A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights that gun violence has become the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the United States. The research indicates that states with more permissive gun laws saw over 6,000 additional pediatric firearm deaths since 2011, while states with stricter regulations experienced fewer fatalities.
In light of these findings, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and fellow Democrats are advocating to close the “Charleston loophole,” which previously allowed a gun sale to proceed without a completed background check after three days. This loophole was exploited by Dylann Roof, the perpetrator of the Emanuel AME Church shooting in 2015. Clyburn’s proposed legislation aims to extend the FBI’s background check period to a maximum of 20 business days, a move that could significantly impact gun sales and safety measures nationwide.
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