Anti-Gun Group Lashes Out at Ashcroft
By Jim Burns
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
December 11, 2001
(CNSNews.com) - The Brady Campaign to Prevent Handgun Violence,
one of the nation's largest anti-gun groups, is blasting Attorney
General John Ashcroft for refusing to allow the FBI to use gun-sale
background check records in the bureau's investigation of the Sept. 11
terror attacks.
After Monday, law enforcement officials will not be able to check those
records to determine whether any of the suspected terrorists bought
firearms before the attack, gun control advocates complain.
The Brady Campaign, in press release dated Dec. 10, noted that Monday
marks the 90th day after the deadly attacks. "And background check
records on gun sales are destroyed after 90 days," the statement
said.
Michael Barnes, president of the Brady Campaign, believes Ashcroft
should have granted the FBI's request to examine the background-check
records. He believes Ashcroft's refusal will have long-lasting
implications on law enforcement.
"We should be using every means at our disposal to find those who
might be plotting against the United States," said Barnes.
"Mr. Ashcroft is so blinded by extremist ideology and loyalty to
the gun lobby that he places protecting their agenda above winning the
war on terrorism."
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), a strong
proponent of gun control, introduced legislation to ensure that all law
enforcement agencies may use gun background check records in terrorism
investigations.
Last week, Ashcroft told the Senate Judiciary Committee that existing
law does not allow the FBI to compare the names of suspected terrorists
with federal gun purchase records.
Ashcroft also said the law does not allow investigators to review the
federal records created when a buyer applies to buy a firearm. "The
Department of Justice is committed to following the law," he said.
One senator asked Ashcroft if he wanted the FBI to have the power to
review gun records in its terror investigation. Ashcroft said he would
not comment on "a hypothetical" but would be "happy to
consider" any such legislation that would enable the FBI to do so.
