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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 401-05
October 20, 2005

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES IMMUNITY TO GUN MANUFACTURERS

"The House of Representatives has today passed a disgraceful piece of legislation that will give gun manufacturers immunity from acting negligently.  Hundreds of Americans are victimized every year by illegal handguns, and it is well-known that many of these guns are in criminal hands because some gun manufacturers turn a blind eye to dealers that sell guns to criminals.  Congress' response to this enormous problem is to hand the gun industry sweeping blanket immunity from lawsuits by persons and communities injured by this irresponsible practice. No other industry has this type of protection.

"Granting the gun industry immunity will make it easier for criminals to get firearms and put our law enforcement officers at greater risk.  As a City and as a country, we have made great strides in stopping gun violence, and this legislation will seriously hinder our efforts to further reduce crime.  I strongly urge the President to veto this damaging legislation."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler/Robert Lawson   (212) 788-2958




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