Al Qaeda Threat Highlighted In National Gun Control Ad Campaign

WASHINGTON -- Hoping to maintain a bit of political pressure on Congress and the White House, a prominent gun control advocacy group is turning recent, foreboding statements from an al Qaeda operative into a national ad campaign.

The Coalition of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a group of more than 600 mayors, released a new spot on Tuesday highlighting a video statement from Adam Gadahn, an American-born spokesman for al Qaeda, that urged followers to exploit a U.S. gun show loophole.

"The latest al Qaeda plot instructs terrorists on how to buy guns in America," the ad says, before shifting to audio of Gadahn.

The al Qaeda spokesman declares: "This is a golden opportunity. America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms. You can go down to a gun show ... and come away with a fully automatic assault rifle without a background check. ... So what are you waiting for?"

"Call your member of Congress," the ad concludes. "Tell them to close the loopholes that let terrorists and criminals buy guns."

WATCH:

What Are You Waiting For? from Fix Gun Checks on Vimeo.

The spot does clarify -- in small text at the end -- Gadahn's misleading assessment of the accessibility of firearms at gun shows. In fact, purchasers cannot obtain fully automatic assault rifles at those venues. Consumers can purchase semi-automatics.

The broader point for the coalition, however, remains the same: A loophole exists in current gun laws. Private sellers are not required to perform the same background checks at gun shows that federal licensed dealers must. By some estimations, private sales make up 40 percent of total gun show sales.

The coalition has been pushing for Congress to pass legislation to change this exception for several years now, most vocally in the aftermath of the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings. They've won victories around the margins but the larger goal has been elusive. The Justice Department held a series of policy-focused meetings with stakeholders, but nothing, so far, has come from those talks.

It seems the greater battle gun control advocates are fighting is simply to keep their concerns at the forefront of the political debate. The new ad linking gun control to terrorism seems calculated to remind lawmakers and government officials that promises of reform have gone unfulfilled.

The spot will run on national cable channels, including MSNBC, Fox News and CNN, for a week -- no small ad buy. It will then air at least once or twice on a Sunday show in the Washington, D.C., market, an official with the group told The Huffington Post.

Comments

[Oceanlife772]

01:05 AM on 07/12/2011

Yeah, it is our gun arming the terrorists! Not Iran! What a Joke!

[Oceanlife772]

12:47 AM on 07/12/2011

Ah!!! How Predictable on left wing White House! The Fast and Furious Op allowing over 2000 weapons into mexico and were used to kill our border patrol agent, was all to create a "crisis" on guns. "Never let a crisis go to waste"! Now, the gun control "conversation" pops its head--again There is a reason why Obama and the left socialist feel threaten by the idea that citizens have the right to own a gun to protect against a tyrants! If we don't have guns, we can't form a militia should the need ever come! I should know, I lived in Cuba and throwing rocks don't work so well when fighting the well equipted military! I wonder if Huff will allow my post????? Even freedom of speech is under attack! Another threat to the anti USA-left socialist!

[cmcclarty]

01:18 AM on 07/12/2011

You are so correct! There way of trying to get more gun control has killed an innocent person not only on this side of the border but maybe on the other side also.Maybe the president of mexico should point his finger at the ATF DOJ HLS and Obama not the law abiding person.But he wont because he dont want to lose that aid to his goverment. And yes I hate to say it but Obama knew what was going on also hes not completely in the dark.FANNED!

[Bruce Ogi]

07:24 AM on 07/05/2011

well you can buy many different types of guns at a gun show and i have been at many of them across the country over the years but you can not buy fully auto without a background check. if anyone has ever seen full auto guns for sale at gun shows without a check i would check your map you might be in some third world country

[cmcclarty]

01:27 AM on 07/12/2011

I dont know if its changed or not but many years back you could buy each single part with out a check to convert to full auto but could not have access to all the parts at one time.But remember since Al Capones days to present day no one has been killed with a legally owned class 3 select fire weapon aka machine gun.

