Oklahoma Democrats, Republicans divided on gun policy following Tulsa shooting
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Across the state and nation, support is pouring in for Tulsa and the victims of the tragic shooting.
But some say the thoughts and prayers aren't enough, and instead are demanding action.
Oklahoma lawmakers remain divided.
Democrats are calling for stricter background checks and more restrictive gun policies.
Republicans, on the other hand, say the shootings stem from mental health issues.
Currently, Oklahoma has very loose gun control restrictions.
Recently our state legislature has put an emphasis on passing bills meant to protect Second Amendment rights.
Oklahoma is an open carry state.
According to the NRA's Legislative Action Institute, Oklahoma's permitless carry laws allow someone to buy a handgun, rifle or shotgun without a permit.
The suspect of the Tulsa shooting was able to legally buy an AR-15 less than three hours before the mass shooting.
Oklahoma Democrats said that should be more of a concern.
"We are not safe at school. We're not safe at church. We're not safe in the work place. And that needs to end," Robbie White. the Oklahoma County Democratic Party Chairwoman said.
The chain of recent mass shootings are putting a spotlight on gun legislation.
Democrats and Republicans have to find middle ground for gun laws. But in Oklahoma, that middle ground is harder to find.
Senator Nathan Dahm, (R)-Broken Arrow, is a strong advocate for gun rights. He said he hasn't seen any legislation from Democrats that would prevent the shootings from happening.
"Well criminals commit crimes all the time with illegally purchased firearms as well. Criminals are going to commit crimes," Sen. Dahm said. "They're going to cause harm no matter what laws we put on the books. So most of the gun control measures that are being proposed will just harm law abiding citizens."
Alicia Andrews, the Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party says otherwise.
"Close the loopholes on background checks, because this isn't about coming for your guns, it's about making it safer," Andrews said.
Red flag laws are also becoming a national conversation.
The laws would allow an officer or family member to temporarily take guns away from someone at risk of hurting themselves, or others.
Senator Dahm sponsored the bill preventing that policy in Oklahoma.
"A lot of these red flag laws actually violate numerous provisions of the Bill of Rights," Sen. Dahm said. "And that's why I've been opposed to them, and that's why I introduced our anti-red flag law here in Oklahoma to prohibit those violations of our constitutionally protected rights."
Sen. Dahm said even if the federal government passes red flag legislation, it won't impact Oklahomans.
"Local governments, judges, counties, the state, no entity can implement a red flag law nor can they accept money to implement a red flag law under the current law that we have on the books right now," Sen. Dahm said.
Oklahoma Democrats are calling for the special sessions to be opened up to gun policy conversations.
Sen. Dahm said he doesn't foresee any gun restrictions passing the Oklahoma State Legislature now, or in the future.
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