Lease of County Facility to Gun Show Promoter will Expire Due to SAXET’s Refusal to Require Background Checks on all Gun Sales at its Gun Shows
Statement from Hilary Rand, Texas regional manager of Moms Demand Action: The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is grateful that the Travis County Commissioners insisted today that background checks must be completed on all gun purchases at Saxet Gun Shows held at the Travis County Expo Center. The hearing was requested by management at Saxet Gun Shows in an attempt to reverse the Commissioners’ decision not to renew their original contract two weeks ago.
The Travis County Commissioners have once again stood up for public safety, despite tremendous pressure from the gun lobby. Background checks are the single most effective way to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons, domestic abusers, and the dangerously mentally ill. This straightforward requirement is easy, effective, and helps save lives. As a Texas mom, I appreciate the courage and leadership of the Commissioners by insisting on safety measures that will help protect our children and families.
Representatives from the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action provided testimony at both hearings on behalf of requiring background checks at gun shows. Current law requires background checks be performed by licensed dealers. However, unlicensed sellers at gun shows and through Internet sites sell millions of guns every year, with no background check whatsoever, including at the Saxet Gun Shows held nearly every month at the Travis County Expo Center since 2010.
