WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 04: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about gun control during a meeting with top law enforcement officials, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch And FBI Director James Comey (R) in the Oval Office at the White House January 4, 2016 in Washington, DC. President Obama talked about his options using executive actions on stricter gun control laws. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is moving ahead on plans to require background checks for guns purchased from dealers even if they’re bought online or at gun shows.
The White House is coming out with a series of long-awaited executive steps aimed at curbing gun violence despite opposition in Congress to new gun laws.
The Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is issuing updated guidance that says the government can consider someone a gun dealer regardless of where the guns are sold. The guidance aims to narrow the gun show loophole. Only federally licensed gun dealers must now conduct background checks on buyers.
The White House says the FBI will hire 230 more examiners to process background checks. It’s an attempt to speed up the process so buyers don’t fall through the cracks.
