Trump DOJ actions will fuel gun crime

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention group led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released a statement today after the Trump administration announced more than 30 new actions to make it easier for prohibited purchasers to avoid background checks and illegally obtain firearms. The Trump administration hosted the NRA, NSSF (the gun industry trade association), and a host of extremist gun lobby groups on-site for the announcement — just days after a gunman rushed the White House Correspondents Dinner to threaten the nation’s leaders and press corps.

Earlier today, House Republicans released a bill to cut nearly $300 million from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which enforces laws that keep guns out of the wrong hands. According to the newly confirmed ATF Director Rob Cekada, further cuts will “erode[] core enforcement operations and markedly constrain[] ATF’s ability to support state and local law-enforcement partners.”

“Today is a great day if you sell illegal guns or commit crime — the rest of us should be worried. President Trump is doing everything he can to reward his gun industry CEO friends and donors. The actions announced today will make it easier for people to commit gun crimes while making it harder for law enforcement to solve them,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “While Americans live in fear of gun crime, armed carjackings and road rage, the Trump administration is attacking the safeguards that keep guns away from people with a history of violence.”