National Gun Control Tour Stops In Baltimore To Rally For Background Checks
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—This fall, Maryland will have some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. But some lawmakers and clergy members say more protections are still needed. Several groups are driving that message cross-country.
Gigi Barnett explains.
The names of victims killed by gun violence across the country cover a bus. It's on a national tour aimed at toughening up gun laws.
At least 1,000 city mayors are sponsoring the drive called "No More Names."
This weekend the tour bus stopped in Baltimore.
"The list of names is long. These new stories are constant, but they don't have to be. Enough is enough," said Jenifer Pauliukonis, Moms Demand Action.
Earlier this year, Maryland joined New York and Connecticut in expanding gun laws, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that killed 20 students and six school workers back in December.
Now other states want what Maryland has, especially when it comes to tighter background checks for gun buyers.
"Anybody who buys a handgun should have to go through a background check. That's what the Mayors for Illegal Handguns are campaigning for. We're solidly behind them," said Sen. Brian Frosh, Montgomery County.
Meanwhile, gun owners are in a rush to buy weapons before new state laws go on the books this fall.
"I'm an Army officer with 23 years, four combat tours," said Greg Spencer, gun owner.
Spencer recently returned from Afghanistan a few months ago only to find that he may have to wait to purchase a gun.
"I'm a little offended that the state of Maryland doesn't feel that I'm responsible enough to carry a pistol outside of this room," Spencer said.
Maryland is one of 16 states, including the District of Columbia, that goes beyond federal law requiring background checks before private gun sales. That law goes into effect Oct. 1.
Maryland lawmakers say the state needs to support other states in their effort to strengthen gun laws because many times criminals transport illegal guns across state borders.
