Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly bring attention to the links between domestic violence, gun violence and background checks. Kelly explains in the latest email from Americans for Responsible Solutions:
It took me five minutes to pass a background check earlier this year, but its far too easy for perpetrators of domestic violence to bypass that process by going online or visiting a gun show.
Now that Congress has voted to end the government shutdown, we hope they will get to work closing many of the loopholes in federal law that allow domestic violence offenders and stalkers the ability to possess firearms.
Locally, Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik is hosting a meeting with Moms Demand Action to highlight the dangers that battered women face when abusers have firearms. Kozachik notes that in Arizona, more than 60 percent of all domestic violence-related homicides were committed with a firearm.
“This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in respect of the women who have suffered, and in some cases died as a result of that crime, we’re holding this event to draw attention to the still unfinished business of fixing the NIC system and making sure background checks are done on every gun purchase that takes place in the marketplace, nationwide,” Kozachik tells The Range via email. “We took the lead on this at the mayor and council level, and we’re still waiting to see some leadership from our state and federal legislators. It’s pretty simple. If you’ve got a DV conviction, a person selling you a gun should have access to that information before selling you a weapon.”
The Moms Demand Action event is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Ward 6 office, 3202 E. First St.
This article appears in Oct 17-23, 2013.
Trying to make a link where none exists.Typical stinking liberals.
I didn’t know you were there checking body odor, Billy.
So when is Mark Kelly going to give up his guns?
“It took me five minutes to pass a background check earlier this year, but its far too easy for perpetrators of domestic violence to bypass that process by going online or visiting a gun show”
That’s a lie and Kelly knows it, every gun show I have been to since before Gabby’s shooting has had at least three booths for background checks. These hypocrites are only grandstanding and both should be ashamed. If they really are serious about any issue, it should be bringing mental health issues to light. The last three mass shootings including Gabby’s were committed by someone with know mental issues, and our own invisible Sherriff knew of the issues with Loughner (SIC) and did nothing but rant like a mad man on TV, with the uber liberal Bud Foster. Sorry Kelly, but your recent tactics prove to me that you lack honor, integrity, and credibility.
” Kozachik is hosting a meeting with Moms Demand Action to highlight the dangers that battered women face when abusers have firearms” So Koz, tell me, what are you doing to support men who are victims of domestic violence? The fact remains that men usually do not report the abuse, and when they do, they are subject to ridicule or they are not believed. And Koz, anyone with a DV conviction are already in the NIC system. Look up the stats you turncoat, and get the real facts.
Online purchases cannot be legally mailed directly to the buyer. Online merchants are required to ship the firearm to a licensed firearm dealer in the state where the buyer resides. The local FFL-licensed retailer then runs the background check before releasing the firearm to the buyer. Claiming that online purchases is a loophole that avoids background checks is another ridiculous lie being thrown around by Kelly.
As a prosecutor who actually prosecutes domestic violence cases, there is nothing more frightening than the ease with which repeat offenders are able to obtain firearms. I am personally aware of several victims who have been murdered by their abusers with firearms obtained due to the laxity of our background check procedures. Those who think that this issue is a minor problem, or merely an attempt to score political points, must acknowledge that it truly is a matter of life and death to women in this country. Bottom line: improving our background check procedures will save lives, and failing to do so is condemning many (mostly) women to death at the hands of their abusers.
Why do the firearm prohibitionists want to make it harder for a women to obtain a firearm so that they can defend themselves against an abusive husband or boyfriend? NEWS FLASH: Restraining orders do NOT work.