Dem bill would notify FBI if suspected terrorist buys gun

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson wants to require FBI notification if a suspected terrorist tries to buy a gun — even if the federal investigation has been closed.

The Democrat introduced legislation Wednesday, in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, requiring information about a terrorism probe by the Justice Department or other agency to be included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

{mosads}Under Nelson’s legislation, the NICS would then notify the FBI if an individual was previously — or is currently — the subject of a terrorism investigation tries to buy a gun.

“We’re not saying don’t sell guns to someone just because they were investigated,” Nelson said. “But having a system in place that alerts the FBI if someone they once investigated is suddenly trying to purchase multiple assault weapons is just common sense.”

Nelson’s legislation comes after the Sunday massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

FBI Director James Comey told reporters earlier this week that gunman Omar Mateen had previously been investigated by the bureau and was on a federal watchlist for approximately 10 months in 2013 and 2014.

Nelson’s legislation comes as the Senate is heading toward a larger fight over gun control.

Also on Wednesday, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) took over the Senate floor in an extended speech calling for action on gun control over the Orlando shooting.

Democrats are pledging to force a vote on a proposal from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif) aimed at blocking individuals on the terror watchlist from being able to buy guns or explosives.

Senate Republicans, however, argue the proposal is too broad and would sweep up Americans not tied to terrorism.

Instead, they’re backing a proposal from Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) that would allow the attorney general to delay suspected terrorists from getting a gun for up to 72 hours as they try to get a court to approve blocking the sale of the firearm.