WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — As we marked two years since the Buffalo mass shooting the issue of body armor has been brought up once again.
Police say It is something the shooter wore on 5-14. 2 On Your Side took another look at where this issue stands.
In Congress It is now a reintroduction of a reintroduction.
The Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act was introduced this session by Representative Grace Meng of Queens and co-sponsored by newly sworn-in U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy.
The Buffalo Democrat spoke on the House floor yesterday of the actions of the posthumously promoted Lt. Aaron Salter. He is the retired Buffalo police officer turned armed Tops market security officer who literally put his life on the line that terrible day by firing his pistol at the shooter.
Kennedy stated: "He died a hero. Delaying the shooter and giving more people precious seconds to escape. Lt. Salter didn't hesitate. He opened fire hitting the target. But because of the shooter's body armor he was unharmed and fired back killing Lt. Salter."
Last year at a press conference Buffalo Police commissioner Joseph Gramaglia held up an example of that military grade body armor. In essence it is metal, ceramic or plastic composite plates which can be slipped into a vest.
The proposed Congressional bill this time would again prevent the sale, transfer or possession of enhanced body armor at specified Level 3 protection, which is able to stop a 7.62 round with exemptions for law enforcement and the military.
In past sessions of Congress the measure has gone to the Judiciary committee and then stalled in the Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee.
Opponents say it would prevent the public from having the right to obtain protection as well.
The state of New York is one of few which also restricts body armor but it was pointed out that the 5/14 shooter got his body armor elsewhere.
Currently federal law only prevents individuals with violent felony records from obtaining or owning body armor.
New York State actually allows certain professions beyond law enforcement like journalists to wear body armor in perceived dangerous situations.. The state of Connecticut also restricts possession and transfer.
The Stateline website reports some states can add criminal penalties when they sentence a person who commits a crime while wearing body armor.