SUTHERLAND SPRINGS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Families of the victims of the Sutherland Springs Church shooting joined Senator John Cornyn Friday afternoon to celebrate recently passed legislation that seeks to improve background checks for people trying to buy guns.
The “Fix NICS” Act was signed into law by President Trump last week.
Cornyn said the bill will strengthen the criminal background check system and and ensure that criminals and domestic abusers can’t buy guns.
“To take reasonable necessary steps to make sure criminals can’t buy firearms at the point of purchase by lying and that’s what this legislation is designed to do,” he said.
This type of law, had it been enacted years ago, could have made a difference in the lives of the Sutherland Springs community.
Domestic abuse charges against the shooter weren’t entered into the system, which allowed him to buy a gun. He killed 26 people at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on November 5, 2017.
Since the massacre, advocates and lawmakers were looking for changes to the background check system that would actually make an impact. Cornyn said the law will do just that.
“This law ‘Fix the National Instant Criminal Background Check’ system that’s maintained by the FBI I believe will save lives. It’s not just mere symbolism,” he said.
The law ensures that NICS more adequately address background check demands which includes enhancing system availability, determination rates and E-Check services.
Cornyn said he hopes the law can work to prevent mass shootings that the community of Sutherland Springs is still recovering from.
“I think that with this legislation that is signed into law by President Trump some good has come out of this terrible tragedy,” he said.
Some have touted the law as a responsible first step in sensible gun reform.
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