Oppose H.R.850 – Protect Public Safety Amid Rising Political Violence

As your constituent in Boonton, NJ, I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R.850, the “Silencers Help Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act.” This bill proposes to deregulate firearm silencers by removing them from the National Firearms Act and preempting state-level safety laws. The timing of this legislation is deeply concerning. Just days ago, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were tragically assassinated in their home, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a politically motivated attack. The suspect, who impersonated a police officer, was found with a “hit list” targeting lawmakers across multiple states. In an era where political violence is escalating, removing regulations on firearm silencers is not only irresponsible but also endangers the safety of public officials and citizens alike. Silencers can make it more difficult for law enforcement and the public to detect and respond to active shooter situations, potentially increasing the lethality of such attacks. I urge you to oppose H.R.850 and any similar legislation that seeks to weaken sensible gun regulations. Our laws should prioritize public safety and the protection of democratic institutions, not make it easier for individuals to commit acts of violence undetected. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.