Schumer pushes bill regulating body armor for civilians
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer says he wants to pass a law regulating advanced gear for civilians, which could make it harder to buy body armor in the future.
Specifically, Schumer’s bill instructs the FBI to regulate body armor sales restricting them from people without an occupational purpose.
The senator argues that too often, those with evil intent are
buying body armor and that body armor has become part of a “checklist” for copycat
killers.
Schumer believes his plan will help the government track those
people down. But the idea is already facing backlash, proving it may be a hard
sell on Capitol Hill.
The gunman in the Dayton, Ohio shooting in which nine people were
killed was wearing body armor. Days later, a man caused panic at a Missouri Walmart
when he walked in wearing a bulletproof vest, carrying a rifle.
Schumer’s regulation plan is sparking outrage from gun advocates
like Nick Groat with Safe Life Defense, who sells body armor online.
“If we ban body armor because of these few psychopaths, that means
that we let them win,” Groat said.
And Richard Pearson, the president of the Illinois State Rifle Association, calls the plan unconstitutional.
“More of a press release than a practical idea,” he said. “I
don’t think this will stop crime in any way.”
Schumer says he’s targeting what he calls sophisticated or high-grade
body armor because it’s too easy for those with evil intent to buy it. The plan
would not impact bulletproof backpacks, which have become popular with parents.
Michigan Democrat and gun control advocate Rep. Debbie Dingell says that right now, the regulation isn’t at the top of her to-do list.
“I think we need to do more; specifically, about how do we
keep guns out of the hands who don’t need to have them?” she said.
Christian Heyne with gun control group the Brady Campaign agrees
but says they’re open.
“We’re not stopping the conversation anywhere right now because
we know it’s multifaceted,” Heyne said.
Federal law already prohibits convicted felons from buying body
armor.
Schumer says he plans to file his civilian body armor bill when Congress
returns from recess in September.
So far, the National Sheriff’s Association is declining to
comment. But a spokesperson with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
called the plan rational to protect law enforcement and says they will review
the policy.