Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley have each made statements supporting the gun control plans announced today by President Barack Obama -- including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines -- and Gov. Deval Patrick.
Menino said in a statement:
In nearly 20 years as Boston’s mayor, I have watched with frustration as our government has been bullied by special interests and ignored its duty to protect our citizens from gun violence. At long last, President Obama’s historic proposal brings Washington in line with the needs of our nation, our families – and, most importantly, our children and grandchildren, who look to us believing that our streets and schools, playgrounds and movie theaters, should be places of safety and joy, not conflict and mass murder. I applaud President Obama and Vice President Biden for their leadership and courage on this issue and encourage Congress to move forward with urgency. For the sake of the 33 American lives lost every day, for the sake of Newtown and too many American communities to list, it is time for a new day.
Coakley made similar comments about Gov. Patrick's plan:
I applaud Governor Patrick for his leadership in addressing gun violence. The time is now to address this issue in our state and our nation, and the Governor’s actions take needed steps toward making our communities safer and supporting those with mental illness. I look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature on this issue during the new legislative session.
