Middlesex DA Ryan Supports New Gun Safety Law

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan released the following statement after Governor Deval Patrick signed into law new gun safety legislation:

““The signing of this bill represents a major step forward. First, because it empowers police chiefs to use their judgment and common sense to identify people who – by virtue of mental illness, addiction, or a history of violence – have shown that they cannot be trusted with a lethal weapon. And second, because this bill gives prosecutors important new tools to go after the criminals who have flooded Massachusetts with out-of-state guns. Working with Senator Eileen Donoghue of Lowell, prosecutors from my office were able to help craft this legislation, particularly as it deals with gun trafficking. I want to thank Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray and House Speaker DeLeo for their leadership, and the Legislature for their commitment to getting this important legislation passed this session. We should all be proud of the result because this bill will make a real, meaningful difference.”

DA Ryan joined the Governor for the bill signing (pictured above).

The new law includes provisions to prevent people who are mentally ill from obtaining guns and to increase school safety, among other items.

More details about the law are available on the Governor’s website.

– InsideMedford.com