Rhode Island’s proposed “assault weapons” ban draws massive opposition as nearly 2,000 citizens gather to defend Second Amendment rights.

At a Glance

• Bill S 0359 would ban the sale and manufacturing of many semi-automatic firearms starting January 1, 2026
• Nearly 2,000 people attended the hearing, with gun rights advocates vastly outnumbering supporters
• Critics point out only 0.6% of Rhode Island homicides involve rifles that would be banned
• Violators could face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Some Democrats oppose the ban, arguing it doesn’t effectively address crime

Massive Public Response to Proposed Firearms Ban

Second Amendment activists wearing yellow shirts flooded the Rhode Island State House to oppose legislation that would ban numerous commonly owned firearms. The turnout was overwhelming, with nearly 2,000 people attending the hearing and gun rights supporters significantly outnumbering those in favor of additional restrictions.

Prior to the House Committee on Judiciary hearing, citizens submitted over 550 letters as written testimony, demonstrating the intense public interest in preserving firearm rights. The yellow-clad demonstrators represented a strong visual protest against what many view as an unconstitutional overreach by state lawmakers.

Rhode Island Democrats Push Semiautomatic Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, Ban https://t.co/113czqhxLm via @BreitbartNews

— AWR Hawkins (@AWRHawkins) May 18, 2025

Sweeping Restrictions on Common Firearms

The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Senator Lou DiPalma in the Senate (S 0359) and Representative Jason Knight in the House (H 5436), targets a wide array of firearms based primarily on cosmetic features. The bill would ban semi-automatic weapons with features like detachable magazines, pistol grips, folding stocks, or threaded barrels. It also restricts rifles with fixed magazines holding more than ten rounds and shotguns with fixed magazines exceeding six rounds. Those found in violation could face severe penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment, fines reaching $10,000, and weapon confiscation.

“Same gun, same round, same ammunition, but when you put a grip on it forward as an accessory, it becomes an assault weapon. Does that make it any more dangerous? No. Do we go around banning cars that have chrome rims and spoilers on because they look dangerous? No, we don’t.”, said State Sen. Gordon Rogers.

The original proposal included a mandatory registration requirement for previously owned firearms that would fall under the ban. However, facing significant opposition, lawmakers are considering amendments that would instead allow for voluntary certification of these weapons. This potential concession highlights the controversial nature of the legislation and growing pushback from constituents and business owners alike.

Rhode Island Democrats are pushing an “assault weapons” ban that would ban many rifles, shotguns, and pistols in the state. https://t.co/iiScWeKyZP

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) May 18, 2025

Economic Impact and Statistical Reality

Local business owners have raised serious concerns about the economic consequences of the proposed ban. William Worthy, who operates a firearm business in Rhode Island, testified that the legislation would essentially outlaw approximately 60% of common firearms in the state. This would dramatically impact hunters, sport shooters, and legal gun owners who use these firearms for legitimate purposes. The ban threatens not only constitutional rights but also livelihoods dependent on the firearms industry in the state.

Jake McGuigan from the National Shooting Sports Foundation presented compelling data undermining the bill’s premises. His testimony revealed that merely 0.6% of homicides in Rhode Island over the past 13 years involved rifles that would be prohibited under the proposed legislation. This statistical reality calls into question the effectiveness of targeting these firearms for public safety improvements. Even some Democratic lawmakers, including State Senator Todd Patalano, have expressed opposition to the bill, arguing it fails to meaningfully address violent crime.

Political Division and Uncertain Future

While proponents claim 64% of Rhode Islanders support the ban and it has majority support in the House, the legislation faces an uncertain path forward. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has not yet endorsed the companion bill in the Senate, signaling potential hesitation among leadership. The issue has created rifts even within the Democratic party, with some members recognizing the proposal’s failure to target actual sources of gun violence while unnecessarily restricting law-abiding citizens’ rights and access to commonly owned firearms.

The NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action has mobilized against the bill, arguing that it would diminish public safety by disarming law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to address actual criminal behavior. This debate reflects larger national tensions over gun rights and the Second Amendment, with Rhode Island becoming the latest battleground in an ongoing constitutional struggle. As deliberations continue, the overwhelming public response suggests Rhode Islanders remain deeply committed to defending their constitutional freedoms against governmental encroachment.