California Attorney General Rob Bonta endorsed a plan from Gov. Gavin Newsom for a Constitutional change to prevent gun violence.

In conjunction with the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Bonta held a gun prevention violence roundtable in southwest Fresno on Thursday. He heard from several local and regional nonprofits about the need for funding.

Last year, Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment to include universal background checks, raising the firearm purchasing age to 21, creating a waiting period, and banning the purchases of assault-style weapons. Congress has not taken up the idea.

Asked by GV Wire if he would support changing or abolishing the Second Amendment, Bonta said he supports Newsom’s plan.

“I support that. The people of the United States of America support that,” Bonta said. “It is incumbent upon leaders like our governor, me, and others to take action that will answer that call to action. ”

California has led the way in preventing gun violence, Bonta said, by banning “assault” weapons, and large capacity magazines, and treating ghost guns as guns. He said California’s gun death rate is 40% lower than the national average.

“They work. They save lives. They prevent gun deaths. And we don’t want to only have those life-saving actions be enjoyed by Californians. Every American should enjoy (them),” Bonta said.

Bonta said he “respects the interpretation of (the Second Amendment) by our courts, including our U.S. Supreme Court.”

New State Gun & Ammo Tax Funds Prevention Programs

For nearly an hour, Bonta heard from gun prevention nonprofit leaders and community members about the effects of gun violence.

A common theme was the need for state grants to help carry out the mission, for programs such as Advance Peace, in Fresno.

A new law, AB 28 — taking effect July 1 — will raise an estimated $1.5 billion over 10 years from an 11% tax on firearm and ammunition sales. About half, Office of Gun Violence Prevention director Ari Freilich said, will go to gun violence prevention programs.

Speakers shared several ideas how to prevent gun violence. They included: those with “lived experiences” (i.e. ex-convicts) talking to vulnerable youth, more gun locks distributed to the community, and jail-to-jobs programs.

“The barriers are people that don’t realize that we matter, that our lives are as important as anyone else’s. For the most part, we’re expendable because people hear about a shooting that is just another one of the guys. They don’t see us as sons, fathers, children, period,” said Advance Peace program manager Aaron Foster.

Bonta Recounts Daughter’s School Being on Lockdown

Bonta told about his daughter texting him and his wife that her Oakland high school was on lockdown.

“As a parent, it sends chills down your spine. And, you fear the worst,” Bonta said.

“You wait for the next update, not knowing what’s happening. Seconds felt like minutes. Minutes felt like hours. And, ultimately, thankfully, Reina sent us a text that said the threat is gone. We’re no longer on lockdown. The shooter is no longer a threat. Huge sigh of relief, of course. And we are lucky,” Bonta said.