Cory Booker takes on NRA in ‘most sweeping gun violence prevention plan of any 2020 candidate'

New Jersey senator wants to close loopholes, set a federal standard for issuing gun licenses and invest in communities impacted by gun violence

Chris Riotta
New York
Monday 06 May 2019 14:26 BST
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Cory Booker announces 2020 bid

Cory Booker has released an exhaustive plan to deal with the nation’s gun violence crisis as he seeks to establish himself among an ever-growing pool of 2020 presidential candidates.

The New Jersey senator’s campaign said Monday it was “the most sweeping plan ever put forth by a presidential candidate.”

It proposes a ban on assault weapons, targets the National Rifle Association’s tax-exempt status and would set a federal standard for issuing gun licenses — which includes the successful completion of a gun safety course.

A Medium post outlining the foundation of the plan reads: “Beginning on Day One in office, Cory would take action to close dangerous loopholes in gun sales, crack down on gun manufacturers, and invest in communities impacted by gun violence.”

While the proposal seeks regulations on gun sales, it also includes funding towards researching gun violence as a public health issue and “community-based violence intervention programmes.”

Mr Booker has also called for increased trauma support for communities and individuals impacted by gun violence.

Several gun sales loopholes would be closed under the proposal, from the “Charleston loophole” that allowed the unrepentant white supremacist Dylan Roof to purchase a weapon despite the FBI failing to complete its background check, to the “boyfriend loophole,” which allows anyone accused of abuse or under a restraining order who isn’t a spouse or ex-spouse to purchase a gun.

The plan would also require handgun micro stamping, which allows police to trace specific guns used in incidents based on shell casing.

As for the NRA, Mr Booker has proposed launching an investigation into the guns rights group’s federal tax-exempt status.

The Medium post noted Mr Booker would take executive actions towards implementing the proposal “beginning on Day One in office.”

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"My plan to address gun violence is simple," the politician said in a statement. "We will make it harder for people who should not have a gun to get one."

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