Group, state rep decry ‘gun show loophole’

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By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer 9:15 PM Saturday, March 27, 2010

TROTWOOD — A local state legislator and a liberal advocacy group called for better enforcement of existing gun laws and closure of a “gun show loophole” that they say allows gun sales without background checks at shows like the one held at Hara Arena.

“We’re just asking that promoters of these shows do something to proactively require” background checks, said Brian Rothenberg, executive director of ProgressOhio.

He spoke at a news conference held outside the Bill Goodman Gun and Knife Show, which was held Saturday at Hara Arena. The event continues today.

A New York City-funded investigation last year found weapons were sold illegally at gun shows in three states, including the Goodman show at Hara.

Three nuns from the Sisters of the Precious Blood also spoke.

“We believe in the value of life,” said Sister Marita Beumer. “Every person is precious.”

State Rep. Clayton Luckie, D-Dayton, said he said he has no problem with people legally buying guns. But he and Rothenberg said Hara and Goodman need to do more to make sure all sellers do background checks on buyers to make sure they don’t sell to felons and others who are not legally allowed to have guns. Citizens need to write to legislators and congress to get the loophole closed, Luckie said.

“Tomorrow it could be your neighbor that’s shot down by an illegal gun,” Luckie said.

A security guard at the gun show denied entry to a reporter and refused a request for an interview with gun show organizers. A Hara spokeswoman could not be reached for comment.

Patrons interviewed in the parking lot were divided on the issue of background checks. One man, who would only identify himself as Andy, said he agrees with background checks to “keep the crooks from buying guns.”

But Paul Mefford, 67, of Dayton and Derick Hihn, 25, of Darke County, both said they oppose the checks.

“Nah, that’s more regulation,” said Mefford. “I’d like to keep the guns out of the criminal hands, but good luck trying to do that.”

Hihn said the government already has too much control over people and he thinks mandating background checks on everyone who wants to buy a gun will just lead to more government intrusion.

“99 percent of the people walking into the gun show are good,” Hihn said.

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