[whitefairlane]

03:41 AM on 07/12/2011

Lawful, non-criminal individuals cannot buy automatic weapons at gun shows. The only ones who can buy fully automatic weapons are the ones who dont get background checks, who dont buy their weapons at a gun stores, they buy their weapons in an alley from a guys trunk. Gun control does not affect the criminals only law abiding citizens.

[Bruce Ogi]

06:24 PM on 07/14/2011

yes whenguns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns. criminals will always have guns because they do not care about the laws anyway.

[Chumlee will do it]

01:57 AM on 06/30/2011

I was banned from the Brady FB page because I asked a reasonable question about if we give into Al Queta propaganda, then haven't we as Americans failed?
Aside from hating our 2A, its apparent they don't care for the greater good of our country. If we succumb to Al Queta words we lose, and that's OK with them. Unbelievable.

Here's my post they deleted and banned me for.

To ask a serious question. Put guns aside for a moment and look at the big picture here. If we allow Al Queta to "scare" us concluding Americans lose their rights shaking up our system because of their propaganda getting us to reform our country on their dime, haven’t we as Americans lost and they have succeeded their mission to shake up this country by their words?
What’s “scary” to me is that how much control we may be giving them, running scared each time they deliver their insane messages of lies. Our country shouldn’t act like a circle of ants and the hot air that’s blown by these groups gets us scattering to strip more freedoms from our citizens. Propaganda by Al Queta terrorist is really all about trying to disrupt our way of life to dismantle our freedoms in this great country. If we bow down to them, then that’s just showing they have the power to do so again and again, and will continue their messages to see how much we are willing to give up."

[Chumlee will do it]

02:09 AM on 06/30/2011

And with that, by the way the Brady's treated me, I guess my money will now go fully to the NRA who actually cares for our fundamental rights and fights for them.

[RBLRDR]

05:20 PM on 06/30/2011

It doesn't sound to me like you were ever in favor of gun control or planning to contribute towards that cause. And it's kind of disgraceful for you to blame the Brady FB for changing your faux position.

[RBLRDR]

05:27 PM on 06/30/2011

I would have banned you too. You're trying to equate domestic gun ownership with international terr0rism and ign0ring it's obvious relationship with domestic violence. The average American is far more likely to lose his life to a dr unken American yahoo in Podunk USA.

[Old Jarhead]

07:43 PM on 06/30/2011

Nope, the story above pretty much equates civilian ownership of firearms with terrorism. You are correct about the rest of your post, but the story isn't addressing that in the least.

[Chumlee will do it]

11:39 PM on 06/30/2011

They don't know my position at all as I never stated in favor, against or on the fence according to my post.
But I've listened to BOTH sides from the Brady’s and the NRA for a long time. So far all the Brady's have left is nothing but bitter taste in my mouth and I will no longer support them. When I listen to the NRA who demonstrates that they care about our heritage and the constitution’s Bill of Rights (factually including the 2A) for over 140 years. It holds a heck of a lot more weight in Patriotism then the Brady’s ever will, especially by letting Al-Queda's words dictate our essential freedoms.

Also, when two bodies debate head to head, it's ultimate goal is to sway one's decision to their side between the opinions and actions. The end result is one going with the one that you think, doesn't stink. Surely you've changed your position before because you've weighted a debate??...to you, doing so is really a “disgrace” that someone might have actually their opinions swayed one way of another by the two assemblies?

Get Real...

[Zander SIG]

03:01 PM on 06/29/2011

I am a Libertarian and I used to not like or care about GUNS but now that I see how important they are in kepping our freedoms from a tyrannical government I went and bought one. Now I love them, wow are they fun! Stop being so scared of Firearms and go check them out for yourself. Some of them are works of art! The BILL OF RIGHTS in our USA Constitution are very important, they were given to you be your creator (be it GOD, ALLAH or the bunny rabbit) and no one can take them away! Stop believing that your rights come from Government or from the Constitution, they do not!

