announced Friday that she signed onto a letter with other top prosecutors that opposes federal legislation that could loosen restrictions on gun silencers.
The letter was signed by about 30 members of Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, led by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.
They oppose a bill introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-South Carolina, called the Sportsmen’s Heritage And Recreational Enhancement Act. The measure would amend numerous federal laws related to hunting, fishing and other outdoors activities.
A section headed “Hearing Protection” would ease federal laws on silencers and prevent states from imposing taxes, or recordkeeping or registration requirements, on silencers.
“Wherever there have been mass shootings, the sound of gunshots has alerted people to danger, allowing them to flee, take cover or call for help, and has directed law enforcement to the shooter’s location,” Elliott said. “In light of the tragedy in Las Vegas and in other communities, it is clear that SHARE Act promotes gun violence and unnecessarily increases the risk of serious harm to our nation.”
Current federal law requires all buyers of silencers to pass a background check and comply with other safety provisions. Silencers are rarely used in criminal activity because of the law, according to the City Attorney’s Office.
In a recent op-ed in USA Friday, Duncan said the devices don’t render gunfire silent at all, but suppress the sound. Hunters and recreational shooters will benefit, he wrote.
The bill has not been scheduled for a House vote.
—City News Service