Editorial: Shootings mandate tighter gun control

‘ Thousands of police officers gathered in Oakland on Thursday to remember Pittsburgh’s… ‘ Thousands of police officers gathered in Oakland on Thursday to remember Pittsburgh’s three fallen officers. Some traveled from as far as Canada and California to attend the memorial service at the Petersen Events Center. Symbolic black bands over their badges and the sight of officers in tears echoed the grim mentality of the day.

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‘ But one significant aspect of this tragedy might have prevented it. Poplawski apparently obtained his guns legally — including the AK-47 used in the shootout. Stricter gun laws could have deterred his access to such firearms.

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In light of the recent string of shootings, including the incident in Binghamton involving a gunman who killed 13 people, now is the opportune time to strengthen gun control policies.

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Poplawski feared governmental regulation of citizens’ personal right to bear arms. His violent outburst was partially because of his extreme paranoia that the law would strip him of his guns. Ironically, his actions provide an impetus for more gun control legislation.

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Poplawski purchased a Magnum revolver, a .22 caliber rifle, an AK-47 assault rifle and two handguns within the boundaries of the law. He allegedly bought the AK-47 online and picked it up from a Wilkinsburg gun shop — by law, online dealers must ship guns to federally licensed stores before customers can obtain them. Despite a discharge from the Marine Corps and protection-from-abuse order obtained by his girlfriend, he passed numerous background checks, including more rigorous checks required for a concealed weapon permit.

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Preventing people like Poplawski from acquiring assault rifles and other guns clearly requires stricter laws. He didn’t take advantage of loophole purchases at gun shows or rely on people buying guns on his behalf — which is also illegal.

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If gun laws are not strengthened, the alternative seems to be a de facto acceptance of these extremely tragic situations. Yet, a 2008 Gallup survey of Americans showed no majority opinion on the subject of gun laws. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 49 percent of those surveyed supported stricter laws for gun sales, whereas 41 percent felt the laws should remain unchanged.

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It is time for a decision. While some might claim that acting in the wake of these murders exploits our grief, responsive legislation would not be unprecedented. Unfortunately, divisive politics hinders real progress on gun control. For example, the NRA remains one of the most influential, well-funded activist groups that continually fights for the right to bear arms.

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Congress took 10 years to pass the Brady Bill, which provided for background checks and waiting periods on handguns. Clearly, we cannot afford another such slow process. The federal ban on assault weapons, such as Poplawski’s AK-47, should be immediately reinstated. With Poplawski’s history of aggression with the Marines and his ex-girlfriend, he shouldn’t have cleared the background test. Purchases and permits must demand more scrutinizing standards.