Mike Levin: “Last week the Detroit Police Department destroyed 5,037 guns by taking them to the Rouge Steel Company in Dearborn, MI…”

“Last week the Detroit Police Department destroyed 5,037 guns by taking them to the Rouge Steel Company in Dearborn, MI, and melting them into recycled steel. Two dump trucks traveled under guard to deliver the weapons, which apparently included AK 47s, sawed off shotguns, Uzis and machine guns, from police headquarters to the steel plant. At the plant, steelworkers melted the firearms by pouring 2,600 degree molten steel over them. Detroit Police Chief Jerry Oliver said that taking these guns out of circulation will save lives. That is good news. Last year alone, 26 children lost their lives in incidents of gun violence in Detroit. The Detroit Police Department has been working hard to reduce gun violence in the city. And every gun that's taken off the street helps make this job a little bit easier. The fight to reduce gun violence must be waged on many fronts. We need to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, prevent children from gaining access to firearms, and give law enforcement the resources they need to thoroughly investigate gun-related crimes. At the same time, we have to vigorously prosecute criminals who commit gun-related crimes. We in the Senate should take up and pass common sense gun safety legislation. And we need to provide adequate resources to police departments. Unfortunately, we are fighting an uphill battle. Common sense gun safety legislation is blocked by the National Rifle Association and its allies.”