Address violence in the United States without banning firearms being incorrectly labelled as "assault weapons"

Reducing violence in the U.S. without infringing on our 2nd Amendment rights will require compromise and lengthy discussion. Ban high-capacity magazines and the lethality of these weapons is immediately reduced. Require semi-automatic weapons to be locked in a safe (could have prevented Columbine and the Sandy Hook shootings). Require two personal and credible references for gun purchases (who would have vouched for Jared Loughner or James Holmes). Close loopholes for background checks. Most importantly, provide support for the mentally ill and their families, allow the mentally ill to be red flagged in the NICS system having to have committed a felony, and be proactive in promoting mental health. These are all potential compromises that could curb violence and leave our rights in tact.