Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Sen. Schumer Calls For "Rational Gun-Control Laws"
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 16, 2011
Modified Jan 16, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 16, 2011
Modified Jan 16, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In the aftermath of last week's tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, which left six people dead and 14 others injured during an apparent assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, much of the ensuing discussion has revolved around gun laws. After Mayor Bloomberg and Peter King called for stricter gun laws this week, Senator Charles Schumer wondered this morning how accused shooter Jared Lee Loughner, who was rejected for military service because of drug use, was able to buy a gun:
"Now, by law that's on the books, he should not have been allowed to buy a gun. But the law doesn't require the military to notify the FBI, and in this case they didn't...To me, it's a vindication that smart, rational gun-control laws that protect the right to bear arms but have reasonable limits are the way to go," Schumer said on "Meet the Press." Meanwhile, over 4,500 weapons enthusiasts, many carrying guns, attended the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Arizona yesterday, only 13 miles away from where the shooting occurred; it's a two-day gun extravaganza that features more than 100 vendors hawking massive arsenals of AK-47s, assault weapons, sniper gear and ammo. "When guns are in the news, it inspires gun owners to get out and defend their Second and First Amendment rights," said show organizer Bob Templeto.
Tagged
chuck schumer
gabrielle giffords
gun control
gun laws
jared lee loughner
senator chuck schumer
tucson shooting
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man killed in police-involved shooting in Moonachie, NJ
A New Jersey state trooper was involved in the incident Wednesday, according to the New Jersey attorney general's office.
By
Kaya Laterman
Published Oct 28, 2026 at 9:06 p.m. ET
Queens man took girlfriend’s body to beach in a wagon, where it remained for 5 days
Seraphina Pereira was found in a shallow grave at Rockaway Community Park. Rogelio Lozano-Garita pleaded not guilty to murder on Wednesday.
By
Charles Lane
News
Queens man took girlfriend’s body to beach in a wagon, where it remained for 5 days
Seraphina Pereira was found in a shallow grave at Rockaway Community Park. Rogelio Lozano-Garita pleaded not guilty to murder on Wednesday.
By
Charles Lane
Mamdani extends NYC racial equity leader's term after Council pushes back on replacement
By
Elizabeth Kim
Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC
By
Giulia Heyward
Ex-NYPD sergeant sentenced to 4-12 years in deadly drunken Taconic crash
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .