Keating Introduces Legislation to Close Gaps in Terrorists Buying Guns

US Congressman William Keating

US Congressman William Keating

PROVINCETOWN – Congressman Bill Keating introduced legislation this week that addresses a firearms security gap that was underscored by the Orlando terrorist attack.

The bill would require notification to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the event that someone who has been investigated for ties to terrorism attempts to or purchases a firearm.

Keating is a ranking member of the Terrorism Subcommittee and a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

Keating spent time in the Outer Cape on Friday discussing the issues with his constituents in Wellfleet and Provincetown.

“How is it possible that the FBI had two interviews and another conversation with the terrorist, then he went to purchase weapons,” said Keating. “How come they weren’t even aware of that? To me, that’s a gap in our security that needs to be addressed.”

The legislation, if passed, would require anyone who has been or is under a terrorism investigation conducted by the Department of Justice or any other agency of the federal government be included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database.

The NICS is one of the main methods used to conduct background checks before firearms or explosives are purchased.

The legislation also requires that the NICS contact the FBI if a purchaser of a firearm gets flagged in the database when attempting to purchase.

Keating said the bill is only one step in plans to help make the American public safer.

“If they’re armed with assault weapons, they’re an army of one,” said Keating. “Of the 300 people that were there at Pulse Nightclub that evening, over a hundred of them, about a third of them were shot, so we have to face up to some of the weapon problems we have as well.”

By JUSTIN SAUNDERS and MATT MCCARTHY, CapeCod.com Newscenter

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