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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike O'Brien |
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O'Brien says fight for sensible gun laws not over
HARRISBURG, April 1 – State Rep. Mike O'Brien, D-Phila., issued the following statement regarding legislation considered by House lawmakers today that would require the reporting of lost and stolen firearms and impose penalties when an unreported gun is used in a crime.
The "lost and stolen firearms" amendment to House Bill 1845 failed by a vote of 75-128.
"It's disheartening to see otherwise sensible lawmakers stick to their guns, so to speak, even when confronted with reasonable solutions to stemming the flow of illegal guns that are used to commit horrific crimes throughout our state," O'Brien said.
"Innocent people are being slaughtered in our neighborhoods because of people who buy guns in bulk and sell them to criminals who care nothing for the law or rights under the constitution. Straw purchasers are profiting from murdered children. It is unconscionable to me that people understand this fact yet continue to deny any and all legislation that takes a smart and sensible approach to fighting crime.
"I'm disappointed the vote did not go our way. But I am encouraged by the fact that we had the opportunity to have our voices heard on the House floor through a bona fide vote. It's a small but significant step in the fight to rid our neighborhoods of gun violence. I intend to keep fighting."
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