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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026
Media Contact:
Devyn Giannetti: (216) 698-3562; dgiannetti01@cuyahogacounty.gov
Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. Introduces the “Tamir Rice Act” to Ban Gun-Shaped Lighters and Protect Children
Legislation Bans Sale of Gun-Shaped Novelty Lighters, Citing Risks to Children and Public Safety
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH—In 2014, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed by Cleveland police within seconds of their arrival. He was holding a toy gun. More than a decade later, gun-shaped novelty lighters, products designed to be indistinguishable from real firearms, are still being sold openly in corner stores and gas stations across the country, available to anyone for less than $15.
On June 9, Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. will introduce the Tamir Rice Act, an ordinance that would ban the retail sale and display of gun-shaped novelty lighters within Cuyahoga County. The ordinance would make Cuyahoga County one of the first jurisdictions in Ohio to specifically regulate gun-shaped novelty lighters, and Houser is calling on elected officials across the country to follow.
The ordinance amends Chapter 1301 of the Cuyahoga County Code to prohibit retailers from selling or displaying lighters designed to resemble pistols, rifles, shotguns, or other firearms. Enforcement would be carried out by the County’s Department of Consumer Affairs in coordination with the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention, an office Houser helped found through county legislation. If adopted, violations would be subject to civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
The story began before any legislation was drafted. In 2025, Houser spent $80 out of pocket to purchase the remaining inventory of gun-shaped lighters from a Cleveland Heights hair care store, just to get them off the shelves. “Every little step changes the culture,” he said at the time. Now he is turning that step into law.
According to advocates, gun-shaped novelty lighters serve no practical purpose beyond resembling firearms. In high-stress encounters, particularly involving children and youth, such products can create dangerous confusion with life-altering consequences. Supporters of the legislation argue that removing these items from store shelves is a commonsense public safety measure that reduces unnecessary risk while preserving access to ordinary consumer products.
For Samaria Rice, Tamir’s mother, the legislation carries a weight that goes beyond policy. She blessed the use of her son’s name and offered her full support.
“This legislation addresses a real and current safety issue. When objects are designed to be indistinguishable from real weapons, they create unnecessary and life-threatening confusion – a burden that falls heaviest on urban communities and families of color. No parent should have to bury their child because of preventable circumstances. Tamir represents the humanity and innocence of all children. I support this legislation in his name, and in the name of every child, all of whom deserve to grow up safely.”
-- Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice
Attorney Benjamin Crump, the civil rights attorney who represented the Rice family in the aftermath of Tamir’s death, called the legislation a necessary step toward protecting children from avoidable tragedy.
“The violence that stole Tamir Rice’s life was a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a child’s life can be taken when systemic biases and a rush to judgment collide. We cannot continue ignoring the dangers created when products are intentionally designed to look like firearms, especially in communities where Black children are too often perceived as threats instead of innocent kids. If this ordinance can help spare even one family from carrying the pain of mourning their child, then it would be a step in the right direction.”
-- Attorney Benjamin Crump, Civil Rights Attorney and Founder, Ben Crump Law
The legislation has drawn support from some of the most prominent voices in the national movement for racial justice and gun violence prevention. DeRay McKesson, Executive Director of Campaign Zero, was among the first to endorse it. McKesson has been publicly connected to the Tamir Rice case since 2014 and sees the Act as a model for cities across the country.
“Eleven years after Tamir was killed, his name still calls us to action. Cuyahoga County is doing something concrete, identifying a product that exists for no reason other than to be mistaken for a real gun and taking it off the shelf. This legislation names a problem, names a solution, and moves. Every city in this country has a Tamir, and every city in this country can pass a law like this one. I hope they do.”
-- DeRay McKesson, Executive Director, Campaign Zero
Greg Jackson, who served as Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention under President Biden, framed the Act within the broader crisis of youth gun violence in America.
“Gun violence remains the leading cause of death for youth in America. We must do all we can to combat the gun culture that fuels the loss of too many lives like Tamir Rice. This act is a strong stride to make our communities safer.”
-- Greg Jackson, Former Deputy Director, White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
The Tamir Rice Act will be enforced in partnership with the Department of Consumer Affairs through routine inspections and consumer vigilance. Myesha Watkins, Administrator for the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention, said the legislation aligns with the Office’s commitment to establishing safer communities.
“The Office of Violence Prevention is committed to creating safer neighborhoods and minimizing harm. Any initiative that protects our residents advances our mission to prevent violence and build stronger communities”
-- Myesha Watkins, Administrator, Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention
Houser is calling on cities and counties across the nation to adopt similar protections and is making the model ordinance available to any elected official interested in introducing it locally.
“What happened to Tamir should never happen again. His name deserves to be attached to action, not just memory. Every city has a store selling gun-shaped lighters. Every city has children who deserve to be safe. We are making this model ordinance available to any elected official who wants to bring this home. Tamir Rice was from Cleveland, but this law belongs to every community willing to fight for its children.”
-- Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr., Cuyahoga County Council District 10
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