Gun Violence Prevention

Well yes, another mass shooting, this one more deadly than any before it. Oman Mateen’s actions yesterday morning are being ascribed to the influence of ISIS, homophobia, mental instability, and the availability of high powered weapons. So, what can government do? Also, the impact on and reaction from American Muslims and the LGBT community. These are our three points of discussion tonight. Congressman Mike Quigley is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and he is Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Quality Caucus, and we have him on the phone.

“Politicians from around the state condemn the attack, including U.S. Representative Mike Quigley who serves on the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.”

“Congressman, thanks so much for joining us, we really appreciate it. President Obama called this “terror” and “an act of hate,” and we know that the shooter called 9-1-1 and pledged his allegiance to ISIS; ISIS claiming responsibility, is that what you are hearing, do all signs point to ISIS, Congressman?”

A bipartisan bill to ensure state and local law enforcement are notified when a prohibited person tries to buy a gun has been referred to a House subcommittee. The NICS Denial Notification Act of 2016 was sent to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations on Wednesday.

Over the last 15 years, more than 1.16 million illegal attempts to buy guns were flagged and stopped by the current federal background check system – usually because the person trying to buy the gun was a convicted felon.

There is no perfect solution for ending all gun violence, but we know from the experiences of other countries that a combination of small but practical policy solutions can severely reduce it.