Mayor Tom Barrett Calls on NRA to Address Illegal Gun Sales in Milwaukee and Throughout Nation
MILWAUKEE –Mayor Tom Barrett today called upon the National Rifle Association to support strengthening state and federal gun laws to curb illegal gun sales during the NRA’s annual convention in Milwaukee. In 2005, Milwaukee police took 2,604 firearms off the streets and over 11,000 in the past five years.
In a press release from Feb. 1st, 2006, Barrett stated, “Last year, Milwaukee experienced 557 shootings and 95 people were killed by someone shooting a gun. If we are serious about getting illegal guns and those who use them off the street, then the time is now to enact laws that will enhance law enforcement’s ability to slow illegal gun trafficking and catch the bad guys.”
At a seminar organized by the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort to prevent and reduce gun violence, Barrett urged changes to state law.
Expansion of Criminal Background Checks
Currently criminal background checks for firearm purchases are required only if the firearm is purchased from a dealer with a Federal Firearm License (FFL). Individuals may legally buy a gun from an unlicensed dealer at a gun show, a flea market or from a private seller with no background check. Barrett is seeking legislation that would require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions prior to purchase.
Prohibit Secondary Sales of Handguns to Individual Under the Age of 21
While youth under 21 may not purchase a handgun from a dealer with a FFL, that same young person may buy a handgun on the secondary market. We know that a significant percentage of perpetrators and victims of gun violence are youth ages 18-20. Barrett is seeking legislation that will prohibit the sale of handguns to individuals under the age of 21.
“We need a comprehensive program as suggested by the national experts here today to deal with our gun violence epidemic,” said Jeri Bonavia, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort. “The truth is there are simple steps we can take that would save lives and make our communities safe from gun violence.”
Mayor Barrett added: “We can’t wait another day to act on the issue of illegal guns. Too many of our young people are carrying illegal guns and too many of our young people are falling victim to gun violence.”