GOP Ohio Gov. Urges State to Pass Background Checks

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine urged the Republican-led state legislature Tuesday to pass laws mandating background checks for almost all firearm sales and permitting courts to restrict gun access for those seen as threats, CBS News reported.

Facing pressure to take action after the mass shooting in Dayton, DeWine, a Republican, outlined a series of actions he wants the legislature to take up to address mental health and gun violence, insisting, "We can come together to do these things to save lives."

But his appeal could be a difficult road ahead for the legislature, which has given scant consideration this session to those and other gun-safety bills already introduced by Democrats.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat, called DeWine's proposal "an important step in the right direction."

"Last year, the Ohio Legislature was debating extreme proposals about arming preschool teachers. Today, we're finally talking about common-sense ideas like universal background checks," Whaley said. "I appreciate Gov. DeWine listening to the people of Dayton, and following his prayers for our community with action."

Police say there was nothing in Dayton shooter Connor Betts' background to prevent him from purchasing the firearm used in the massacre.

He had no apparent criminal record as an adult. Ohio law bars anyone convicted of a felony as an adult, or convicted of a juvenile charge that would have been a felony if they were 18 or older, from buying firearms.

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