Donald Trump meeting with NRA to discuss ban of gun sales to people on terror watch list
(KUSI) — Presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will meet with the National Rifle Association to discuss the ban of gun sales to people on the FBI’s terror watch list, he announced via Twitter Wednesday. It’s unclear when the two sides will meet, but the NRA released a statement saying they’d be "happy" to meet with Trump.
I will be meeting with the NRA, who has endorsed me, about not allowing people on the terrorist watch list, or the no fly list, to buy guns.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2016
The conversation began following the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting, where Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 more. Mateen legally purchased a hand gun and assault rifle within weeks of the shooting. The FBI had looked into and interviewed Mateen but felt information they gathered tying him to terrorism was inconclusive, clearing him from the terror watch list after each investigation closed.
The NRA has been resistant to such proposals, stating they believe terrorists should not be allowed to purchase or possess firearms, but that due process through a full investigation and court process is required for each case. Trump’s call for a blanket ban on sales to those on the terror watch list goes against the NRA’s policy.
Related Link: GOP promises votes on gun control measures ending 15 hour filibuster
"The NRA believes that terrorists should not be allowed to purchase or possess firearms, period," the NRA’s statement on meeting with Trump read. "Anyone on a terror watchlist who tries to buy a gun should be thoroughly investigated by the FBI and the sale delayed while the investigation is ongoing.If an investigation uncovers evidence of terrorist activity or involvement, the government should be allowed to immediately go to court, block the sale, and arrest the terrorist."
Trump was endorsed by the NRA at its convention in May, but the two sides will have to bridge what appears to be a gap between their opinions on this matter. A 14-hour filibuster session to force the GOP’s hand to vote on legislation on those on the terror watch list from purchasing firearms concluded late Wednesday night. Sen. Chris Murphy’s stand-in ended successfully, with the GOP agreeing to vote on two separate laws.
Pressure has been rising for government to require stricter background checks and policies that would prevent terrorists from obtaining weapons legally. The shooters who killed 14 people in San Bernardino last December legally purchased weapons as well.
