Hatcher calls on Indiana’s federal congressional delegation to continue bipartisan gun safety progress

On Thursday (June 13), State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) sent a letter to Indiana's federal congressional calling upon them to continue Indiana's recent run of successful bipartisan gun safety laws in both the state legislature and Congress. The ATF's new “Engaged in the Business” rule clarifies when a person needs to become a licensed dealer and run background checks and gives local law enforcement as well as the Department of Justice additional tools to prevent prohibited individuals from illegally obtaining firearms. 

In recent weeks,  the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss overturning the rule. Nine members of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus asked Indiana’s congressional delegation to uphold the common-sense “Engaged in the Business” rule and protect Hoosiers from gun violence. 

Rep. Hatcher released the following statement: 

“Gary is known for a complicated history with gun violence. In 1999, our city was dubbed the ‘murder capital of America,’ and a majority of those deaths involved firearms. The city has worked tirelessly in the past two decades to promote responsible gun ownership and crack down on illegal firearm sales. The ATF’s rule supports Gary by defining who is and isn’t a licensed dealer and ensuring they properly run a background check. 

“This protection is essential to prevent unlicensed dealers from illegally trafficking guns into our community – which has already been targeted by firearm manufacturers themselves. I hope that Indiana’s federal delegation recognizes what this rule means to Gary and protects Hoosiers from the tragedy of gun violence.”