Press Release
Posted:
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05), Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, led a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis signed by 76 other Members asking for an explanation as to why the Texas shooter’s military conviction for domestic abuse was not entered into the National Criminal Information Center Database.
“[It] was shocking to learn that the Air Force failed to submit Devin Kelley’s conviction record to the National Criminal Information Center database,” the Members wrote. “As a result, Mr. Kelley was able to obtain a firearm and murder 26 people in a church on Sunday, November 5th. The inaction on the part of the Air Force is inexcusable.
“The first line of defense in preventing gun violence, is a strong background check system. Every day, background checks stop more than 170 felons, some 50 domestic abusers, and nearly 20 fugitives from buying a gun. However, the system only works when relevant information is added in a timely and accurate manner.
“Why was the record not submitted? How many additional records have yet to be submitted? What is your plan is to ensure that all relevant records will be submitted and by when?”
The full letter to Secretary Mattis can be found here.