WATCH: Alabama House Democrats call for ban on glock switches
In the wake of the mass shooting on Tuskegee University’s campus that killed one person and injured 16 others, Alabama House Democrats are calling for the ban on glock switches.
The Alabama House Democratic Caucus held a press conference at the Alabama State House Friday to address the issue.
Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery County) has filed HB26, which would prohibit possession of pistols with parts installed to convert into a machine gun, or known as “glock switches.”
HB26 says that the device has to be attached to the firearm in order for it to be illegal. There is currently a federal law that bans switches.
In addition, Rep. Kenyatte Hassell (D-Montgomery County) has filed HB23. The bill would require a permit to carry assault weapons in vehicles or on one’s person. A permit would also be required to purchase or acquire an assault weapon.
The call for action comes after 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson, of Troy, was killed in a shooting on campus last weekend. University leaders say Johnson was not a Tuskegee University student. The shooting happened during the weekend of the school’s 100th homecoming celebration.
The State Bureau of Investigation has arrested 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick of Montgomery on charges that he possessed a handgun that had a machine gun conversion device. They say he was seen leaving the scene. He is facing a federal charge of possessing a machine gun.
ALEA is asking for the public’s assistance in this case. Anyone with information is asked to submit tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI and upload any digital files regarding this incident online at: fbi.gov/tuskegeeshooting24
