Rhode Island
Mass shootings in RI revive push to ban possession of ‘assault weapons’
RI ban on ‘assault weapon’ sales signed into law.
The sale of “assault weapons” in Rhode Island will become illegal after July 1, 2026.
Two mass shootings. The arrest of a Newport man practically daring police to come for him and his illegal firearms. The reintroduction of a full-scale “assault weapons ban” sparking fierce blowback from gun owners on social media.
The gun debate has come roaring back to the Rhode Island State House.
Truly, it never really cooled, but the Newport arrest, plus the reintroduction of legislation to ban the possession of “assault weapons” in Rhode Island, stoked the flames once again.
For example, Sen. Dawn Euer, D-Newport, cited the Newport man’s arrest as evidence that Rhode Island needs to go beyond last year’s compromise to ban the future sale of “assault weapons” and actually ban the possession of them in the state.
“The rise of racist and violent anti-government rhetoric is not surprising, but we must not normalize it. As a staunch advocate of common-sense gun laws, I believe that we need to pass a comprehensive ‘assault weapons’ bill to keep Rhode Islanders safe,” Euer said in an online statement, noting that the arrest came soon after mass shootings at Brown University and in Pawtucket.
Online commenters on the social media platform X jumped in, with some calling for the man’s release and others for better enforcement of existing laws, rather than restricting law-abiding gun owners.
Added Glenn Valentine, vice president of the Rhode Island Firearms Owners’ League: “Dawn knows this guy would ignore the AWB just like he did the [high-capacity] mag ban, 3d printed arms ban” and every other gun law.
New RI bill would ban the possession of ‘prohibited firearms’
On Feb. 27, a group of Democrats in the House and Senate introduced matching bills – H8073 and S2710 – to add a single word to the new state law banning the sale of “assault weapons” that takes effect on July 1, 2026.
The bills would add the word “possess” to this sentence, already in law: “No person shall manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or purchase a prohibited firearm, except as otherwise authorized.”
It would give any Rhode Islander who “lawfully possesses a prohibited firearm prior to July 1, 2026” an opportunity to sell, offer to sell, or transfer their prohibited firearm to a federally licensed firearm dealer, or to anindividual outside the state who may lawfully possess such weapon, by Dec. 31, 2026.
It restores the piece of the “assault weapons” sale ban that was stripped at the last minute to ensure passage.
Is a ban on the possession of ‘assault weapons’ in RI legal?
Rep. Jason Knight, the lead sponsor of the original House version of last year’s proposed “assault weapons” ban, said the compromise that emerged from the Senate last year accomplished more than some realize.
Knight said the final version of the bill recognized “the fact that there are existing assault-style rifles currently in the hands of citizens in Rhode Island, and it provided a grandfather clause … so that they could maintain possession of those weapons.”
Knight explained that the bill was drafted that way because of concerns that in suddenly making a swath of weapons people already owned contraband, “you would run into an issue with the takings clause” of the U.S. Constitution.
“So that’s a big, fat way of saying it might be unconstitutional just to institute a ban and not have a provision in there for existing weapons,” he said.
While banning future sales might have seemed like a concession, Knight said the bill that finally passed created “a universe of existing assault-style firearms that are still legal to hold in Rhode Island,” but “that universe of firearms is not going to get any bigger.”
Pushing back, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, the lead House sponsor of this year’s proposed possession ban, said: “There are going to be lots of lawyers who will have the final say in whatever should pass.”
She suggested there could be delays before the ban goes into effect “so that people have the ability to sell or destroy the gun appropriately. So there are ways around the takings clause without having to change our overall approach.”
The bill’s lead Senate sponsor, Brown graduate Sen. Tiara Mack, noted that at least eight other states have bans on possessing “assault weapons.”
Mack said she knows teachers, students, parents of young people and friends who have been affected by the December shooting at Brown University.
“I could not look at those individuals and I could not live with myself in this position of power and not introduce something to make a difference,” she said.
“I wanted to be a part of the solution and not just continuing to turn my sorrow and mourning into inaction.”
Who is opposing the RI ‘assault weapons’ ban?
Republican Rep. Michael Chippendale, the House minority leader, said the arrest in Newport proves Rhode Island’s gun laws are working.
“Law enforcement was able to identify the individual, investigate his activity, and charge him under multiple existing state statutes,” he said. “Piling additional restrictions onto the books would not have changed that situation. Criminals, by definition, do not follow the law.”
He said attempts by other lawmakers to claim that the Newport arrest proves the state needs to “ban possession of firearms outright” is “either pure ignorance of the very laws they themselves passed, or an attempt to shamelessly use recent tragedies as a political vehicle to advance a broader agenda.”
