Amended Assault Weapons Ban in Rhode Island Draws Fire from Both Sides

The recent developments in Rhode Island’s proposed assault weapons ban have generated strong reactions, and not just from the usual camps. The updated bill, introduced under the guise of “reasonable” gun control, is now facing criticism not only from Republican leaders but also from Democrat lawmakers and gun-control advocates themselves. Here at Fortress Firearms Training, we’re deeply concerned with how legislation like this threatens the rights of law-abiding Americans while failing to address the real issues at hand.

Bill Amendments That Please No One

The amendment to the Rhode Island assault weapons ban, proposed by State Senator Mark McKenney (D-Warwick), attempts to offer a compromise by allowing the continued possession of certain semi-automatic firearms—as long as new sales are prohibited. However, rather than bringing people together, this revised language has managed to alienate almost everyone involved in the debate.

Senator McKenney, a retired U.S. Marine, said the compromise language was about finding “common ground.” But in reality, it appears to be a legislative half-measure that neither protects Second Amendment rights nor satisfies those pushing anti-gun agendas. It’s a band-aid solution wrapped in ambiguity.

Backlash from Gun Control Advocates

You might think a softened assault weapons ban would be a win for anti-gun organizations—but you’d be wrong. Groups like Moms Demand Action and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence have come out strongly against the amendment.

• Emily Rousseau of Moms Demand Action called the amendment “unacceptable.”
• Linda Finn from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence labeled the change “a step backwards.”

These groups don’t want compromise, they want complete disarmament of law-abiding citizens. Even minor concessions to personal liberty are too much for these activist organizations, which reveals just how radical their demands have become.

Republican Lawmakers Once Again Defend Freedom

On the other side of the aisle, Republican legislators such as Senator Jessica de la Cruz and House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale have been vocal in their opposition—not just to this amendment, but to the broader anti-gun agenda altogether. These leaders echo what we at Fortress Firearms Training see daily: law-abiding citizens being blamed for the actions of criminals.

Senator de la Cruz made it clear that trying to differentiate between an “approved” weapon and a so-called “assault weapon” is ludicrous. As she aptly pointed out, “it’s just a black gun with plastic furniture.” The functionality is virtually identical to that of other semi-automatic firearms commonly used for home defense, hunting, and competitive shooting.

The Assault on the Second Amendment

It’s becoming increasingly clear that many lawmakers have little understanding of firearms or their applications. Worse yet, they don’t seem to care. This bill, and other similar legislation across the United States, reflects a disturbing trend: the chipping away of constitutional rights under the false pretense of public safety.

• This amendment would ban the future sale of constitutionally protected firearms.
• It offers no real solution to gun violence or crime prevention.
• It creates confusion and legal uncertainty for responsible gun owners.

Most importantly, it does absolutely nothing to address the root causes of crime: mental health, broken communities, and the revolving door of the criminal justice system. Taking rifles out of the hands of trained, law-abiding citizens isn’t progress—it’s political posturing at its worst.

Training Is the Real Answer

If our leaders truly cared about safety, they’d focus on what really makes a difference—education and training. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we’ve seen firsthand how responsible training and firearms competency improve community safety and empower individuals.

Our mission is to equip citizens with the skills needed for:

• Safe storage and usage of firearms
• Proper defensive shooting techniques
• Understanding South Carolina gun laws and rights

Banning firearms arbitrarily while ignoring the need for proper training is like trying to fix a leaky roof by repainting the living room. It sounds good in a press release, but it doesn’t address the core issue.

The Slippery Slope of Compromise

Supporters of the amended ban hope that compromising today will lead to more legislation tomorrow. They’re playing the long game—each concession they gain becomes the foundation for the next restriction. If you allow them to ban one category of firearms now, how long before your hunting rifles or home-defense shotguns make the list?

The bipartisan criticism of the Rhode Island assault weapons ban amendment highlights a key truth: when it comes to fundamental rights, half-measures are just as dangerous as full-on bans. Trying to satisfy both those who cherish liberty and those who want total control results in policies that accomplish neither.

Stand Strong, Stay Trained, Be Prepared

Rather than chasing flawed policies that punish the law-abiding, our focus should be on empowerment and education. At Fortress Firearms Training, we provide the tools, training, and mindset needed to responsibly own and operate firearms. We believe a well-trained citizen is the best defense against tyranny, rising crime, and political overreach.

In the face of legislation like this, it’s more important than ever to be informed, vigilant, and ready. Understanding the implications of gun-control laws is just the first step. Standing up for your rights and preparing yourself through responsible training ensures that the Second Amendment remains not just a relic of the past, but a living, breathing shield for freedom.

Visit us today at Fortress Firearms Training to learn more about our firearms courses and how you can take a stand for liberty—one skill at a time.

Final Thoughts

The Rhode Island assault weapons ban amendment has sparked an unusual coalition of opposition, offering a rare moment of clarity: when you try to please both freedom-loving Americans and authoritarian gun control activists, you inevitably fail. It’s time our lawmakers stopped playing political games and instead focused on what truly protects our communities: skilled, educated, and empowered individuals.

Let’s stop criminalizing responsible citizens and start supporting the people who take real steps to be safe, prepared, and informed.