U.S Senate Candidate Says Police Need More Information On Gunmen

By Scott Benjamin

U.S. Senate contender Matt Corey (R-Manchester) says Connecticut’s congressional delegation should focus attention on getting more information to law enforcement authorities on who might engage in gun violence.

“Law enforcement needs greater access to information on individuals with mental health issues,” he stated in a news release that was partially in response to the recent shootings at a school in Parkland, FL. in which issues have been raised about information was available on the alleged gunman.

“We must look at how privacy laws are prohibiting vital information on certain individuals from being share,” Corey added. “Not only would sharing information help ensure a safer school environment, it might ensure troubled individuals to get mental treatment they so desperately need.”

“Background checks are only as good as the information that is available,” he said in a phone interview.

Under the leadership of Gov. Dannel Malloy (D-Stamford), Connecticut enacted a stricter background check bill in 2013 following the killing of 20 students and six adults in December 2012 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Corey is competing against Branford sales executive Dominic Rapini for the GOP nomination that will be contested in May at the state convention and might ultimately be determined in an August 14 primary.

The winner will face first-term U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Cheshire) who staged a filibuster on the Senate floor two years ago to try and generate support for more extensive federal background checks.

Murphy and U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-5) of Cheshire both participated in a discussion with Republican President Donald Trump February 28 on possible legislation in response to the recent shootings at schools and other venues.

Murphy was the congressman from the Fifth District and Esty was congresswoman-elect when Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy occurred.

Trump asked Murphy to join three of his Senate colleagues in writing a comprehensive gun bill.

Corey said he is pleased that Trump asked Murphy to take leadership on the issue.

“It’s good for the country that we have a Republican and a Democrat working together,” he said. “We're sent to Washington to represent our constituents.”

CT Mirror reported that Murphy said that the “gun lobby” had had “veto power” over legislation in Congress and it would be up to the president to secure Republican support to get a comprehensive measure approved.

During the session, Trump said he will give “a lot of consideration” to increasing the age from 18 to 21 to purchase a gun.

Corey said he disagrees with that position.

He explained, “We can’t be sending 18-year-olds off to war in the military and then not allow them to purchase a gun for their own use.”