TN Gun Control Advocates Ask Senators To Reconsider Background Checks

The local chapter of Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America held a press conference in Nashville’s Sevier Park Wednesday. Former East Nashville police commander Robert Nashville called for expanded background checks. Credit: Leah Terry/WPLN

Tennessee’s two Republican senators have been dealmakers in the past, and gun control activists are asking them to cross the aisle again and support expanded background checks.

Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker both voted “no” in April on a measure that narrowly failed and would have extended background checks to sales at gun shows.

Retired Metro Police commander Robert Nash points to a Vanderbilt survey that finds broad support for background checks in Tennessee, even among gun owners.

“This is the easy part. This is something we’re doing already. This is just expanding the concept, making sure we’re not missing people getting through the loopholes of the current law.”

Nash is part of the local chapter of Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America, a group that started shortly after the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. Local leaders say that have been granted meetings with staff members for both Senator Alexander and Senator Corker.

Leah Terry contributed to this report.