Gun Massacres Leading To Some States' Public Safety Actions

Colorado and Connecticut have adopted toughened gun control measures in light of mass gun violence in those states.

A pity that it takes overwhelming tragedies to force approval of popular, common-sense measures, such as strengthened background checks, and a pity also that the mass shooting at the Azana Spa in Brookfield that left four dead and four wounded by a person barred from owning firearms due to a restraining order didn't move lawmakers here to act with in bi-partisan, publicly-spirited urgency and close the loophole that allowed the shooter to buy his gun over the Internet in a quick, background check-free transaction.

So buying a gun with this kind of ad. with a mass shooting that followed, is still legal in Wisconsin - - though a bill has been introduced into a GOP-led legislature hostile to gun control reforms.

A “gun wanted” ad was posted Saturday, October 20th on a website that allows people to arrange gun sales. The ad reads: “Looking for a handgun that is $300 or best offer. Looking to buy ASAP. Prefer full size. Prefer 45 or 40 caliber. I constantly check emails. Also I’m hoping it has a high mag capacity. I’m a serious buyer so please e mail me ASAP. Have cash now and looking to buy now.”

Mayor Barrett is part of the national group “Mayors Coalition Against Illegal Guns.”

On Wednesday, October 24th, the group announced it learned Radcliffe Haughton bought the gun on the website.

Here is a recent posting about the Wisconsin measure to close the private-sale loophole pending in the state legislature:

Representatives Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), Terese Berceau (D-Madison) and Senator Nikiya Harris (D-Milwaukee) joined together today to announce they will be introducing legislation to add Wisconsin to the growing list of states requiring criminal background checks for all people buying firearms.

 Under federal law, background checks are already mandatory for people who purchase weapons from federally licensed firearms dealers.  However, private-party transactions aren’t covered by the federal law, including sales by private sellers at gun shows and flea markets or on the Internet.