VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY: Arizona Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Celebrate Governor Hobbs Vetoing Measure That Would Have Emboldened Vigilante Violence

This Session Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Sent Over 1300 Petitions to Lawmakers Urging Action on Gun Safety and Over 4,000 Messages Against HB 2843

PHOENIX —  The Arizona chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement applauding Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto of HB 2843. The measure encouraged the use of deadly force in self-defense by attempting to expand the scope of property where use of deadly force could be justified. The bill could have driven an increase in armed vigilantism, especially against Arizona’s migrant community, potentially escalating conflicts to turn deadly.

“This veto sends a strong message to extremists: Arizona will not be your playground for dangerous policies and rhetoric,” said Lisa Kopp, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action. “This legislation was a callous attempt to vilify immigrants and put them at even further risk of hate-fueled violence, plain and simple. We thank Governor Hobbs for her continued commitment to protecting our communities from senseless acts of gun violence. But, make no mistake, this extreme and dangerous bill never should have made it to the Governor’s desk in the first place. Arizona’s legislators should be finding ways to prevent gun violence, not cause it.”

In 2010, Arizona kicked off a national trend by repealing its concealed carry permit requirement and passing a “stand your ground” law, allowing individuals to use deadly force, even when they can safely walk away from perceived danger. HB 2843 would have been an alarming expansion of the current Shoot First laws in the state.

This session, lawmakers have already pushed various measures backed by the gun lobby – including SB 1198, which would force Arizona universities, colleges and community colleges to let anyone with a concealed carry permit carry a concealed gun on campus – including in classrooms, dorms, and at sporting events, and SB 1189 which restricts the power of  local governments to prohibit gun shows from occurring in their cities or counties.  

In an average year, 1,228 people die by guns in Arizona. Gun violence costs Arizona $15.9 billion each year, of which $253.2 million is paid by taxpayers. If Arizona had the gun death rate of our National Leaders—the eight states with the strongest gun safety laws—we could save 11,161 lives in the next decade. More information about gun violence in Arizona is available here. 

To speak with a policy expert or Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action volunteer, please contact [email protected].