In Nevada, Firearms Were Used In 57 Percent Of All Intimate Partner Homicides Between 2013 And 2017
LAS VEGAS — The Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement responding to ordinances passed by Las Vegas and Henderson City Councils that will make it easier for domestic abusers to have guns. The ordinances establish a new domestic violence crime that creates a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, but removes the prohibition on firearms found in state law that gives rise to the right to a jury trial as required by the Nevada Supreme Court, potentially leading domestic abusers to remained armed and putting survivors of domestic abuse in danger.
“This is truly a step backward for the cities of Las Vegas and Henderson,” said Claire Hooper, volunteer leader with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Nevada City Councils should not create workarounds to skirt the life-saving laws that disarm domestic abusers. We need to do more to protect survivors of domestic violence, not roll back laws that save lives.”
In September, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that those accused of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are entitled to a jury trial if their conviction would prohibit them from possessing firearms. Under both Nevada state and federal law, those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing and purchasing firearms. Municipalities, including Las Vegas and Henderson, must enforce state law and ensure that abusers do not have easy access to guns.