What Happened in Uvalde, Texas?
On May 24, 2022, a deadly massacre took place in Uvalde, Texas. A gunman entered Robb Elementary School and killed 19 students and two teachers before he himself was killed by a law enforcement officer. This marked the deadliest school shooting in the United States in a decade.
The gunman, 18-year-old man Salvador Ramos, shot his grandmother in the face and left her wounded prior to taking her pickup truck. Ramos crashed the truck behind the school and proceeded inside through an unlocked door. He entered a classroom and began shooting, while law enforcement officers gathered outside in the hallways.
The officers have been criticized for how they responded to the shooting. Despite multiple people calling 911, the police mistakenly believed that the gunman had barricaded himself and that there was no risk to the kids. As such, the officers did not enter the classroom until 78 minutes after Ramos had gone in. After a standoff, a Border Patrol officer fatally shot Ramos.
California’s Gun Laws
California already has the strictest gun regulations in the country, prohibiting so-called assault weapons such as those used in the Uvalde shooting. These restrictions have revealed some success. California’s rate of firearm mortality is among the nation’s lowest, and Californians are about 25 percent less likely to die in mass shootings than citizens of other states.
Currently, California’s laws include requiring firm background checks, while most states don’t mandate any kind of background checks or records when purchasing a firearm from a private party. Furthermore, the state has strict criteria for who can purchase a gun. For example, people with a history of mental illness who may pose a danger to themselves or others are generally prohibited from buying firearms. Additionally, those who have been convicted of a violent misdemeanor are banned from owning a gun for the next 10 years; in most other states, the violent offense must be a felony rather than a misdemeanor. These policies are rigidly enforced, unlike in many other states.
California’s Response to Texas Shooting
The tragedy in Uvalde has prompted many states, including California, to consider tougher gun control laws. Following the shooting, California state senators approved a bill requiring educational institutions to notify law enforcement immediately if there is a perceived threat of mass violence. The bill would further require that law enforcement conduct an investigation and threat assessment with support from the school.
In addition, state senators passed a bill setting new conditions for firearm dealers. This bill requires licensed firearm dealers to have a surveillance system, burglary alarm system, and keyless entry system on their business premises, as well as a policy of general liability insurance. Moreover, dealers and employees that handle firearms are now required to complete annual training, which includes a testing certification component.
Other gun control bills are also advancing through the legislature. These bills would make it easier to hold firearm manufacturers and sellers liable for injury or death that is committed with their products. Due to the rise in popularity of self-made firearms, the Senate also proposed a bill allowing private citizens to sue manufacturers or sellers of these so-called “ghost guns” and assault weapons. Another proposal includes a ban on the advertising of certain firearms to kids.
Governor Gavin Newsom and other legislative leaders have stated that they plan to pass as many of the bills as possible by the end of this month. Firearm owners and sellers in California should pay close attention, as you may be affected by these stricter gun control laws.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you have a question about your gun rights in California, contact Wallin & Klarich for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney. With 40+ years of experience, Wallin & Klarich is your best choice among criminal defense firms. Our attorneys specialize in defending clients accused of firearm-related crimes, and we have the resources and skills to handle your case. We understand the most effective defense strategies in even the most difficult cases, and we will guide you through every step of the way.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Torrance, West Covina, Los Angeles, and San Diego, you are sure to find an available and convenient attorney near you.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.