Omar Samaha: "Bob McDonnell is attempting to mislead Virginians"

From Americans United for Safe Streets, "a non-partisan advocacy organization that is working to educate the public and elected leaders about the need for targeted investment and smart policies to reduce violent crime across the country."

Omar Samaha, Brother of Virginia Tech Victim,
Responds to McDonnell on Gun Show Loophole

Omar Samaha, a 25-year old Virginia Tech graduate and brother of Virgina Tech shooting victim Reema Samaha, responded today to statements by the McDonnell for Governor Campaign concerning the candidate’s stance on closing the gun show loophole. His statement is below.

“Bob McDonnell is attempting to mislead Virginians into believing that he supports background checks for gun sales. But his statement only refers to “licensed” gun dealers who are already mandated by federal law to conduct background checks. The gun show loophole is a gap in the law precisely because it applies to unlicensed, so-called ‘occasional’ dealers who sell weapons at gun shows. I myself recently bought 10 guns in just one hour from dealers at a gun show in Richmond without even having to present a driver’s license, much less undergoing a background check. Criminals purchase guns in the same way every day.

Mr. McDonnell is on the fringe of this issue. Gov. Tim Kaine favors closing the loophole. So do most Virginians, including the Virginia Tech families and survivors who published a letter in the Richmond Times- Dispatch this week calling for action on this issue (below). McDonnell’s attempt to cover up his real position is disrespectful. We urge him to support background checks for all gun dealers, including unlicensed gun show sellers.”