Congress Hinders Boston Bomb Inquiry by Blocking Sharing of Data
By Heidi Przybyla - May 8, 2013 12:00 AM ET
Police racing to solve the Boston Marathon bombing were prevented from using existing technology to identify the source of the black powder in the explosives that killed three and injured more than 260. They’ve also been unable to trace the gun used to kill a police officer.
In both cases an urgent investigation -- where more lives could have been in danger -- was hindered because of a decades- long campaign by the National Rifle Association and its allies in Congress to prevent the collection of data about guns and ammunition, former law enforcement officials say.
Heeding an NRA argument that such measures are costly and ineffective, Congress has resisted mandating chemical “tags” in gunpowder, blocked efforts to require microscopic serial numbers in firearms, and banned health authorities from analyzing records on gun injuries. The result, say officials and gun-control advocates, is that crimes go unsolved and the U.S. lacks a true picture of the extent of firearms violence.
more:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-08/congress-hinders-boston-bomb-inquiry-by-blocking-sharing-of-data.html
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