WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, says if someone admits illegal drug use to a federal official, he should not be allowed to buy a gun.
The New York Democrat suggests that military recruiters and other officials report admissions of drug use to a national database.
Mr. Schumer says Jared Lee Loughner’s alleged drug use could have prevented his purchase of a gun. Mr. Loughner is accused of killing six people in Tucson, Ariz., and shooting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 13 others.
A military official in Washington said the Army rejected Mr. Loughner in 2008 because he failed a drug test. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because privacy laws prevent the military from disclosing such information about a person’s application.
Mr. Schumer made his proposals to the Justice Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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