Rep. Dan Crenshaw opposing universal background checks

 

Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), a vocal gun-rights advocate, has sparked controversy by opposing universal background checks, even in the wake of a mass shooting in his home state of Texas. His reasoning? He wants to be able to arm his friends without them having to pass a background check.

This stance has raised eyebrows, particularly given the circumstances of the recent mass shooting in Odessa and Midland, Texas. The suspected gunman had previously failed a firearms background check but was able to obtain an AR-type assault rifle through a private sale without a background check. He went on to kill seven people and injure over 20 before being killed by police.

Crenshaw's opposition to universal background checks is not new. He has previously claimed that such a law would not have prevented tragedies like Parkland, Sutherland Springs, Thousand Oaks, or Sandy Hook. However, his latest argument has sparked outrage.

In a tweet, Crenshaw claimed that universal background checks would make felons out of people who are simply defending themselves. He also expressed concern that he wouldn't be able to let his friends borrow his handgun when they travel alone. However, it's unclear why Crenshaw doesn't believe his friends could pass background checks to obtain their own weapons or borrow his.

Elisa Cardnell, a Democrat running against Crenshaw in 2020, has strongly criticized his stance. "If you can't pass a background check, you shouldn't have a gun," she said in a statement. "It's as simple as that. This is all part of a repeated pattern of dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric from him regarding gun safety. Dan Crenshaw voted against universal background checks because he cares more about the NRA than our communities. We need universal background checks and other common-sense gun safety legislation."

Crenshaw's argument has also been met with skepticism by many who point out that background checks are a crucial tool in preventing gun violence. By requiring background checks for all gun sales, including private sales and transfers, we can ensure that firearms are not falling into the wrong hands.

It's worth noting that Crenshaw has received significant funding from the National Rifle Association (NRA), which has long opposed universal background checks. His stance on this issue has led many to question whose interests he is truly representing – those of his constituents or those of the NRA.

In conclusion, Rep. Dan Crenshaw's opposition to universal background checks is both puzzling and concerning. His argument that he wants to be able to arm his friends without them having to pass a background check raises more questions than it answers. As we continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of gun violence, it's crucial that we prioritize common-sense gun safety legislation, including universal background checks.