Boston’s New Mayor Opposes AR-15 Rifles Request By Police Officials

Boston’s new Mayor, Martin Walsh, is refusing the AR-15 rifles request by the police department, sparking a tense relationship with local law enforcement officers. Boston Police Department officials have reportedly been pressuring city leaders to buy a “limited number” of AR-15 semi-automatic rifles.The new city leader also said on Thursday that his administration will usher in a “new era of transparency” which will include a host of new business growth and a complete overhaul of key economic development agencies.

Law enforcement department heads feel that the high-powered rifles would help protect the city should another Boston Marathon bombing style attack or mass shooting occur. The movement to acquire the rifles was already discussed prior to the horrific terror attack during the annual marathon, but the incident surely fueled the department to push forward more vehemently. Mayor Walsh remained quiet on the gun purchase matter until recently. A spokesperson for the incoming Boston leader told the media that he was “not on board.” Martin Walsh representative Kathryn Norton told Fox News that unless the Boston Police Department can convince the mayor-elect that the AR-15s are “necessary,” he will not support buying the semi-automatic rifles.

An unidentified police officer told the Boston Herald that wielding an AR-15 “gives you at least a fighting chance if you go into something where suspects have more firepower than you.” The officer makes a very valid argument, and one which echoes the sentiments of many Second Amendment supporters determined to make sure than common citizens maintain the right to own AR-15 (and similar) rifles as well.

Former Boston Police Department Lieutenant Thomas Nolan disagrees, and had this to say about the semi-automatic rifles plan:

“If the cops have these machine guns, they’re going to use them. Someone is going to get hurt, someone is going to get killed, an innocent bystander is going to get caught in the crossfire and there is going to be a tragic result.”

An AR-15, the so-called assault weapon being debated in Boston, is not a machine gun. The rifle is one of the most popular in the United States, and is often touted as one of the most accurate and lightweight semi-automatic rifles on the market – making it an extremely attractive choice for novice shooters. Nolan also feels that arming police officers with AR-15s will erode neighborhood trust in beat cops, and said a round fired from the rifle can travel two miles in distance. Police department spokesman Sergeant Mike McCarthy stated that the rifles will not be used on routine patrols and would allow officers to fire on a suspect wearing body armor from a safe distance to avoid further confrontation.

The Boston Police Department AR-15 rifle request seeks the purchase of 33 of the high-powered semi-automatic rifles at a cost of $2,500 each. The weapons would be issued to two trained police officers in each of the 11 law enforcement districts in the city.

Those opposed to the AR-15 rifle purchase have been very vocal in their criticism of the plan. One of the arguments raised by non-supporters involves the fear that putting the semi-automatic weapons in the hands of the officer could increase the chances of innocent citizens being shot during an emergency situation. “I don’t believe arming them [police officers] with assault weapons is going to make them any safer,” City Councilor Charles Yancey said. The existing “assault weapons” law in Boston includes a “two point banned features” system, according to Wikipedia.

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