Title: Firearms, Explosives and Terrorists: A Looming Threat; A Major U.S. Vulnerability

Publication Date: October 2010

What does it say?

Radical violent extremists appear to be switching tactics in their campaign to terrorize civil society.  Increasingly, terrorists are using firearms and explosives in commando-style attacks on urban and population centers, like the attack on a downtown area in a major Indian city, Mumbai, that killed 165 people or the Fort Hood attack that killed 13.   Under current U.S. law, those on the terrorist watch list are not prohibited from purchasing guns.  Terrorist training manuals have recommended taking advantage of lax U.S. laws to obtain semi-automatic assault weapons such as AK-47s.

How can I use it?

Use the evidence in this report to advocate legislation to block terrorist watch list members from purchasing guns or explosives and to make it harder for dangerous people to get guns by requiring background checks for all sales, including those at gun shows.

Citation

Office of Senator Frank Lautenberg, Firearms, Explosives and Terrorists: A Looming Threat; A Major U.S. Vulnerability, October 2010

[1717]