LAS VEGAS (AP) — The organization hosting a big industry trade show is responding to President Barack Obama's plan to combat gun violence by calling misuse of firearms the central issue in the weapons debate.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation issued a statement Wednesday in Las Vegas calling it critical to keep firearms out of the hands of those it calls irresponsible and not legally qualified to possess them.
It says it supports stricter mental health and criminal background checks to prevent illegal firearms purchases from federally licensed dealers.
The foundation is hosting a closed-to-the public trade show for 60,000 industry professionals, manufacturers, recreational gun owners and law enforcers.
Foundation chief Steve Sanetti told attendees at the annual Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show on Tuesday that weapons manufacturers, sellers and buyers are "misunderstood."
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