Senator Lautenberg: Undercover NYC Investigation Proves Need To Close Gun Show Loophole

NJ Senator Is Author of Legislation To Require Background Checks At Gun Shows

October 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), the author of legislation to close the gun show loophole, today applauded a City of New York investigation that exposed overwhelming evidence that criminals and terrorists can easily access firearms at gun shows.

Article continues below...

“This investigation reveals how easy it is for criminals and even terrorists to purchase firearms at gun shows and is further proof that we must close the gun show loophole,” stated Sen. Lautenberg. “It will be clear to anybody who reads this report that we have an urgent need and responsibility to require a background check for every gun purchased at every gun show. Closing this dangerous loophole is plain common sense that will make our communities and our country safer.”

The NYC investigation, released today, revealed that 19 of 30 (63 percent) private sellers approached by investigators sold a firearm to a purchaser who said he “probably couldn’t pass a background check.” Unlike licensed firearms dealers, private sellers at gun shows are not required to conduct criminal background checks. The report specially offers legislation written by Senator Lautenberg as a solution to this danger.

Earlier this year, Lautenberg introduced legislation (S. 843) to close the gun show loophole by requiring background checks on all sales at gun shows. In 1999, Sen. Lautenberg introduced the first bill in Congress to close the gun show loophole. In the wake of the Columbine tragedy, the Senate passed Sen. Lautenberg’s legislation to close the gun show loophole but the measure was later defeated by the gun lobby.

Source: Senator Frank R. Lautenberg