Editorial: Eliminate loophole in gun shows

Friday, Nov. 30, 2001 | 9:21 a.m.

Federal law requires that background checks be conducted on gun buyers so that felons and the mentally ill can't obtain the weapons. But the requirement only applies to federally licensed gun dealers, so gun shows are exempt. In 1999 the House and Senate almost smoothed over their differences to end the exemption, but ultimately they failed to reach a compromise.

It's good to see that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a sponsor of previous efforts to end the gun show loophole, isn't giving up the fight, however. McCain notes that foreign terrorists with criminal records have been able to exploit the exemption and buy weapons at gun shows. McCain is leading a bipartisan group that early next year will try to pass the background check requirement at gun shows by attaching it as an amendment to homeland security legislation.

Some gun show owners might feel beleaguered by these congressional efforts. However it is encouraging to see that Claude Hall, the operator of a local gun show, is showing good judgment regarding a recent controversy. Timothy Tobiason, who sold copies of his how-to-make anthrax book at a Salt Lake City gun show earlier this month, had planned on attending a gun show this weekend at Las Vegas' Cashman Field. But Hall banned any appearance here by Tobiason, who told the New York Times that he wrote the germ warfare book "to fight against dishonest government."

In the end, the question comes down to this: Do we want to create a weapons market where terrorists feel comfortable hanging out? Congress, for its part, should finally pass legislation that will stop felons -- including terrorists with criminal records -- from buying weapons at gun shows.