[schotts]

03:36 PM on 06/30/2011

Too funny. I know several liberals that have done the same thing over the last few years. One of them can't buy enough guns it seems.

If you don't already own an AR-15 platform, put it on your list. The most modern ones are truly platforms/modular allowing you to change calibers, add optics and other accessories. I own a number of guns but my favorite and the one with the most steel put through the barrel is my 17 year old Bushmaster AR-15.

[cmcclarty]

01:43 AM on 07/12/2011

AR-15 is nice but I still love my FNFAL.But you are correct about all the things that are out there for that platform.One thing dont forget about adding is the slide fire to your list for your AR.

[stonewalker]

05:04 PM on 06/30/2011

Zander SIG, I like you! My progression was pretty much the same as yours.

[Zander SIG]

02:01 PM on 06/29/2011

LIES, you can not buy a FULL AUTO GUN IN THE USA!! Gun Shows do FULL BACKGROUND CHECKS! There are plenty of GUN LAWS NOW! NO MORE!!! Everone needs a Gun and a permit and learn how to use it!!!!

Look up the Dick Act of 1902!

[oasist]

04:43 PM on 06/29/2011

You are incorrect on both counts. Fully automatic weapons may be purchased in the USA. Private sellers at gun shows are not required to perform background checks, or to verify the identity of the purchaser, for that matter. And our current gun laws, "plenty" or not, have allowed dozens of mass murderers legal acquisition and possession of their weapons. Perhaps you are including them, and any other of the thousands who share their depression or anger, but have not yet found a forum in which to express such, in your categorization of "everyone".

[Blue Haven Guns]

07:47 PM on 06/29/2011

Fully automatic firearms may be purchased in many states, not all, but are ALWAYS subject to federal background checks and a $200 tax stamp, even at gun shows and private transfers.

[Old Jarhead]

08:50 AM on 06/30/2011

Welcome back, Guffie! Oops, bye, bye.

[Rooster Coburn]

01:36 PM on 06/30/2011

Hmm.  We had the "Dick Act" of 1902 and then the "Mann Act" in 1910.  Me thinks both of those acts are still quite popular with male members of our Congress.

[SECT Dem]

12:22 PM on 06/29/2011

Bloomie, firearms played no part in 9/11 or the previous WTC attack

[ElmCreekSmith]

03:24 PM on 07/02/2011

But,...Timothy McVeigh couldn't have killed all those people with a gun!

Oh,...wait!

Nevermind.

ECS

(Do I really need to put "/sarcasm" behind that?)

[cmcclarty]

02:06 AM on 07/12/2011

Very true its just another reason for the grabbers to yell the sky is falling! But the same folks will cry about the TSA and there rights.

[Patrick Henry72]

11:54 AM on 06/29/2011

Because a well armed citizenry is the best Homeland Security and can better deter, crime, invasion and tyranny........

This seems to me to be a good reason for citizens to arm themselves and get proper training in the use and maintenance of a firearm.

Crime doesn't care whether you're a liberal or conservative, for or against gun rights or anything else for that matter. It can happen to anyone.

[OtayPanky]

11:19 AM on 06/29/2011

Hmmm...leveraging public fear of Islamo-terrorists to promote the democratic gun restriction agenda.

That's some pretty wicked clever meme work, right there.

[Jerry Bourbon]

11:26 AM on 06/29/2011

Never let a good crisis go to waste.

[Gestas]

10:42 AM on 06/29/2011

This is the NRA at work.....keep that Market flowing...

[Old Jarhead]

10:48 AM on 06/29/2011

You really haven't listened to what the NRA has been saying, for years. Congratulations on being able to regurgitate the lies and fallacies that the Brady/MAIG/VPC/CGSV and like organizations put out about the NRA and the 2A. Perhaps a little research on your part is in order.

[Jerry Bourbon]

11:26 AM on 06/29/2011

Indeed. Having no NRA worked real well during the Mumbai terror attacks, didn't it?

