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Rhode Island House passes assault weapons ban amid historic U-boat discoveries

Monday, 9 June 2025 12:11AM UTC

The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved a contentious assault weapons ban, igniting political debate as the Senate now reviews the bill. Meanwhile, renewed interest in the WWII German U-boat U-853 off Block Island highlights the state's historical maritime significance, even as businesses brace for a challenging summer tourism season.

In recent weeks, Rhode Island has been buzzing with legislative activity and historical discoveries. Among the state's most notable stories is the recent approval of an "Assault Weapons Ban" by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on June 5, amid intense debate surrounding its implications. The legislation, which permits a ban on the sale, purchase, and possession of various assault-style firearms, passed with a vote of 43-28 and now faces scrutiny in the Senate.

The debate prior to the vote was charged, with Republican House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale calling the measure "misguided" and asserting that it posed threats both economically and constitutionally. Conversely, advocates, including lead sponsor Rep. Jason Knight, emphasized the urgency of the issue, showcasing deep emotional responses rooted in rising gun violence. Knight's assertion that “the vast majority of Rhode Islanders are sick of it” resonates with many constituents concerned about the community's safety, though the bill has already sparked opposition from several towns planning to contest it. The political landscape surrounding this initiative presents a significant test for the new Senate President, Valarie Lawson.

Complementing this contemporary controversy is interest rekindled in Rhode Island's naval history, particularly regarding the U-853, a German U-boat sunk during World War II. This U-boat is now a subject of research and exploration, revealing an intriguing link between the state and the historical impacts of the war. The U-853, located approximately eight miles off Block Island and resting about 125 feet beneath the waves, was ultimately destroyed by U.S. naval forces on May 6, 1945, a day after it torpedoed the American collier Black Point, marking the last U.S. merchant ship sunk in the Atlantic during the war. The wreck has since become a popular diving site, drawing maritime enthusiasts keen to explore the remnants of this pivotal naval engagement.

Recent explorations of the U-853, facilitated by scientists from various institutions, aim to delve deeper into the wreck's environmental impact and historical significance. These studies reflect a growing interest not only in the events that transpired during the war but also in the stories hidden beneath Rhode Island's seemingly tranquil waters. As Columnist Mark Patinkin highlights, the narrative of U-853 serves as a poignant reminder of WWII's reach, extending even to shores like Block Island.

In the backdrop of these discussions, Rhode Island's economic prospects appear affected, with a less optimistic summer tourism forecast anticipated for 2025. Local businesses, traditionally buoyed by summer visitors, may face challenges intensified by the political climate and the state’s evolving legislation.

The convergence of history and current events illustrates Rhode Island's ongoing struggle with safety, historical memory, and community resilience. As residents engage with both the legislative processes and the narratives of the past, the state stands at the intersection of progress and reflection.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://eu.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2025/06/07/german-u-boat-sunk-block-island-rhode-island-assault-weapons-ban-truck-tolls-legal-fees-battle/84033864007/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.historynet.com/u-853-went-down-fighting-the-day-after-world-war-iis-end/ - This article details the final mission and sinking of German submarine U-853 during World War II. On May 5, 1945, U-853 torpedoed and sank the American collier Black Point off Newport, Rhode Island. The next day, the U.S. Navy, aided by blimps, located and destroyed the U-boat, resulting in the loss of its entire crew. The wreck lies approximately four-and-a-half miles east of Block Island, Rhode Island, at a depth of about 125 feet, and has become a popular dive site along the East Coast.
https://www.blockislandferry.com/the-battle-of-point-judith/ - This resource provides an overview of the Battle of Point Judith, focusing on the sinking of German submarine U-853. The article describes the coordinated efforts of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard to locate and destroy the U-boat after it torpedoed the Black Point. It also details the wreck's location, approximately 8.1 miles off Block Island’s east coast in about 130 feet of water, and notes that the site is a popular location for experienced divers.
https://www.wcvb.com/article/scientists-exploring-wreck-of-sunken-u-boat-off-rhode-island/8226294 - This article reports on scientists from the University of Rhode Island's Inner Space Center, Connecticut's Ocean Exploration Trust, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy exploring the wreck of German submarine U-853 off the Rhode Island coast. Using submersibles, they aim to learn more about shipwrecks and their environmental impact. The U-853 was sunk in the Battle of Point Judith by Coast Guard and Navy ships on May 6, 1945, the day after it sank the SS Black Point, the last U.S. merchant ship sunk in the Atlantic during the war.
https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025/02/gov-dan-mckee-includes-assault-weapons-ban-in-fy-2026-budget-proposal - This article discusses Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee's inclusion of an assault weapons ban in his fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. The proposed ban aims to prohibit the possession, purchase, sale, control, and manufacture of assault weapons in the state. This initiative marks the first time such a ban has appeared in the governor’s budget and reflects ongoing efforts to enhance gun safety in Rhode Island.
https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/mckee-to-include-assault-style-weapons-ban-in-budget-proposal/ - This article reports on Governor Dan McKee's announcement that his fiscal year 2026 budget proposal will include a ban on assault-style weapons. The proposed ban would prohibit the purchase, sale, manufacture, and possession of assault-style weapons, including semi-automatic shotguns, rifles, and pistols, with exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel. Rhode Islanders who currently own such weapons would be required to register them with local police within a year of the ban taking effect.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-wont-review-assault-weapon-high-capacity-magazine-bans-2025-06-02/ - This article reports on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to decline hearing appeals challenging state bans on assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines. The cases involved Maryland's 2013 ban on semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s and Rhode Island’s 2022 restriction on magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The Court's decision leaves intact lower court rulings that upheld these bans, maintaining the status quo on state-level firearm restrictions.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative includes recent legislative developments and historical explorations. The Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 was introduced in February 2025, with a committee hearing on March 26, 2025. The U-853 exploration is a recent event, with the wreck being a popular diving site. However, the U-853's sinking occurred in 1945, and its status as a diving site has been known for decades. The combination of recent and historical elements suggests a moderate freshness score.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The quote from Rep. Jason Knight, "the vast majority of Rhode Islanders are sick of it," is not found in the provided sources. This suggests the quote may be original or exclusive. However, without verification, the exact wording and context remain uncertain.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative references reputable sources, including the Providence Journal and Reuters. The inclusion of a press release from the Governor's Office adds credibility. However, the reliance on a single outlet for the U-853 exploration details may limit the breadth of information.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The legislative details align with known legislative processes in Rhode Island. The U-853's sinking and its status as a diving site are well-documented. The narrative's combination of current events and historical facts is plausible, though the exact quote from Rep. Knight requires further verification.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a blend of recent legislative developments and historical events. While the legislative details and historical facts are plausible and supported by reputable sources, the exact quote from Rep. Jason Knight requires further verification. The reliance on a single outlet for the U-853 exploration details also limits the breadth of information. Therefore, the overall assessment is 'OPEN' with medium confidence.

Rhode Island
Assault weapons ban
U-853
World War II
Legislation
Local politics