OUR MISSION
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) is a coalition of organizations, activists, advocates, educators, legislators, and community members who address gun violence as an urgent public health issue. Since 2013, RICAGV has utilized the collective power of its membership and grassroots organizing methods to advance programs and policies that will reduce gun violence resulting in safer, healthier Rhode Island communities.
RICAGV 2024 ENDORSEMENTS FOR RI GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) today announced their first round of 2024 endorsements of candidates running for public office, including 59 candidates for the General Assembly: 38 running for state representative and 21 running for state senate.
RICAGV Board Chair Ariana Wohl said, “After the passage of the life-saving safe storage bill during this past legislative session, we now turn our attention to the elections, ready to support our champions who stand for gun violence prevention. We know that the majority of Rhode Islanders support regulating military-style assault weapons, and we look forward to passing legislation that will help make Rhode Islanders even safer from gun violence.”
“Every endorsed candidate is committed to supporting and championing gun violence prevention and gun safety legislation. We are proud to stand behind these candidates,” said Wohl.
State Senate Endorsements
Jacob Bissaillon, District 1
Samuel D. Zurier, District 3
Samuel W. Bell, District 5
Tiara Tyshae Mack, District 6
Sandra C. Cano, District 8
Linda Lee Ujifusa, District 11
Louis Di Palma, District 12
Dawn Euer, District 13
Valarie Jean Lawson, District 14
Meghan E. Kallman, District 15
Cameron J. Deutsch, District 17
Ryan W. Pearson, District 19
Lewis J. Pryeor, District 23
Melissa A. Murray, District 24
Jennifer T. Rourke, District 29
Mark P. McKenney, District 30
Matthew L. LaMountain, District 31
Pamela J. Lauria, District 32
Bridget G. Valverde, District 35
Alana M. DiMario, District 36
Victoria Gu, District 38
House of Representatives Endorsements
Edith H. Ajello, District 1
Christopher R. Blazejewski, District 2
Rebecca M. Kislak, District 4
Anthony J. DeSimone, District 5
David Morales, District 7
Grace Diaz, District 11
Jose F. Batista, District 12
Giona A. Picheco, District 14
Brandon C. Potter, District 16
Arthur Handy, District 18
Joseph McNamara, District 19
Vincent Marzullo, District 26
Patricia A. Serpa, District 27
Scott J. Guthrie, District 28
Justine A. Caldwell, District 30
Robert E. Craven, District 32
Carol Hagan McEntee, District 33
Teresa A. Tanzi, District 34
Kathleen A. Fogarty, District 35
Tina L. Spears, District 36
Linda A. Nichols, District 40
Kelsey Kristine Coletta, District 42
Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, District 46
Garrett S. Mancieri, District 51
Brandon T. Voas, District 57
Cherie L. Cruz, District 58
Jennifer A. Stewart, District 59
Karen Alzate, District 60
Leonela Felix, District 61
Katherine Sheena Kazarian, District 63
Jenni Azanero Furtado, District 64
Matthew S. Dawson, District 65
Jennifer Smith Boylan, District 66
Jason P. Knight, District 67
June S. Speakman, District 68
Susan Ann Donovan, District 69
Michelle Elise McGaw, District 71
Lauren H. Carson, District 75
Gov. McKee Signed the Safe Storage Bill!
After years of your advocacy and organizing, Rhode Island now has one of the strongest secure storage laws in the country. It is the ninth gun safety bill passed in the state since RICAGV was founded in 2013. A special thanks to bill sponsors and gun safety champions Senator Pam Lauria and Representative Justine Caldwell!
This is a strengthened version of Rhode Island’s previous firearm storage law, and requires all gun owners to securely store their guns when not in use, either in a safe or a container or with a safety device to prevent unauthorized access. It includes a gun safety education component which requires gun dealers to both post signs and give information to people who purchase guns about secure storage, suicide prevention, and Rhode Island’s gun safety laws. It also requires school districts to give information to students and their families.
Lives will be saved!
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SECURE STORAGE PASSES SENATE!
On March 19th the Senate voted 28-7 in favor of secure storage. We are grateful for all of our volunteers, survivors and partners who made this happen. We are one step closer to a safer Rhode Island.
Now to the House!
Read all about it in our News Section.
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Help us fight the pro-gun lobby at the State House!
Every dollar you give goes toward helping prevent gun violence in RI!
Highlights from the Blog
March Organizational Meeting
Thank you to EVERYONE who attended our March Organizational Meeting! We had a GREAT TURNOUT of activists who are eager to advocate for an assault weapons ban and safe storage!
A Second Amendment Primer
The right to bear arms established under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is often misunderstood and often misrepresented.
RICAGV Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) is pleased to welcome its new slate of Board of Directors.
2022 Elected Officials Endorsed by RICAGV
94% of RICAGV-endorsed candidates win seats in new General Assembly.
2022 Thank You Party Gallery
Dozens attended the party at the United Way of RI, a CGVPRI partner.
RICAGV Statement on Extremist Supreme Court Decision
The decision strikes down a one-hundred-year-old law in New York state.
We Did It – 3 Key Gun Safety Bills Signed Into Law
Dozen of supporters, advocates and lawmakers were on hand.
Three Gun Safety Bills Pass Senate
Key reforms pass with overwhelming support.
March for Our Lives Photo Gallery
Well over 400 Rhode Islanders gathered to hear from RI high school and college students at the RI State House.
Three Gun Safety Laws Signed in 2022!
Governor Dan McKee signed key reforms into law:
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Limiting magazines to 10 rounds
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Raising the age to buy long guns and ammunition from 18 to 21
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Prohibiting loaded long guns in public
Gun Safety Reform is Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Please note, donations made online through our website are not tax deductible.