HARRISBURG – In testimony before the state House Judiciary Committee, Gov. Edward G. Rendell today urged the General Assembly to enact legislation to stop the profusion of illegal handguns, curb violent crime and ensure the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
“I am here today to ask you to address a problem affecting our entire commonwealth: we need better laws to stop straw purchasers and the distribution of illegal handguns,” Rendell said. “I am here today because, like you, I am tired of the bloodshed.
“Every day when I read the paper, there is a story about someone in the commonwealth being shot or killed, including police officers. Families are torn apart. People live in fear. That is not the Pennsylvania we want for ourselves, our kids or our grandkids.”
Rendell said handgun violence is a growing problem affecting communities across Pennsylvania.
“Between 2005 and 2006, robberies with firearms were up 77 percent in Erie, 57 percent in Allentown, 36 percent in Williamsport, 28 percent in Reading, and 12 percent in Allegheny County,” he said. “According to the Uniform Crime Report, there were 158 more homicides by firearm throughout Pennsylvania in 2006 than there were in 2000 – a 36 percent increase. Sixty-five of them were from outside of Philadelphia. Twenty seven counties saw increased homicides during this time period.”
The governor said federal statistics show that most guns used in crimes in Pennsylvania come from within the state, and that Pennsylvania – which he called a “haven for straw purchasers” – has become a source state for illegal guns in nearby states.
“Straw purchasers and multiple handgun purchasers are the predominant method of getting handguns to criminals,” Rendell said.
As solutions, Rendell endorsed the following legislative proposals:
-A bill creating a mandatory-minimum sentence of 20 years for anyone who discharges a gun at a police officer with the intent to injure – even if no injury occurs.
-A bill to help prosecutors to lock up straw purchasers by requiring lost and stolen handguns to be reported to law enforcement.
-A bill to reduce gun trafficking by enacting a one-handgun-a-month law. The limit would not apply to law enforcement agencies, licensed dealers or individuals whose guns are lost or stolen.
-A bill to enable local communities to enact their own restrictions on the flow, distribution and use of handguns by local voter referendum.
Rendell said public support for these measures is strong and growing.
“In the last seven years, support for commonsense handgun legislation has grown,” he said. “A new survey by Greenberg Quinlan shows even stronger consensus for stronger handgun laws. Fully 96 percent favor requiring the reporting of lost and stolen guns and 70 percent support limiting handgun purchases to one per month.”
The governor said stronger enforcement of existing laws is already taking place.
“Our law enforcement and our prosecutors are enforcing the laws on the books. They are aggressive and their efforts have resulted in 16,000 additional criminals behind bars in the last decade. They are working together, working hard, seeking tough sentences, and doing an admirable job,” Rendell said. “But, despite this terrific record of strong prosecution and incarceration of violent offenders and gun wielders, as the statistics indicate, we have not slowed the problem of gun violence – it’s only increasing.”
Rendell urged legislators to act quickly to prevent further violence and loss of life.
“Too many Pennsylvanians are dying, our police are being shot at, and there are too many gunpoint robberies. Mothers are losing sons, wives are losing husbands, brothers are losing sisters, our police officers are outgunned on our streets, and people and businesses are being held up at gunpoint,” he said. “I do not question anyone’s sincere desire to address this issue, but if we do not act now, we will have more illegal handguns, more shootings and more police widows.”