To the Editor: I was flabbergasted as I watched the local television news on Wednesday, Feb. 11 around 6:30 am. I listened as the bullets wouldn't stop for what seemed like forever. How could a person get access to this much firepower in Providence and hold an entire police department at bay? I worried about the neighbors and law enforcement on the scene. This is beyond unacceptable and a serious public safety threat.

As a Moms Demand Action volunteer, I understand the importance of gun safety legislation to keep us safe from gun violence. Research shows that the stricter a state's laws, the lower the levels of gun violence in the state.

This is why I am asking my state legislators, Senator Josh Miller and Representative Art Handy, and neighbors to support H6614 and S2224/H6615. H6614 would prohibit the sale and possession of high capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, and S2224/H6615 would prohibit the sale, transfer or possession of assault style weapons throughout the state.

Please call your state representatives today and ask them to support these common sense laws.

Our neighborhoods should not be war zones. We don't have to live like this.

Melissa Carden

Cranston