Paul Bass File Photo
Malloy last week in the WNHH radio studio.
Connecticut will be the first state in the nation to take up President Obama’s call to deny firearms to people on government “watch lists.”
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Thursday that he plans to sign an executive order to deny firearms permits to anyone on the lists.
In the wake of last week’s massacre in San Bernandino, Califo., and other recent mass shootings, the president called on Congress to ban gun sales to people on terrorist watch lists. The Republican-dominated Congress rejected the idea. Proponents call it a common-sense step toward avoiding mass shootings; opponents say it won’t help or call it unconstitutional. Some civil-libertarians supportive of gun control question relying on watch lists, which they argue unfairly include innocent people by mistake.
Malloy will sign the order pending receipt of federal approval. The order will “mandate that Connecticut State Police be required to cross-reference the names of those who wish to obtain a permit to own a firearm with the government watchlists. Those with existing permits who are found to be on those watchlist would have their permits revoked, and if a new match is found, the permit would be denied and the purchaser would be unable to purchase handguns, shotguns, rifles and ammunition. Assault weapons are already outlawed in Connecticut,” according to a news release.
The release quoted Malloy stating: ““Like all Americans, I have been horrified by the recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris. They have been and should be a wake-up call to our nation. I am taking this commonsense step with this executive order simply because it’s the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do. If you can’t fly without clearing government watchlists, you shouldn’t be able to buy a gun. Why anyone would stand idly by and knowingly allow those on government watchlists to purchase guns is truly unbelievable. Since Congress so far has failed to act, we will,” Governor Malloy said. “I have been working directly with federal officials and we are working to use the watchlists for these purposes. It is my responsibility as the Governor of Connecticut to protect the citizens of our state from threats. We’re working to do just that. Connecticut’s delegation has been outspoken about these issues, and Congress must act and pass the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015. In the interim, other states should follow Connecticut’s lead. We should all use this moment to act.”