Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian Endorses Warren Tolman in Waltham

WALTHAM, Mass.—Campaigning with voters in his hometown, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced his support for Warren Tolman to be the next Massachusetts attorney general. A veteran lawmaker and expert on the state’s criminal justice system, Koutoujian is endorsing Tolman because of his proven record of leadership and his vow to take on the National Rifle Association to implement fingerprint trigger locks.

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced his endorsement of Warren Tolman for attorney general as the two spoke with seniors in Waltham in July. (Courtesy of the Warren Tolman for Attorney General campaign)

“As sheriff, I see every day the importance of protecting our communities from gun violence,” Koutoujian said. “As the only candidate who will implement fingerprint trigger locks, Warren Tolman is the best choice for making our neighborhoods safer and moving the Commonwealth forward. Smart gun technology will save lives, and I’m supporting Warren Tolman for attorney general because he will make it a reality.”

During a stop to a senior living facility, Koutoujian and Tolman spoke with Waltham residents about the potential for smart gun technology and fingerprint trigger locks to stop guns from falling into the wrong hands. Koutoujian, a former prosecutor and a longtime Waltham lawmaker, sponsored the state’s assault weapons ban and gave his maiden speech in the State House on protecting communities from gun violence. During his tenure as Middlesex County sheriff, Koutoujian has been an outspoken advocate for gun safety and has been a leader in reforming mental health. Tolman has focused on implementing fingerprint trigger locks throughout the campaign for attorney general and he’s the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, willing to take the step.

“I’m grateful and honored to have my friend, Sheriff Koutoujian, a strong progressive reformer and a leader in being smart on crime, supporting me in my campaign,” Tolman said. “Sheriff Koutoujian and I share a commitment to expanding mental health and protecting Massachusetts from gun violence, and I look forward to partnering with him to improve our Commonwealth.”

Koutoujian joins a strong list of leaders and organizations supporting Tolman’s bid to be attorney general. Tolman has the backing of the working families of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the State Council of the SEIU, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, and the brave first responders of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Coalition of Police. He also has the support of environmental groups Clean Water Action and the Environmental League of Massachusetts. He is supported by former Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair John Walsh, campaign co-chairs State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, former State Treasurer Shannon O’Brien, Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Bill Keating, and the four most recent former Massachusetts attorneys general, Frank Bellotti, Scott Harshbarger, Tom Reilly, and Jim Shannon.