Regardless, Jason Knight and the newly capped Killian Phillips are set to feature in central midfield, with Philips expected to make way for Josh Cullen come September. Ireland's Kasey McAteer in action against Senegal last Friday. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/INpho Kasey McAteer's goalscoring performance against Senegal should keep him attacking off the right, a position that the injured Chiedozie Ogbene and the available Festy Ebosele are also pushing to fill. On the left, Robbie Brady remains vital to the cause, taking most of the frees-kicks and switching from fullback to winger when Ireland have possession. Under Hallgrímsson, the formation appears set as 4-4-1-1 in defence and 3-4-2-1 in attack. The Icelander's preferred system suggests another run for Will Smallbone and Evan Ferguson, playing in behind Troy Parrott, who has recovered from a bug, with Adam Idah returning to the bench. Finn Azaz's creativity in the March victories over Bulgaria suggests his inclusion against Hungary. Azaz, like Cullen, has been given a break this summer. 'Everything we are doing is preparation for [the qualifiers], that is going to come around quickly,' said Hallgrímsson. The debate about whether to play two attacking midfielders behind Ferguson or Idah, or reward Parrott's best ever club season after he scored 20 goals for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, will run beyond September. Hallgrímsson has expressed concerns about the level of opposition Scales and Idah face in the Scottish Premiership, mainly because Celtic dominate possession in most games, although he commended Idah's 'defensive' work against Senegal. 'They are different kinds of strikers, good hold-up players, good link-in players, going in behind, it depends on what game we are going to play,' he said. 'The strikers will probably fit the game but it's really good to have healthy competition up front. 'That's one of the reasons we did this camp, and left out some key players [Cullen and Azaz], to have new faces, to give them a chance to show what they can do and to increase the depth in the squad.' Ireland's Bosun Lawal during Monday's squad session. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho In a rare turn of events, an injury update from the Ireland camp could impact Friday's Dublin derby between Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park. Concerns over Rovers defender Josh Honohan and Ipswich Town midfielder Jack Taylor prompted Hallgrímsson to add Lawal to the squad for Tuesday's friendly. 'We were lucky that [Lawal] was in Dublin when we had these two injury scares and the next morning he was [at training in Abbotstown]. That shows his dedication, just to say 'yes' and come.' Honohan needed a scan over the weekend before declaring himself fit for training on Monday. There is added value to this fixture, coming four days after the Senegal game in Dublin, as the schedule is similar to Ireland's quick turnaround after the Hungary match, when they'll travel to Yerevan to face Armenia on September 9th. And remember, under Stephen Kenny in June 2022, Ireland lost a Nations League tie in Armenia. 'Luxembourg have had the same coach [Luc Holtz] for a long time, really consistent in team selection, so it's more like playing a club team,' Hallgrímsson added. 'I wouldn't look at it as a shock to the nation if we would not get a good result here. It's that good a team that a win here would be really good for us at this stage. I hope nobody is taking them lightly.' Holtz is dealing with a sustained controversy around the continued selection of striker Gerson Rodrigues, who is serving an 18-month suspended sentence for domestic violence. The Luxembourg manager previously stumbled into a war of words with Kenny – after the 3-0 Ireland win in 2021 – when he repeatedly described the Irish style as 'British'. IRELAND (v Luxembourg, possible): Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales; McAteer, Knight, Phillips, Brady; Smallbone, Ferguson; Parrott.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
R.I. House approves assault-style weapons ban, sending high-profile legislation to the Senate
Rep. Jason Knight, a Barrington Democrat, defends his bill to ban assault-style weapons during debate on the House floor on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Thursday approved much-anticipated legislation banning the sale and manufacturing of a range of semiautomatic weapons in Rhode Island starting in July 2026. The 43-28 vote came after nearly five hours of debate and nine failed attempts by House Republicans to change the bill sponsored by Rep. Jason Knight, a Barrington Democrat. All 10 Republicans voted against the bill, along with 17 Democrats and the chamber's lone independent. 'We have an obligation to protect the community we live in,' Knight said on the House floor. 'Mass shootings are a real problem — it could happen here and we have a chance to minimize the chances.' Twenty-three state representatives voted against the assault-style weapons ban bill. Opponents included all 10 chamber Republicans: House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, Richard Fascia, Marie Hopkins, George Nardone, Brian Newberry, Christopher Paplauskas, David Place, Robert Quattrocchi, Sherry Roberts and Paul Santucci Another 17 Democrats also opposed the ban: Samuel Azzinaro, Jacquelyn Baginski, David Bennett, Stephen Casey, Gregory Costantino, Megan Cotter, Deborah Fellela, Brian Kennedy, Charlene Lima, Thomas Noret, William O'Brien, Ramon Perez, Robert Phillips, Earl Read, Patricia Serpa, and Joseph Solomon. Also opposed was Rep. Jon Brien, the only independent. In introducing Knight's legislation to the floor, House Judiciary Chairman Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat, said the legislation is justified if just one life is saved by banning assault-style weapons. 'One of the things I learned as a prosecutor many years ago was there's no undoing someone being dead,' Craven said. 'There's no retreat from that — dead is dead.' But opponents argued the bill's language is too broad and would not reduce gun violence. Many said it would criminalize responsible gun owners. 'This piece of legislation's true goal, as evidenced by its language, is clouded at best and disingenuous at worst,' said Rep. Arthur Corvese, a North Providence Democrat. The legislation, which was already revised before advancing out of committee earlier this week, would prohibit the sale and manufacturing of assault-style shotguns, handguns, and rifles beginning July 1, 2026. Weapons are defined as any semiautomatic firearm that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least one attachment such as stocks, pistol grips, and barrel shrouds. Certain .22 caliber rimfire rifles and Olympic-style target pistols would still be allowed. Assault-style firearms purchased before July 2026 would also be exempt from the legislation, along with weapons passed down through family. Violators of the proposed ban would face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 and forfeiting their assault-style weapons. Gun owners could voluntarily register their weapons with police to receive a certificate of possession — a provision that has drawn the ire of opponents. 'If you are found to be in possession of one of these firearms and do not have this voluntary certificate you are handcuffed, you are printed, you are booked, you are arraigned, you go to pre-trial, you go to a trial,' said House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, a Foster Republican. 'After maybe two years you can provide proof you owned the firearm before July 1, 2026.' Chippendale also argued that the bill's language is unclear on where gun owners could use their grandfathered weapons, saying that it would bar hunting. Rep. Joseph McNamara, a Warwick Democrat, said weapons subject to the proposed ban are not meant for hunting. 'If you need an AK-47 to hunt ducks, maybe you should take up bowling,' he said. House Republicans introduced nine floor amendments to address their issues with Knight's bill, but each were rejected. Democratic Reps. Mia Ackerman of Cumberland, John Edwards of Tiverton, Raymond Hull of Providence, and Alex Marszalkowski of Cumberland were not present for the vote. Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, a South Kingstown Democrat, voted by proxy in favor of the bill. The policy now rests with the Senate for consideration. Companion legislation introduced by Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, has 23 additional sponsors, including Senate President Valarie Lawson. DiPalma's bill was heard by the Senate Committee on Judiciary on May 14, where it remains under review. Three Democrats who serve on the committee voiced opposition to the proposal during the initial hearing on DiPalma's bill. Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat and federal firearms dealer, has also said he does not support banning assault-style weapons as drafted. Knight's changes have not swayed his stance, Ciccone said in an interview Thursday. Lawson remains committed to seeing the proposal hit the Senate floor, chamber spokesperson Greg Paré said in an email. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
