Statement of Bob Walker, Presidnet, Handgun Control, Inc. Re: Shooting at Empire State Building

Feb 24, 1997

(Washington, DC) This is not the first time, nor the last, that a killer took advantage of weak gun laws in one state, in this instance Florida, to commit a crime in a state with much tougher gun control laws -- New York. A few years ago, as in the case of the Long Island Railroad shooting, the killer -- Colin Ferguson -- flew to California and established residency in order to purchase a gun and avoid New York’s licensing requirements.

Yesterday’s shooting, like earlier ones, dramatizes the need for tougher federal legislation. We must find a way of stopping the interstate loophole that now exists. Otherwise, would-be killers will continue to take advantage of our federal system.

Florida, which has an instant check system, is exempt from the application of the Brady Law. One of the disadvantages of an instant check system is that it affords less time for authorities to confirm the actual residence of a buyer. According to unconfirmed press reports, the shooter at the Empire State Building, bought his gun after obtaining a Florida identification card.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has the power to close this lenient residency loophole once and for all. All ATF needs to do is mandate that gun sellers require another form of proof of residence -- such as a paid utility bill -- before a person can buy a gun. A stricter check of residency requirements would serve as a substantial barrier to the kind of interstate gunrunning that we’ve seen in this case. In May 1993, the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, HCI’s legal and education affiliate, proposed such regulations to ATF.

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.