STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Commends Senate Consideration of Assault Weapons Ban

WASHINGTON — Today, AAPI Victory Alliance released a statement in support of a nationwide assault weapons ban, commending Democrats’ efforts to address the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in America.

AAPI Victory Alliance’s polling from 2022 showed gun violence to be the top non-economic issue for AAPI voters, and was followed by an early voter poll in Virginia showing gun control as a top issue for Asian Americans in Virginia — citing 70% of AAPI respondents in the state said they are “much more likely” to support candidates for office who support improving gun safety laws by requiring universal background checks.

AAPI voters know that good gun violence prevention policies like a nationwide assault weapons ban saves lives. 80% of the deadliest mass shootings in recent memory from 2015-2022 involved an assault weapon.

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the AAPI Victory Alliance, we commend Majority Leader Schumer for taking this major step towards a nationwide assault weapons ban. As our nation continues to grapple with the ripple effects of gun violence — from mass shootings, to the NRA’s increased marketing towards AAPIs, to victims fleeing from domestic violence like Nityadevi Ramroop in Texas — it’s past time to renew a nationwide ban on assault weapons.

“Heading into 2024’s elections, it is imperative that we meet this moment with exigency and continue to hold our elected officials accountable. Although we cannot change the past to bring back the thousands of lives lost to senseless gun violence, we must advocate and urge our officials to pass not only S. 25, Leader Schumer’s Assault Weapons Ban of 2023, but Senator Blumenthal’s S. 173, and Senator Murphy’s S. 494 — three pieces of lifesaving gun legislation to prevent more of our community members and loved ones from being victims of gun violence.

“At AAPI Victory Alliance, we remain committed to building a world where we have the freedom to live with safety in our communities. We are optimistic about the positive impact this assault weapons ban can have within the AAPI community and nationwide.”

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