“It is also irresponsible,” he told The Journal, “to conflate that case with the recent shootings at Brown University and the Pawtucket hockey rink. Those incidents involved individuals with severe and documented mental health issues.”
“Lumping all of these events together in order to justify sweeping new gun bans is not serious policymaking,” Chippendale said.
Will the ‘assault weapons’ possession ban pass?
As the Senate majority leader, Democratic Sen. Frank Ciccone rates the chances the legislature will pass another gun bill this year as “50-50.”
“I think the sentiment of last year was that we’re going to pass a bill that’s going to be a compromise that everyone can live with,” said Ciccone, a licensed gun dealer, when asked his views on the latest run of gun bills.
“So now, unfortunately, you look at the shooting at Brown. The staff told them that there was a guy snooping around the building and nobody did anything. All right. Then you’ve got the one at the arena. I mean, not going to get into it, but obviously there was some issues with that person.”
In the Newport case, he said the man effectively told police “to come and get him. He’s got illegal guns in the house. I mean, what is that telling you? Is it suggesting that ‘before I do something, come and get me?’”
“We’ve got some of the strongest gun laws around” he said. Will passing another one “stop the flow of guns illegally?”
Asked if he nonetheless believes the two mass shootings this winter will fuel the push to do something more on guns, Ciccone said it would likely be a “media frenzy.”
“But I think we’ve done enough,” he said. “There are enough laws.”
Social media sites erupt over prospect of ban
Despite the potential political and legal roadblocks ahead for the revived effort to ban “assault weapons,” Reddit and other social media platforms erupted with the outraged comments of gun owners after the new bills came in.
Most of the comments are peppered with expletives, such as this fairly moderate one: “10 years in prison for something I purchased legally, store correctly, and have done no wrongdoing with is absolutely [expletive] insane … I knew this was coming but I didn’t expect it so soon.”
Another poster proposed this wording for a deluge of identical letters to lawmakers that would say:
“Dear Representative, I am a Rhode Island resident and am writing to express my concern regarding H 8073 … While I understand and respect the intent to reduce gun violence, I am deeply concerned about language that would criminalize possession of firearms that may currently be lawfully owned by responsible citizens.”
How many firearms-related bills are in the General Assembly? Here’s a few.
So far this session, 41 firearms bills have been introduced – 21 in the House, 20 in the Senate.
Few have supporters on both sides of the divide, but S 2086 does. It would waive the 7% sales tax on firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.
In addition to the “assault weapon” possession ban sought by some legislative Democrats, other bills would, for example:
Republicans and Democratic allies have also proposed legislation that would:
- Allow gun owners with concealed-weapon permits from out of state to bring their weapons into Rhode Island if their home states reciprocated (H8075)
- Allow Rhode Island residents 21 years of age or older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit (S2155)
- Reduce the potential penalty for a first violation of Rhode Island’s high-capacity magazine ban to a misdemeanor (S2314)
- Entitle anyone licensed to carry a gun who is injured physically, emotionally or economically in a shooting in a gun-free zone to sue any person or entity that barred them from entering their property with their own firearm (S2283)
Rhode Island
Dominican national sentenced for role in California to Rhode Island drug trafficking conspiracy after 8 kilos of cocaine, 2.2 kilos of fentanyl seized
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national and Rhode Island resident has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that involved shipping 10 parcels of cocaine and fentanyl to Rhode Island through two different private commercial mail carriers, announced United States Attorney Charles Calenda.
Nelson Reyes Luciano, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy to 78 months of imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release and a $300 special assessment.
“Trafficking fentanyl and cocaine is a dangerous and deliberate act that claims lives within Rhode Island and communities throughout our country,” said United States Attorney Calenda. “This sentence should send a clear message to those who chose to engage in this type of criminal conduct that we will investigate, prosecute, and hold them accountable. I commend the dedicated prosecutors in our office, along with our law enforcement partners, for their relentless efforts in this case and their continued work in removing dangerous criminals from our streets and bringing them to justice.”
According to court documents, over a six-week period beginning in February 2022, Reyes Luciano shipped multiple packages containing cocaine and fentanyl from California to the Providence, Rhode Island home of co-conspirator Rosangeles Bueno. Bueno was charged and convicted in a separate case in the District of Rhode Island, No. 22-cr-00090-WES-PAS.
The defendant and co-conspirator Bueno regularly communicated about the shipments of the drugs sent to her home and her receipt and storage of the drugs. During execution of a court-authorized search warrant at Bueno’s home, law enforcement found cocaine and fentanyl as well as scales, baggies, presses, molds, and respirators that are used for packaging drugs for distribution. Reyes Luciano is responsible for the receipt of approximately eight kilograms of cocaine and 2.2 kilograms of fentanyl.
