Gun Show Debate Comes to the Valley
Virginia lawmakers are working to create legislation that would require background checks at gun shows.
Lee Kern has been involved in gun shows for more than 16 years as an attendee and now attendant. He shares the opinion of others at this gun show in Rockingham County who are familiar with the on going gun show loophole debate.
Those in favor of the legislation say there should be background checks for people who purchase guns at these shows.
"I think that requiring a background check on a personal transaction between two individuals neither of which are federally licensed is kind of an invasion of them being able to trade their own personal property," says Kern.
State senator Emmett Hanger says there is no loophole and the 2nd amendment right of Virginians needs to be protected.
"We can better keep firearms out of the hand of people who are predisposed to violence I think that's a legitimate conversation. All I'm saying is the conversation needs to be a whole lot border than what is referred to as the gun show loophole," says Senator Hanger.
Those in favor of the loophole cite the tragedy at Virginia Tech as the main reason to meet certain criteria.
In several published reports Governor Tim Kaine has spoken openly in favor of closing the loophole saying "I'm going to be very aggressive, .one thing you can count on, that bill will be introduced," says Kaine.
Several visitors to today's gun show agree on one thing.
"I think its definitely...a place where the government doesn't need to stick their nose," adds Kerns.
