Pete King Wants to Ban Guns Near Lawmakers

In the wake of Saturday’s tragic shootings in Tucson, one of the rare pro-gun control Republican representatives is trying to make it illegal to carry a gun near members of Congress and certain other federal officials. Rep. Peter King’s proposed bill is designed not just to protect lawmakers, but also to protect members of the public who want to meet with them, he tells Politico. It’s not yet clear whether the Republican-controlled House will consider the legislation.

King’s bill would make it illegal to knowingly carry a gun within 1,000 feet of the president, vice president, and federal judges, among others. Though he is the first Republican to introduce gun control legislation following the shootings, his fellow New York representative, Democrat Carolyn McCarthy, wants to restrict the sale of high-capacity ammo clips similar to what Jared Loughner allegedly used. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is also advocating for gun control solutions including overhauling the federal background check system.