News Releases
June 2, 2022: District Attorney Gascón Supports Two Major Gun Violence Prevention Bills
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Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today his support for two U.S. House of Representatives resolutions that would implement gun control measures to keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous people and save precious lives.
“In the wake of the mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, we must demand action now,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This is not a partisan issue, it’s a human issue. The majority of Americans support stricter gun laws. These bills are a commonsense response to this national health emergency created by the gun violence epidemic we face today.”
House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson (CA-05) introduced H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, landmark legislation that would establish a new federal background check requirement for firearm transfers between private parties.
Federal law now requires background checks for all gun sales by licensed gun dealers but does not require background checks by guns sold privately, online or at gun shows by unlicensed people. This bill would close the loophole that enables people with felony convictions, domestic violence restraining orders and others legally prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm to buy guns with no questions asked.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) introduced H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021. This bill closes another loophole allowing guns to be sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses and other circumstances disqualifying them from purchasing a firearm.
Right now, gun purchases may move forward by default after three business days — even if a background check has not been completed. Each year, thousands of firearm purchases can and do proceed, even if the person is legally prohibited from having a firearm, because their background check was not completed within three business days.
In 2015, the shooter of nine worshippers at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina was able to purchase a gun because of this loophole. This legislation extends the background check review period from three to 10 days. If a background check is not completed in 10 days, a purchaser may request an escalated review to urge the FBI to complete its investigation.
