Josh Sugarmann is an American gun control activist and researcher of gun violence in the United States. Sugarmann is the founder and executive director of the V
Josh Sugarmann is an American gun control activist and researcher of gun violence in the United States. Sugarmann is the founder and executive director of the Violence Policy Center (VPC), a non-profit advocacy and educational organization. He is the author of two books on gun control and gun violence, and has written a blog on these issues for the Huffington Post.
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Sugarmann grew up in Newtown, Connecticut, graduating in the high school class of 1978. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism.[1]
After college, Sugarmann moved to Washington, D.C., where he became engaged in public interest activities. After serving as a press officer in the national office of Amnesty International USA[2] he became the director of communications for the National Coalition to Ban Handguns (now known as the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence).[3]
In 1988 Sugarmann founded the Violence Policy Center, a 501(c3) gun control advocacy and educational group based in Washington, D.C.[4] The Violence Policy Center is known mainly for its in-depth research on the firearms industry, the causes and effects of gun violence, and recommendations for regulatory policies to reduce gun violence.[5][page needed]
Sugarmann has opposed the widespread availability of semi-automatic rifles. In 1988 he published a study titled Assault Weapons and Accessories in America. It examined the growing popularity of semiautomatic firearms, referring to them as "assault weapons".[6] Together with the response to a mass shooting in Stockton, California the following year, his study has been credited for popularizing the use of the term "assault weapons."[7] The study documents advertising by the gun industry that specifically refers to these weapons as assault rifles.[6][page needed]
Sugarmann believes a full ban on handguns is necessary.[8] He has also called for bans on semi-automatic rifles and firearm magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.[1] He maintains a Class One Federal Firearms License in Washington, D.C., which makes it legal for him to transfer and handle firearms.[9]
Sugarmann has written two books on gun control and gun violence. The first, National Rifle Association: Money, Firepower & Fear (1992), was an exposé of the National Rifle Association of America.[10][11] The second, Every Handgun is Aimed at You: The Case for Banning Handguns (2000), gives reasons to ban private possession of handguns in the United States.[12][13][14]
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