Reyes Luciano pleaded guilty on December 9, 2025 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
“This sentence puts Reyes Luciano’s drug trafficking aspirations to an end. Reyes Luciano and his co-conspirator attempted to use commercial mail carriers to bring dangerous drugs into Rhode Island, but through the vigilance of these companies, their scheme was exposed. HSI is partnering with local, federal, and private sector partners to take on the challenge of drug trafficking on all fronts,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise Barton and Stacey Erickson.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the DEA, and Warwick, Newport, Central Falls, and Providence Police Departments.
Rhode Island is small enough that almost every town seems to sit on water, whether it’s Narragansett Bay, the Atlantic, the Sakonnet River, or one of their inlets. That geography shapes every downtown on this list. In Jamestown, it’s a one-minute walk from the coffee shop to the ferry dock. In New Shoreham, the Empire Theatre has been running on Block Island since 1882. Here are seven of the prettiest downtown strips in the state.
Jamestown
A distinctive feature of Jamestown is that it sits entirely on Conanicut Island. The benefit is that downtown is just steps from the water. A walk along Narragansett Avenue will take you past Out of the Box Studio & Gallery on adjoining Clinton Avenue. This community arts spot showcases the work of both professional and up-and-coming artists, with rotating exhibits that keep the gallery lively.
Locals appreciate the café for its pub fare (crispy fish sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks) and for almost-nightly events, from trivia to cover rock shows. Then walk up Conanicus Avenue to East Ferry Beach, a small cove where you can cast from the pier or relax on the sand.
Wickford
Wickford, a village within North Kingstown on the west side of Narragansett Bay, has one of the most intact colonial downtowns in New England. The grid of 18th-century houses along Brown Street and Main Street runs straight down to Wickford Harbor, where the village’s small marina fills with sailboats in summer. The Old Narragansett Church, built in 1707, is one of the oldest Episcopal churches still standing on its original site in the United States, and Smith’s Castle, a 1678 plantation house just north of town, is a landmark of early Rhode Island history.
The village’s commercial streets pack a lot of shopping and dining into a small footprint. Wilson’s of Wickford carries New England preppy and nautical goods in an old general-store space. Tavern by the Sea has a waterfront patio overlooking the harbor. The Wickford Art Association runs a gallery on Main Street and puts on the Wickford Art Festival each July, which has drawn juried artists to the village since 1962. Ryan Park, a few minutes inland, covers roughly 270 acres of trails and wetlands.
Bristol
Bristol rewards a day on foot. A trip down Hope Street makes for a solid mix of culture, shopping, and dining. The Bristol Art Museum is a good first stop for rotating exhibits and occasional painting and photographic-process workshops. Nearby is a stretch of restaurants that border Bristol Harbor. The Thames Waterside Bar & Grill lives up to its name with seafood and cocktails close to the shore. Boats sail by during the daytime before the skyline lights up as the sun descends, making the view of the harbor hard to beat.
Moving south down the street, a few minutes will bring you to Rockwell Park, a small but popular public space where you can get a close view of the boats tied up in the harbor. Moving back into town along John Street will bring you to Hope Street, where you can do some shopping. A stop at Jesse James Antiques near the junction of Hope and State Street will reveal fine French and European antiques that could add the perfect touch to your home.
Narragansett
Narragansett puts dining steps from the coast. A few shops sit just off Beach Street, like Shell Boutique, a seashell specialty store and a popular gift stop. Close to Shell Boutique is Queen of Cups, a local favorite for coffee, tea, and sweets. For dinner, head south to Kingstown Road and the seafood restaurant Celeste, known for calamari, charred octopus, and flounder.
Moving east from here to Ocean Road, you will find Memorial Square and nearby The Towers. This intersection is a fantastic photo spot that features a fish-themed town fountain. Finally, you can head north for just a few minutes to Narragansett Town Beach, a sandy seaside spot popular with surfers but open to anyone who wants to hit the water or relax on the shore.
Watch Hill
The best part about living in Watch Hill is how close shopping, dining, and the nearby coastal shores are to each other. Those traveling along Bay Street will find a streak of stores for every need. Island Outfitters is particularly appropriate for those in town, as they sell coastal gear for both men and women, ranging from stylish sweaters to denim pants and summer shorts. As you continue on to Bluff Avenue, you can find oceanside dining at The Bistro, which provides views of the Atlantic while you enjoy classic seafood like crab cake and seared salmon.
Just steps away, you will find sandy shores looking out onto Block Island Sound. The beach runs to Watch Hill Lighthouse, a local landmark that today operates as a museum showcasing the lighthouse’s history in the area. This combination of oceanside relaxation with convenient shopping and dining destinations makes for a beautiful afternoon in town.
