Brady Center: "Weak Gun Laws Allow Terrorists To Gather Firearms"

Josey1

Group Says Weak Gun Laws Allow Terrorists To Gather FirearmsBy Jim BurnsCNSNews.com Senior Staff WriterDecember 19, 2001(CNSNews.com) - Terrorists are using weak American gun laws to amass firearms and commit crimes in the United States, according to the president of a prominent anti-gun group, who Wednesday labeled America the "Great Gun Bazaar" for terrorists.Michael Barnes, president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, released a new report on guns during a Capitol Hill news conference."This report makes one thing crystal clear: terrorists and guns go together. Firearms are part of the essential tool kit of domestic and foreign terrorists alike. Guns are used to commit terrorist acts, and guns are used by terrorists to resist law enforcement efforts at apprehension and arrest," Barnes said."For terrorists around the world, the United States is the Great Gun Bazaar. When terrorist training manuals single out the U.S. for its easy access to firearms, and when gun runners testify that they 'have nothing like this at home,' we know we have a dangerous problem."The report stresses that complete background checks for all gun sales should be more strongly enforced, including all gun show sales. Barnes also called on Congress to pass legislation to limit large-volume gun purchases in order to curb gun trafficking by terrorists and criminals.The report found that gun shows are a "breeding ground" for gun sales to terrorists, because in most states, unlicensed sellers can sell guns without background checks.It also noted that "loopholes" in federal law have allowed terrorists to buy assault weapons and high-capacity military ammunition magazines. Another loophole in federal law allows terrorists to buy "gun kits" to assemble weapons, the report stated.The Brady Center thinks Congress should permanently reauthorize and strengthen the Assault Weapon Ban and close the "parts kit" loophole that, according to anti-gun activists, allows terrorists and other criminals to purchase a gun by mail and assemble it at home."An assault weapon without a serial number is a terrorist's dream," the Brady report said.At the same news conference, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) announced the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, which she chairs, will hold hearings on the Brady report sometime during the next year."This report shows it is very easy for terrorists to purchase firearms in this nation," Feinstein said.Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I) announced he is introducing legislation to require background checks at all gun shows."My bill would give law enforcement up to three business days to check the background of anyone trying to buy a firearm at a gun show. That would be the most effective tool to prevent guns from falling into the hands of terrorists and the most effective deterrent to criminals trying to buy guns," Reed said.National Rifle Association spokesperson Trish Gregory called the Brady report "politically motivated.""This is only their attempt to resuscitate their failing agenda," Gregory said. "Gun sales are up across the United States and this doesn't bode well for the Brady Center heading into a mid-term election (in 2002)," Gregory added."Americans are more concerned with their rights now than ever before. This is just another politically motivated attempt against gun rights," she said. http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200112\NAT20011219a.html

alledan

BUUUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLL POOOOOOOOOOOOOOTY! [This message has been edited by alledan (edited 12-20-2001).]