Josh Sugarmann is an American gun control activist and researcher of gun violence in the United States. Sugarmann is the founder and executive director of the Violence Policy Center (VPC), a non-profit advocacy and educational organization. He is the author of two books on gun control and gun violence, and has written a blog on these issues for the Huffington Post.

Early life and education

Sugarmann grew up in Newtown, Connecticut, graduating in the high school class of 1978. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism.[1]

Career

After college, Sugarmann moved to Washington, D.C., where he became engaged in public interest activities. After serving as a press officer in the national office of Amnesty International USA[2] he became the director of communications for the National Coalition to Ban Handguns (now known as the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence).[3]

In 1988 Sugarmann founded the Violence Policy Center, a 501(c3) gun control advocacy and educational group based in Washington, D.C.[4] The Violence Policy Center is known mainly for its in-depth research on the firearms industry, the causes and effects of gun violence, and recommendations for regulatory policies to reduce gun violence.[5][page needed]

Sugarmann has opposed the widespread availability of semi-automatic rifles. In 1988 he published a study titled Assault Weapons and Accessories in America. It examined the growing popularity of semiautomatic firearms, referring to them as "assault weapons".[6] Together with the response to a mass shooting in Stockton, California the following year, his study has been credited for popularizing the use of the term "assault weapons."[7] The study documents advertising by the gun industry that specifically refers to these weapons as assault rifles.[6][page needed]

Sugarmann believes a full ban on handguns is necessary.[8] He has also called for bans on semi-automatic rifles and firearm magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.[1] He maintains a Class One Federal Firearms License in Washington, D.C., which makes it legal for him to transfer and handle firearms.[9]

Books

Sugarmann has written two books on gun control and gun violence. The first, National Rifle Association: Money, Firepower & Fear (1992), was an exposé of the National Rifle Association of America.[10][11] The second, Every Handgun is Aimed at You: The Case for Banning Handguns (2000), gives reasons to ban private possession of handguns in the United States.[12][13][14]

References

  1. ^ a b Olinger, David. "War comes home for founder of group fighting for assault weapons ban". Denver Post. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  2. ^ Lourdes, Meluza (1986-03-24). "Release Cuban Activists, Group Urges". Miami Herald.
  3. ^ Sugarmann, Josh (1986-03-24). "Progress Gives Us Great New Handgun -- Hijacker Special". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  4. ^ "Josh Sugarmann". Huffington Post. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  5. ^ Carter, Gregg Lee (2012). Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law, 2nd Edition. ABC CLIO. ISBN 978-0313386701.
  6. ^ a b "Assault Weapons and Accessories in America". Violence Policy Center. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  7. ^ Blake, Aaron. "Is it fair to call them 'assault weapons'?". Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2014.(subscription required)
  8. ^ ERIC LICHTBLAU; RICHARD SIMON (April 18, 2000). "Gun-Control Movement Split by Ambition to Ban Handguns". LA Times. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  9. ^ "Listing of Federal Firearms Licensees". Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  10. ^ "National Rifle Assoc (review)". Publishers Weekly. May 4, 1992. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
  11. ^ Broderick, J (1992-01-01). "Book reviews: Social sciences (Reviews the book NRA: Money, Firepower & Fear, by Josh Sugarmann.)". Library Journal. 117 (1): 155.
  12. ^ "Every Handgun Is Aimed at You: The Case for Banning Handguns". Publishers Weekly. March 1, 2001. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  13. ^ Brustman, Mary Jane (April 1, 2001). "Every Handgun Is Aimed at You (Book Review)". Library Journal. 126 (6): 117.
  14. ^ Stone, Peter (May 7, 2001). "Lethal Weapons (Reviews three non-fiction books on gun ban. 'Gun Violence: The Real Costs,' by Philip J. Cook; 'Shots in the Dark: The Policy, Politics and Symbolism of Gun Control,' by William J. Vizzard; 'Every Handgun Is Aimed at You: The Case for Banning Handguns,' by Josh Sugarman.)". American Prospect. 12 (8): 46.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Josh Sugarmann.