Matt Swenson, founder of research firm Omnidex Solutions, wrote that Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak misplaced her focus on new firearm rules after a recent cluster of attacks.

City police that weekend examined a fatal stabbing, a second stabbing, gunfire after an argument, and an alleged accidental downtown firearm discharge. In a separate daytime case, three juveniles allegedly used a knife against a man near a bike path.

The mayor again sought tighter gun measures, including a ban in alcohol-serving venues. Swenson noted Vermont already outlaws reckless endangerment, assault, unlawful discharge, and carrying a weapon to injure, and that knife incidents show why extra gun limits would mainly affect lawful carriers while leaving enforcement, detention, treatment, and institutional capacity unaddressed.