Gun loophole hearing commences
Councilor seeks mandatory minimums
Boston NOW, Tuesday, July 31, 2007
There are two Bostons, according to City Councilor Michael Flaherty. One is safe. One is deadly. What divides them, he said, is money.
"Once again, we are seeing a socio-economic divide among Boston residents," Flaherty said. "In some Boston neighborhoods, homes provide families a shelter from street violence. In other neighborhoods, homes have provided immunity from gun laws. Homes - in all Boston neighborhoods - should be serving as a safe haven for people, not illegal guns."
The councilor proposes legislation to close a loophole through which residents caught with an illegal gun in their homes or at work are exempt from the mandatory minimum sentences that apply when unregistered guns are found on the streets.
This morning, Flaherty and City Council meet to hear the public speak about their Boston. Former Assistant District Attorney Matt Machera, Boston Police and parole representatives, and a representative of DA Daniel Conley's office are expected to appear at the hearing.
Statistic
Size of a loophole
Of 172 Suffolk County gun court cases, 17 fell under the homes/at work loophole.
(Source: Office of City Councilor Michael Flaherty)
Law
Hunting loopholeAccording to City Councilor Michael Flaherty's office, the gun loophole is believed to have been a measure to protect hunters with expired Firearms Identification Cards.