Campaign Aims To Stop Lack Of Background Checks At Gun Shows

POSTED: 1:36 pm EDT April 21, 2010
UPDATED: 7:06 pm EDT April 21, 2010

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh's mayor is among the 186 Pennsylvania municipal leaders launching a new campaign to close a loophole that makes it easier for criminals to buy guns.

Many states, including Pennsylvania, do have laws on the books that require background checks for weapons sold at gun shows, but there's no national statute in place governing the matter.

Channel 4 Action News' Bob Mayo reported that West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland are some of the states that have not closed the loophole, and that Pennsylvania mayors are concerned about the impact that has on this state.

In an effort to close the loophole, PA Mayors Against Illegal Guns are launching a new TV ad campaign to raise awareness about the issue.

Mayo spoke to Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl about the group's efforts. Ravenstahl said he does support an individual's right to bear arms, but that the loophole puts guns in the hands of criminals.

"Certainly I've been on record numerous times, most specifically after the tragic events of April 4th here in the city last year," Ravenstahl said, referring to the shooting of three Pittsburgh police officers in Stanton heights. "I think we need to be responsible in making sure that illegal guns are not in the hands of those that shouldn't have them."

For more information about the campaign, visit www.closetheloophole.org.