Milwaukee police have seized more than 1,000 guns so far this year, nearly one-third more than at this time last year, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Non-fatal shootings are down this year after hitting a high last year. Murders are up 16 percent, 36 compared with 31.
Police and prosecutors said a key to their strategy of squashing gun violence is to go after guns aggressively. Mayor Tom Barrett called on the legislature to to require that all gun sales be subject to background checks; prohibit anyone under 21 from owning a handgun; and close the so-called “gun show loophole.” “Where are these guns coming from?” Barrett asked. “Many times guns are traced back to an owner who says, ‘I sold it at a gun show,’ and the investigation stalls.” The number of people facing gun charges in state court has risen only three percent. More cases are going into federal court, officials said.