Schumer: With The Terror Threat on NYC's Doorstep, Federal Law Must Keep Suspected Terrorists From Purchasing Guns & Explosives

Statement

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called for passage of critical legislation, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 (S.551), that would give the Department of Justice authority to prevent a known or suspected terrorist from buying firearms or explosives, a loophole in the law that is called the "Terror Gap." With the rising risk of domestic terror threats, Schumer said that those on the terrorist watch list, no fly list, which prevents individuals from flying on airplanes into and out of the United States, should not be permitted to purchase firearms and explosives. Schumer explained that, under current federal law, the federal government cannot stop the sale of guns or explosives to known or suspected terrorists unless they meet one of nine other disqualifying criteria, such as being a convicted felon or domestic abuser. Therefore, ISIS bombers and other terrorists would have had the ability to purchase virtually unlimited amount of weapons through legal channels, despite potentially being on the terrorist watch list. Schumer today announced that he would be pushing Congress to bar known and suspected terrorists from purchasing guns or explosives - a common sense step.‎

"It makes no sense that suspected terrorists on our "no fly list' can legally purchase explosives and firearms in this country. With the threat of domestic terrorism once again at our doorstep, it's critical that we stand up to the NRA and prevent suspected terrorists from getting their hands on weapons," said Senator Schumer. "As the risk of domestic and international terrorism attacks rise, we must empower the Department of Justice to prevent suspected terrorists from being able to purchase guns and explosives that can be used to harm Americans and our allies abroad."

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