CLAIM:
- Assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics together generally account for 22 to 36% of crime guns, with some estimates upwards of 40% for cases involving serious violence including murders of police.
- Assault weapons and other high-capacity semiautomatics appear to be used in a higher share of firearm mass murders (up to 57% in total).
- Trend analyses also indicate that high-capacity semiautomatics have grown from 33 to 112% as a share of crime guns since the expiration of the federal ban – a trend that has coincided with recent growth in shootings nationwide.
REBUTTAL:
The statement from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence asserts that assault weapons and high-capacity semiautomatic firearms are significantly involved in crime and mass shootings. Here’s an analysis of these claims:
1. Criminal Use of Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Semiautomatic Firearms:
- Claim: These firearms account for 22% to 36% of crime guns, with some estimates up to 40% in serious violence cases, including police murders.
Analysis:
- Research indicates that assault weapons constitute approximately 2% to 12% of guns used in crimes, with most estimates below 7%. In incidents involving the murder of police officers, these weapons account for about 13% to 16% of firearms used. When combined with other high-capacity semiautomatic firearms, they represent roughly 22% to 36% of crime guns, with some estimates reaching 40% in cases of serious violence, such as the murders of police officers.
- The AG’s own 2023 gun crimes report shows less than 14% of all guns reported were long guns.
2. Use in Mass Murders:
- Claim: Assault weapons and high-capacity semiautomatics are used in up to 57% of firearm mass murders.
Analysis:
- Data suggests that assault weapons are involved in approximately 25% of mass shootings. However, their use has been linked to higher casualty rates in these events.
3. Trends Post-Federal Ban Expiration:
- Claim: The share of crime guns that are high-capacity semiautomatics has increased by 33% to 112% since the expiration of the federal ban, coinciding with a rise in nationwide shootings.
Analysis:
- Studies indicate that the use of high-capacity semiautomatic firearms in crimes has risen since the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004. This trend aligns with an increase in shootings nationwide.
Conclusion:
The data supports the assertion that assault weapons and high-capacity semiautomatic firearms are disproportionately used in certain violent crimes and mass shootings. Their prevalence appears to have increased following the expiration of the federal assault weapons ban, correlating with a rise in shooting incidents. These findings suggest that policies addressing the availability of such firearms could impact the rates of specific violent crimes.