WASHINGTON — The Justice Department proposed legislation on Thursday that would give the attorney general discretion to bar terrorism suspects from buying firearms, seeking to close a gap in federal gun laws. The measure, which was introduced by Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, Democrat of New Jersey, would give the attorney general authority to deny a firearm purchase if the buyer was found "to be or have been engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid... (GunPolicy.org)

A Philadelphia lawmaker who supports tougher gun control laws said Thursday he will probably start wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying his gun more often after receiving a threatening e-mail. Rep. Jewell Williams said during a news conference on gun control that he would ask police to investigate an e-mail he received Thursday morning from an Allentown resident saying Williams should be shot for supporting Rep. Angel Cruz, also a Democrat from Philadelphia. ... (GunPolicy.org)

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department and a Northeastern Democrat have formed a rare alliance intended to restrict gun sales to terror suspects. The bill, introduced late Thursday by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., after two years of study produced an endorsement by the Justice Department, would give the attorney general power to block gun sales to persons on terrorism watch lists. In some instances, the attorney general could let a sale go through — for example, when... (GunPolicy.org)