Gottheimer: Congress Must Close Loophole that Allows Suspected Terrorist Buy Guns

Press Release

In the wake of the worst mass shooting in our nation's history and deadliest terrorist attack since 9/11, Josh Gottheimer today called on Congress to immediately close the gun loophole that allows potential terrorists on the FBI's no-fly list to still purchase a firearm.

The call to action comes after yesterday's vote where Tea Party Scott Garrett blocked legislation that would have prevented anyone on the FBI's no-fly list from purchasing firearms, including the assault weapon used in Orlando on Saturday. This vote comes after Garrett voted to keep the no-fly list loophole open a total of 11 times last year.

"We are talking about people who are banned from boarding an airplane because the FBI believes they pose a significant threat to national security. Yet, Scott Garrett has voted 12 times, including again yesterday, to allow suspected terrorists, including ISIS-inspired fundamentalists, to own a gun, when their only purpose is to attack our communities," said Gottheimer, candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 5th district.

"By opposing legislation that would ban Islamic fundamentalists and lone wolf terrorists like Omar Mateen from buying assault weapons, Scott Garrett is essentially saying that the gun rights of a terrorist are more important than the safety of our families."

The Washington Post found last year that more than 2,000 suspected terrorists were able to buy guns in the United States without consequence. Suspicious individuals on the FBI watch list were successful in buying guns 91 percent of the time.

Unfortunately, according to the Government Accountability Office's study in 2010, "membership in a terrorist organization does not prohibit a person from possessing firearms or explosives under current federal law."

Quinnipiac found in December that 77 percent of everyday Americans support closing this loophole to keep their families safe.

"It's pathetic that Garrett is not willing to give up his place in the NRA Hall of Fame to protect our families from ISIS and lone wolf terrorists," Gottheimer continued.

Some Members of Congress are already trying to schedule a new vote to close this terrorist loophole. Josh Gottheimer has indicated he would wholeheartedly support such legislation if elected to Congress in November.

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