Tiverton
Tiverton is an oceanside destination where shopping and dining happen alongside the water, creating a relaxing downtown vibe. On the west side of Tiverton, you can enjoy upscale dining over lamb stroganoff and hard-shell lobster at Boathouse Waterfront Dining. The restaurant offers waterside dining with views of Mt. Hope Bay. As you move onto Main Road, you can find other places to spend your day. Coastal Roasters serves matcha lattes and cocoa for casual days along the water.
Those hoping to get closer to the water can head to Ginnell’s Beach just a few minutes south of Coastal Roasters. The beach was renovated in 2019 with a new bathhouse and a promenade that runs to the Sakonnet River. You can also head east on Lawton Avenue until you reach Ft Barton Woods on Highland Rd to see the Revolutionary War-era remnants of Fort Barton. This park includes an observation tower with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and around 3.5 miles of trails, all just across from Town Hall.
New Shoreham
New Shoreham, Rhode Island’s only incorporated Block Island town, packs its whole downtown into a few blocks of Water Street above the ferry landing. Ballard’s Beach Resort is the closest sand to the harbor and a popular spot for sunbathing or swimming. The beach sits next to the Old Harbor Historic District, where Water Street reveals buildings dating to the mid-1800s. Visitors enjoy downtown’s walking tours, featuring churches, hotels, and theaters with histories dating back over a century.
One example of these storied buildings is the Empire Theatre, built in 1882 and, over the years, serving as a roller skating rink, playhouse, and movie theater. If you are hungry, Rebecca’s Seafood is a long-running local spot on Water Street. The menu runs from tuna steak sandwiches to classic omelets, French toast breakfasts, and chicken wraps.
Downtowns Worth The Walk
Wherever you land in Rhode Island, the water is usually nearby. Bristol, Jamestown, New Shoreham, and the rest each pair a walkable downtown with a harbor or shoreline view. If you are looking for the prettiest downtowns in the state, start with these seven.
Rhode Island
Varsity 8, First Varsity 4 Lead the Way Against Delaware, Holy Cross – University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s First and Second Varsity 8+ boats and its Varsity 4+ boat won their morning and afternoon races in Saturday’s dual races against Holy Cross and Delaware in Worcester, Mass.
The First Varsity 8+ boat featured Lily Stasaitis (coxswain), Bethany Nordstrom, Nora Lake, Liz Mayer, Sierra Munroe, Sasha Hanewald, Emma Barnhart, Charlotte Aeder, and Brigid McShea. This group paced Delaware by 12 seconds in the morning race and seven seconds in the afternoon to take both races.
The Second Varsity 8+ races were closely contested with Rhode Island edging out Delaware by three seconds in the morning and less than two seconds in the afternnon. The boat included Rachel Bauhaus (coxswain), Danika Rogers, Emma Larsh, Amanda Cubit, Sage Sabatino, Anna Kann, Payton Klein, Abigail Galayda, and Anna Smith.
The Varsity 4+ boat of Kate Sullivan (coxswain), Irma Accius, Lucy Lyons, Maddy Papik, and Sophia Thyer narrowly defeated Holy Cross by two seconds to take morning race and paced the Crusaders by two seconds in the afternoon.
Rhode Island Racing Results
Morning Races
9:30 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s Second Varsity 4+ & Third Varsity 4+
- Boston University – 7:48.3
- URI Second Varsity 4+ – 8:01.49
- Delaware – 8:04.33
- URI Third Varsity 4+ – 8:21.73
- Holy Cross – 8:29.36
9:40 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s First Varsity 4+
- URI – 7:48.2
- Delaware – 7:48.99
- Holy Cross – 7:59.82
9:50 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s Second Varsity 8+
- URI – 7:03.05
- Delaware – 7:06.5
- Holy Cross – 7:06.56
- Boston University 1 – 7:13.8
- Boston University 2 – 7:18.11
10 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s First Varsity 8+
- URI – 6:46.34
- Delaware – 6:58.69
- Holy Cross – 7:11.45
Afternoon Races
11:20 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s Second Varsity 4+, Third Varsity 4+
- Boston University 1 – 7:47.3
- Boston University 2 – 7:53.6
- URI Second Varsity 4+ – 7:59.8
- Delaware – 8:01.0
- Boston University 3 – 8:08.7
- URI Third Varsity 4+ – 8:23.4
11:30 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s First Varsity 4+
- URI – 7:51.3
- Holy Cross – 7:53.3
- Delaware – 8:00.1
11:40 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s Second Varsity 8+
- URI – 7:02.4
- Delaware – 7:04.2
- Holy Cross 1 – 7:09.3
- Boston University – 7:22.4
- Holy Cross – 8:07.9
11:50 a.m. – Featuring Rhode Island’s First Varsity 8+
- URI – 6:49.2
- Delaware – 6:55.8
- Holy Cross – 7:10.3
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