This week the Assault Weapons Ban, in place throughout the United States since 1994, expired.

I firmly believe this is a move in the wrong direction for our country. With the expiration of this important law, it’s now legal for stores to once again sell a range of military-style weapons of incredible firepower, possession of which has no justification in a civil society. But just because something is legal does not mean it is right. Because something is permitted does not mean it should happen. Therefore, I have asked gun businesses throughout the state of Rhode Island to voluntarily refrain from selling the weapons and ammunition that have been banned for the past ten years.

I am urging that we put aside the contentious debate over the ability of government to limit gun sales and ownership, and the degree to which the authorities can exercise such limitations. We can, and probably will, debate that issue another day. We need to put aside the semantic debate over the term “semiautomatic assault weapons.” The only issue here is what makes it into the stores and onto the streets, a reality with the potential to generate catastrophe.

It is an incontrovertible fact that the features of these weapons are not needed by hunters, or for target practice. In the hands of a criminal or a terrorist, however, they could wreak immense harm. Because of the power of the banned weapons, and because of their appeal to criminals, police are particularly at risk with the reintroduction of these guns to the market. We owe it to those who put their lives on the line, protecting our community day and night, to not add to the dangers they already face.

In recent years we have made great strides reducing crime in Providence, particularly gun- and gang-related crime. In the first six months of this year, we reduced the murder rate by 78%. Through Community Policing we have been able to identify the sources of crime, and respond effectively. Thanks to the aggressive activity of our Gun Task Force we have been successful removing illegal guns from the streets. These gains will be severely challenged with the expiration of this ban. That is why Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman, and police chiefs across the nation, strongly urged Congress to renew the ban.

I am asking, in the interest of public safety, that gun store owners and wholesalers take the practical step of not resuming the sale of the previously banned products in Rhode Island. For ten years, gun businesses and gun owners have lived with this national law. Voluntarily continuing the ban will add greatly to public safety while not detracting anything from the current marketplace.

Tragically, the deadline for national action has passed, but the opportunity for local action remains. It is my fervent hope that Rhode Island will set an example for the nation.