FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2023
“PAGV has urged credit card companies to do their part to help stem the proliferation of firearms and ‘ghost gun’ kits purchased with their products. Recently, financial institutions created a Merchant Category Code for stand-alone gun shops that could be used to flag buying patterns indicating firearms trafficking or potential mass shooters. Unfortunately, several states are considering legislation to prohibit the use of these new codes, essentially penalizing these companies for taking real, meaningful steps to try to prevent gun violence. Now, due to the uncertainty posed by these restrictive laws, credit card companies are pausing the rollout of the new codes. It is disappointing and unfathomable that lawmakers would try to prevent these new, innovative measures meant to prevent senseless killings of Americans, especially now as communities continue to face more mass shootings and daily carnage.”
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PAGV is an independent coalition of prosecutors from diverse jurisdictions throughout the United States, working toward solutions to end gun violence. The group is co-chaired by Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, and brings together prosecutors to discuss policies, legislation, and strategies to help prevent and confront gun violence in their jurisdictions.
To stay up to date with PAGV’s progress, join the mailing list at ProsecutorsAGV.org, and follow PAGV on Facebook and Twitter.
prosecutorsagv.org 