Multiple people were hurt after gunshots were reportedly fired at Peck Park in San Pedro in Los Angeles, California. The park is a popular recreational centre for the people there, and the shots were reportedly fired near a car show, Sunday. 

First responders from the city’s fire department and officers from the police department arrived at the scene and since the shooter or shooters have not yet been apprehended, a tactical citywide alert has been issued. 

California happens to have one of the strongest gun laws among all the US states and with Gavin Newsom, a Gun Sense candidate, as governor, the state has enacted new gun safety legislation. It also has one of the most comprehensive systems to take away guns from those who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms. 

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As per Everytown, which researches gun violence across states in the US, California ranks number 1 in terms of safety. It has the seventh-lowest rate of gun deaths and the seventh-lowest gun ownership rate. On average, California sees 3,160 deaths by guns in a year, while the state population is estimated to be 39,185,605 as of January 2022. 

California became the first state to have consumer safety standards and is the only state with microstamping technology on all new handgun models, making it easier to track gun crimes. 

On July 21, 2022, Newsom signed additional legislation to protect people in the state, including steps to improve safety on school campuses, improve regulation on the sale of firearms, and keep guns away from people convicted of abusing children or elders. 

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“California has the toughest gun safety laws in the nation, but none of us can afford to be complacent in tackling the gun violence crisis ravaging our country”, the governor said, adding, “These new measures will help keep children safe at school, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and responsibly regulate the sale of firearms in our communities. California will continue to lead on lifesaving polices that provide a model for action by other states and the nation.”