Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced today his plan to issue an executive order banning firearm permits for people on government watchlists. It awaits federal approval.
Malloy said Connecticut is the first state in the nation to take an action of this kind. The state police would be required to cross-reference the names of those who wish to obtain a permit to own a firearm with the government watchlists. Those with existing permits who are found to be on those watchlist would have their permits revoked, and if a new match is found, the permit would be denied and the purchaser would be unable to purchase handguns, shotguns, rifles and ammunition.
The governor is working directly with federal officials to use government watchlists for this purpose and, upon approval, will sign the Executive Order. The state will work with the federal government to determine the specific lists – be it the “no-fly” list, terrorism watchlist, or some combination – used in this regard.
“Why anyone would stand idly by and knowingly allow those on government watchlists to purchase guns is truly unbelievable. Since Congress so far has failed to act, we will,” Governor Malloy said at a press conference.
Malloy cited FBI data between 2004 and 2014 that shows people on terrorism watch lists tried to purchase firearms and explosives 2,233 times. They succeeded in more than 90 percent of those cases, or 2,043 times.
