The recent school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut and the growing national debate over gun control may seem a bit foreign to many Oakland residents. After all, assault weapons are already banned in Oakland and throughout California. In fact, stores are prohibited from selling any kinds of guns in the city. Nonetheless, assault weapons and handguns that can be outfitted with extended clips are plentiful and cheap in Oakland. And they’re being used to kill numerous residents every year. In fact, the incredible proliferation of guns is one of the key reasons why the city’s homicide rate is so high.
Why Oakland Needs a Federal Gun Control Law
