Some clergy, police, and town leaders in Connecticut, Westchester County, and Long Island are asking gun manufacturers what they’re going to do to make guns safer.
Public entities like police departments make up about 40 percent of the market in the gun industry. And some are hoping they can leverage that to improve gun safety.
Three of Connecticut's largest cities joined three Westchester County communities, Hempstead on Long Island, and municipalities from 11 other states in sending a letter to manufacturers. The letter asks the manufacturers what they're doing to make guns safer.
Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said Monday that cities can pressure manufacturers with market forces.
“[We can] say, listen, we’re tired of doing business with you the way you’ve done it in the past,” he said.
The Newtown-based National Shooting Sports Foundation says gun manufacturers already have safety programs in place, including one to keep guns out of the hands of those who can’t legally own them, and one to promote safe use and storage among legal gun owners.
