Van Hollen, Markey, Blumenthal, and Murphy, Colleagues Call for Strengthening Background Checks, New Federal Guidance Amidst Surge in Gun Sales

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and a number of their colleagues today in calling for strengthening background checks amidst a massive increase in gun sales during the coronavirus emergency. In a letter sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Senators express serious concerns that the surge in gun sales is overwhelming the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS), and that firearms dealers, also known as federal firearms licensees (FFLs), need guidance on how to effectively handle the deluge during the health emergency.

"Even absent a public health emergency, law enforcement does not always have enough time to accurately determine pre-sale whether someone is a prohibited buyer," write the Senators in their letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. "We fear that a drastic increase in gun sales in response to the coronavirus pandemic could overwhelm NICS and allow prohibited individuals to obtain firearms through "default proceeds'. We believe it is essential that your agencies issues guidance to FFLs about their ongoing responsibilities under the law and the tools with which the can safely operate their businesses during this unprecedented public health emergency."

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