Eli Savit Outlines Comprehensive Strategy to Tackle Gun Violence in Michigan
In a focused dialogue in Detroit, Eli Savit, the Democratic candidate for Michigan Attorney General, laid out his strategy to combat gun violence. Currently serving as the Washtenaw County prosecutor, Savit emphasized the progress Michigan has made through the implementation of safe gun storage and red flag laws, which aim to temporarily disarm individuals perceived as threats to themselves or others.
However, Savit stressed that the effectiveness of these laws hinges on public awareness. “We’ve had folks going out into community, doing trainings at schools and for medical professionals and social workers about our new laws, about the intersection between gun violence and intimate partner violence, and that’s something that I’d like to continue doing on a statewide level as attorney general,” Savit explained.
Data from state records reveal that Michigan issued over 400 extreme risk protection orders last year. In addition to discussing red flag, background check, and safe storage laws, participants at the roundtable highlighted the success of community violence interruption (CVI) programs.
“We need to continue funding this work. It needs to be sustained funding because, over time, if you do CVI work for 10, 15 years, that’s when you see real change. Because now you’re seeing the kids that didn’t experience the trauma of witnessing gun violence,” Savit remarked.
Furthermore, advocates at the talk called for stricter regulations on gun modifiers and the proliferation of “ghost guns.” These firearms can be created through 3D printing or kits, and lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.
Despite legislative efforts, state lawmakers have yet to ban ghost guns and modifications that enable rapid firing, though related bills have seen some progress in legislative chambers. Savit pledged to revisit these issues if elected in November. “Ghost guns being untraceable makes it harder for law enforcement to solve crimes. Bump stocks and switches on guns that convert them into fully automatic weapons makes a shooting even more likely to be deadly. These are commonsense laws I think that we can pass here in Michigan,” he asserted.
As the election approaches, Savit faces Republican Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd. While Republicans have attempted to label Savit as lenient on crime, he countered by highlighting his record of prosecuting numerous gun-related offenses during his tenure.
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