Res 1737-2021

By Council Member Gibson Whereas, In March 2021, H.R. 8 (Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021), sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives; and Whereas, H.R. 8, if passed, would help address the national epidemic of gun violence in the U.S., where at least 29 mass shootings with 4 or more fatalities have occurred in the past five years, including 3 this year in Boulder, CO, Atlanta, GA, and Indianapolis, IN that left over 25 dead; and Whereas, There has been a sharp national increase in shootings, generally, during the pandemic, with over 19,000 people killed in shootings and firearm-related incidents during 2020-the highest death toll recorded in 20 years, according to the Gun Violence Archive; and Whereas, New York City mirrors this trend, with 602 shootings wounding or killing 678 victims this year, as of June 7, compared to 358 shootings striking 409 people during this same period last year; and Whereas, H.R. 8 would, if passed, help to prevent gun violence by prohibiting firearm transfers between private parties, unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Senate to pass, and the President to sign, H.R. 8 (Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021) . LS #11910 9/9/2021 8:30 AM M.T.