Pa. Gov. Wolf calls anew to expand background checks to gun shows

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf is renewing his call for lawmakers to pass legislation expanding background checks on firearms in Pennsylvania and end an exception for shotguns, sporting rifles and semi-automatic rifles that are sold at gun shows.

The Democratic governor's statement today comes three months after a truck driver walked into a Pittsburgh synagogue and fatally shot 11 people. Six were wounded, including four police officers.

The Republican-controlled Legislature last year passed legislating forcing people in Pennsylvania with a domestic-violence ruling against them to more quickly surrender their guns.

The Legislature, however, has long resisted gun-control measures, such as expanding background checks. The House's Republican majority leader, Bryan Cutler, says Pennsylvania already has fairly comprehensive background checks and says policymakers instead might find agreement on mental health interventions.