U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined 21 fellow Senate Democrats in urging President Barack Obama to use his executive authority to bolster gun control regulations.
The Senators are asking the President to specifically address a loophole that allows people to sell guns at gun shows, online and elsewhere without a license and without conducting background checks.
“We stand with you determined to take action to reduce the terrible epidemic of gun violence plaguing this nation," the letter said. "All across the country, communities are ravaged and lives are senselessly cut short by gun violence. Following yet another horrific mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, it is unthinkable that our country can continue to turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We urge you to address an aspect of the high-volume gun seller loophole that allows guns to be sold without a background check by eliminating the ambiguity surrounding the term ‘engaged in the business’ as it pertains to federally licensed firearms dealers.”
In Chicago alone, authorities have seized more than 4,800 illegal guns during the first eight months of this year. Superintendent Garry McCarthy said the city seizes more guns than any other city in the United States.
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