Ban Assault Weapons

Freedom is not found at the barrel of a gun. In schools, malls, and places of worship, Americans live under the shadow of mass shootings. Children practice lockdown drills, families mourn, and yet lawmakers do nothing. No other nation tolerates such slaughter. Why should we?

The solution is clear: Ban assault weapons. These are not tools of self-defense—they are instruments of war. Designed to kill quickly and efficiently, they belong on battlefields, not in our neighborhoods.

This is not tyranny—it is common sense. Every right has limits. We do not allow grenades or tanks on our streets. We regulate cars, medicine, and even fireworks to protect lives. Why should weapons of mass murder be any different?

Action must match urgency. Demand legislation. Support leaders who will stand up to the gun lobby. Refuse to accept a nation where violence is the cost of inaction.

The right to live outweighs the right to kill. Ban assault weapons now—because no child should die for another’s political cowardice.

Key Stats

1. Lethality in Mass Shootings: Research indicates that assault weapons are used in over 70% of mass shooting incidents in the U.S.—a striking statistic given that they account for less than 5% of all gun crimes—highlighting their disproportionate lethality and the urgent need for regulation.

2. Reduction in Fatalities: Studies from states with stricter assault weapons bans reveal that these policies are associated with a 30–40% lower incidence of mass shooting fatalities, providing compelling evidence that banning these weapons could save countless lives.

3. Economic Costs: The economic impact of mass shootings involving assault weapons is staggering, with estimates suggesting that such events cost over $2 billion annually in healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and security measures—demonstrating that the financial toll of these tragedies is as severe as their human cost.

4. International Success: Evidence from countries like Australia shows that comprehensive bans on assault weapons led to a 50% reduction in mass shooting fatalities, offering a proven model that underscores the potential life-saving benefits of similar policies in the United States.

5. Broad Public Support: Consistent polling data reveals that over 70% of Americans support a ban on assault weapons, reflecting widespread public demand for policies that prioritize safety over corporate profit and help protect communities from the devastation of mass shootings.

Our Allies

1. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
   A leading nonprofit that advocates for common-sense gun reforms, including restrictions on assault weapons, through research, litigation, and public policy initiatives.

2. Everytown for Gun Safety
   A coalition that unites grassroots organizations and survivors to push for stronger gun laws and policies aimed at reducing the circulation of assault weapons and other high-capacity firearms.

3. Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence
   Focused on translating research into policy, this organization works to promote laws that restrict access to assault weapons and other dangerous firearms while supporting communities affected by gun violence.

4. Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV)
   An umbrella organization for a range of gun violence prevention groups, CSGV advocates for measures—including bans on assault weapons—that seek to lower the rate of gun-related injuries and deaths.

5. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
   A grassroots movement of parents and community members that mobilizes citizens to push elected officials for policies restricting access to assault weapons and improving overall gun safety.

10 Steps

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Assault Weapons Audit
   Leverage data from the Gun Violence Archive, Everytown for Gun Safety, and academic studies to document the role of assault weapons in mass shootings and everyday gun violence. For example, research shows that while assault weapons are used in a small fraction of overall crimes, they are disproportionately responsible for the high fatality rates in mass shootings—accounting for over 70% of deaths in such incidents. This audit will create a robust, data-driven baseline, identifying where and how these weapons exacerbate violence.

2. Build a Multi-Stakeholder Coalition
   Assemble a coalition that includes survivors of gun violence, community advocacy groups, public health experts, law enforcement reform advocates, and policymakers. Convene an inaugural summit with representatives from at least 50 organizations nationwide—drawing on models from successful international gun control efforts—to pool expertise and resources. This unified coalition will serve as a powerful, collective voice demanding stricter controls on assault weapons.

3. Develop a Detailed Legislative and Policy Agenda
   Craft a comprehensive policy blueprint that calls for banning the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault weapons. Proposals should include specific benchmarks—such as emulating elements of Australia’s successful model, which led to a 59% reduction in mass shooting fatalities—and close existing loopholes that allow these weapons to circulate. This agenda, supported by empirical evidence and expert testimony, will provide a clear roadmap for lawmakers committed to reducing gun violence.

4. Launch a Data-Driven Public Awareness Campaign
   Utilize compelling statistics and personal stories to educate the public about the lethal impact of assault weapons. For instance, highlight data showing that in the past decade, mass shootings involving assault weapons have resulted in thousands of preventable deaths and injuries. Deploy a multi-platform media strategy—including social media, interactive webinars, and community town halls—with goals such as reaching 2 million individuals and boosting public support for an assault weapons ban by at least 25% within one year.

5. Implement Targeted Lobbying and Policy Advocacy
   Organize strategic meetings, policy briefings, and public hearings with key legislators, particularly those on committees overseeing public safety and law enforcement. Present the legislative agenda alongside hard data—such as cost-benefit analyses that demonstrate how bans reduce healthcare costs associated with gun violence—and compelling personal testimonies from survivors. Aim to secure commitments from at least 30 influential policymakers to actively sponsor reform initiatives.

6. Mobilize Grassroots and Community Action
   Coordinate with local advocacy groups and community organizers to launch protests, petition drives, and digital campaigns demanding an end to the circulation of assault weapons. Distribute comprehensive advocacy toolkits—including sample letters, social media graphics, and guidelines for contacting elected officials—to empower citizens. Set measurable targets such as a 40% increase in grassroots events and the collection of over 500,000 petition signatures nationwide within 18 months.

7. Establish a Legal Defense and Rapid Response Team
   Form a dedicated legal unit drawing on expertise from organizations like the ACLU and public interest law firms to challenge legal obstacles and defend new assault weapons bans in court. This team should be prepared to initiate legal action within 48 hours of any attempts to undermine reform efforts. Historical precedents demonstrate that swift legal intervention is crucial in upholding policy changes and deterring future violations.

8. Implement Robust Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms
   Create an independent oversight board composed of public safety experts, former law enforcement officials, and transparency watchdogs. Develop a publicly accessible dashboard—updated quarterly—with key performance indicators such as reductions in assault weapon-related incidents, enforcement actions taken, and progress on legislative milestones. This transparent monitoring system will ensure continuous evaluation and timely adjustments to reform efforts.

9. Engage in Strategic Electoral Politics
   Identify and support political candidates with a strong record of advocating for gun control and public safety. Organize targeted voter registration drives and issue-focused campaigns in key swing districts, leveraging data from civic engagement organizations to focus outreach efforts on communities most affected by gun violence. Mobilize tens of thousands of new, reform-minded voters before the next election cycle, reshaping the political landscape in favor of stricter assault weapons regulation.

10. Institutionalize Gun Control Reforms for Long-Term Impact
    Partner with universities, think tanks, and policy institutes to develop standardized training programs and policy manuals that embed assault weapons bans into federal and state governance frameworks. Establish permanent commissions—such as a National Commission on Gun Violence Prevention—to review and update these reforms every two years. Commission longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impacts on public health, safety, and community well-being, ensuring that policy adaptations evolve alongside emerging evidence and societal needs.