Josh Sugarmann

Sugarmann grew up in Newtown, Connecticut, graduating in the high school class of 1978. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism.^[1]

After college, Sugarmann moved to Washington, D.C., where he became engaged in public interest activities. After serving as a press officer in the national office of Amnesty International USA^[2] he became the director of communications for the National Coalition to Ban Handguns (now known as the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence).^[3]

In 1988 Sugarmann founded the Violence Policy Center, a 501(c3) gun control advocacy and educational group based in Washington, D.C.^[4] The Violence Policy Center is known mainly for its in-depth research on the firearms industry, the causes and effects of gun violence, and recommendations for regulatory policies to reduce gun violence.^{[5][page needed]}

Sugarmann has opposed the widespread availability of semi-automatic rifles. In 1988 he published a study titled Assault Weapons and Accessories in America. It examined the growing popularity of semiautomatic firearms, referring to them as "assault weapons".^[6] Together with the response to a mass shooting in Stockton, California the following year, his study has been credited for popularizing the use of the term "assault weapons."^[7] The study documents advertising by the gun industry that specifically refers to these weapons as assault rifles.^{[6][page needed]}

Sugarmann believes a full ban on handguns is necessary.^[8] He has also called for bans on semi-automatic rifles and firearm magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.^[1] He maintains a Class One Federal Firearms License in Washington, D.C., which makes it legal for him to transfer and handle firearms.^[9]