[Jay Dickson]

08:02 AM on 06/29/2011

I pledge 25.00 dollar to whoever gets this tiny little american terrorist He's probably in a little room that Osama was in watching vidoes of himself..

[ctom]

07:58 AM on 06/29/2011

V-Tech guy actually passed his background checks and obtained his weapons legally and without using any loopholes or flags being raised during his official waiting period.

I personally do not mind fellow citizens being armed, with automatics or otherwise. Gun is a gun. Single shot or hundred shots, if someone wants to kill, they will. Most people I know who carry are resonable and respectable people. One or two nuts out there but they are so obvious, only harm they do is to themselves, like playing Russian roulette with a semi-auto. But I really doubt a muslim guy entering a gun show down south would be welcome. Rather, they be better off going back to Michigan or Minnesota and get it from a local pawn shop, lest some good 'ole boys playa game of cowboys and jihadist, southern style.

[okim5150]

09:50 AM on 06/29/2011

"Most people I know who carry are resonable and respectabl­e people. One or two nuts out there but they are so obvious, only harm they do is to themselves­, like playing Russian roulette with a semi-auto." Like the V Tech shooter? Like the Tuscon shooter? Do you think either of them could have done as much killing with a single shot?

[David Carson]

03:01 PM on 06/30/2011

after Heller and McDonald, the question is irrelevant--but single shot firearms can usually be reloaded VERY fast with a bit of practice, especially since many of the rifles are designed as dangerous came rifles (like the various Remington and Sharps buffalo rifles as exemplified by the Quigley rifle)

[Jay Dickson]

07:27 AM on 06/29/2011

This tiny little american will be caught.Here again dems trying to put the fear in the american people with this sad anti gun ad.

[EarpsTorch]

06:05 AM on 06/29/2011

Coming from someone who is afraid of, and unable to use, a simple machine... You are unable and unwilling to defend your life and things you hold dear with possible deadly force; hoping instead that a benevolent and omnipotent police state will do if for you, and yet you still somehow consider yourself an adult... You are the child.

[quindy]

08:39 AM on 06/29/2011

The days of Wild West are over. In civilized society nobody needs a gun except law enforcement.

[demsrsilly]

07:06 AM on 06/29/2011

http://newsok.com/woman-shoots-and-kills-intruder-in-lincoln-county/article/3422498

http://www.tulsaworld.com/specialprojects/news/crimewatch/article.aspx?subjectid=450&articleid=20100716_11_AA110_ByMatt123176

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/vincent-fleming-home-intruder-shot-dead-woman-south-chicago-20110222

http://oldnortheast.patch.com/articles/woman-shoots-and-kills-home-intruder-in-tierra-verde

You have had these women get raped and killed. Go ahead, insult these women as well.

[dpaler4]

12:06 AM on 06/29/2011

Our Constitution is being dismantled piece by piece. This threat is coming from those who believe that you and I are not able to understand the dangers of owning a firearm. Honest men and woman are not the ones using guns in crimes. Look at the statics the numbers do not lie. The other fact is this, has anyone ever thought of why no foreign power has ever openly attacked this country? They knew that we had weapons, knew how to use them and we are willing to give our lives to defend our soil!! Politicians also know this and they also know that they will be free to dismantle our Constitution and take away our freedoms if we have no way to defend our rights, our freedom, our soil and our future.

[quindy]

08:42 AM on 06/29/2011

Canada is constantly being invaded by foreign powers because they have strict gun control. So is Europe.

[Berettasskeeter]

08:59 AM on 06/29/2011

Perhaps you're reading the wrong newspapers? But Europe has already lost the battle, with Islam!
Semper fi

[dpaler4]

09:31 AM on 06/29/2011

quindy, Berettaskeeter is correct. there has been battles in Europe from foreign forces for decades. As for Canada take a look at Canada's boarders. Invaders would have traverse very inhospitable lands. The other boarder is with America. The world knows that if an attack did happen in Canadian soil, Britain and America would not stand for it.