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Paris Attacks, 2015

Republican Leaders Block Legislation to Close Terrorist Loophole

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nevada Senator Harry Reid expressed outrage, stating that Republican leaders are more concerned with kowtowing to the National Rifle Association (NRA) than with preventing terrorists from legally purchasing firearms and explosives. This loophole allows individuals on the nation's terror watch lists to buy guns and explosives without background checks. Reid emphasized that Democrats have sought to close this loophole for years, but have been blocked by Republicans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Between 2004 and 2014, suspected terrorists attempted to exploit this loophole and purchase guns at least 2,233 times, succeeding in 2,043 of those instances, or 91 percent of the time.
  • The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that current federal law allows membership in a terrorist organization to not prohibit a person from possessing firearms or explosives.
  • Al Qaeda has openly advised militants in the United States to purchase firearms through this loophole.
  • The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act has existed for years, but Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have blocked its passage.
  • A 2011 video resurfaced in which Adam Gadahn, an American-born al Qaeda spokesman, discussed how easy it is to buy guns in the United States and urged fellow radicals to do so.
  • Republican Leader Mitch McConnell claimed ignorance about the legislation to close the terrorist loophole, stating "I'll pass on it" despite its existence for years.

Statistics:

  • Between 2004 and 2014, suspected terrorists attempted to purchase guns 2,233 times, succeeding in 2,043 instances (91% of the time).
  • During this period, the Government Accountability Office reported that suspected terrorists succeeded in purchasing guns 91% of the time.
  • Al Qaeda advised militants in the United States to exploit the loophole in a 2011 video.
  • The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act has existed since 2014 and remains blocked by Republican leaders.
  • In 2015, the NRA and Republican leaders blocked proposed legislation to stop suspected terrorists from buying guns in the United States.

Sources:

  • Government Accountability Office, 5/5/10
  • CNN, 4/12/13
  • Washington Post, 11/16/15
  • NY Daily News, 11/18/15
  • [video of exchange between Senator Harry Reid and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell]

[transcript of exchange between Senator Harry Reid and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell]

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