Since 1998, the Background Check System Has Blocked More Than 3 Million Firearm Sales to Prohibited Purchasers
WASHINGTON – Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown, released the following statements today applauding Reps. Peter King (R-NY) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) for reintroducing bipartisan legislation in Congress that would strengthen the background check system. The move follows the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history at a Las Vegas music festival last month.
Under current federal law, background checks are only required for gun sales by licensed firearm dealers. But no background check is required for sales by unlicensed individuals. This means that anyone can sell a gun to a stranger they meet online or at gun shows – with no background check, no questions asked, and no way to know whether the buyer is a criminal or otherwise prohibited from having guns. The legislation reintroduced by Reps. King and Thompson would narrow this loophole by covering all commercial sales, including sales initiated online or at gun shows. Research on the impact of background checks is available here.
STATEMENT FROM JOHN FEINBLATT, PRESIDENT OF EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY:
“The vast majority of Americans across the political spectrum agree: It’s time to address the background check loophole. I applaud the bipartisan leadership of Congressman King and Congressman Thompson on this crucial issue and I strongly urge their colleagues in Congress to come together, listen to the American people and pass this legislation.”
STATEMENT FROM SHANNON WATTS, FOUNDER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“After the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas last month, Congressmen King and Thompson are stepping up for public safety – and their colleagues should follow suit. It is high time for Congress to take action to make American families and communities safer by requiring criminal background checks for all commercial gun sales. Since the Las Vegas mass shooting, at least 1,195 Americans have been killed by guns. Every day lawmakers delay is too long: Lives are on the line.”
The decision to reintroduce this legislation comes as House Republicans renew their push to pass the NRA-backed SHARE Act that would roll back silencer safety laws, while the gun lobby continues to call on Congress to pass its number one priority to gut state gun laws, “concealed carry reciprocity.”