Mother of Sandy Hook Victim: Background Checks Wouldn't Have Prevented Tragedy

Nicole Hockley, whose child was tragically murdered at Sandy Hook last year, said that background checks would not have prevented shooter Adam Lanza from getting the guns he used to carry out the atrocities. She also stated that the 911 tapes from that day should not be released. 

Appearing on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports on Tuesday, Hockley and Mitchell both conceded tha background checks would not have prevented Lanza’s mother from purchasing the guns Lanza eventually used at Sandy Hook. Hockley said Lanza’s mother should have been more responsible with her guns and noted that Lanza’s mental illness made the situation a “perfect storm” for the tragedy. 

Hockley, who lobbied for more gun control legislation after the Sandy Hook tragedy, said it was “disappointing” that Congress could not pass gun control legislation that called for more background checks and said gun control advocates are now committed “to make further changes happen” by “changing the hearts and minds” of those in their communities. She said legislation is not the only answer to making “further changes” happen regarding gun control. 

She also said the ban on plastic guns, which will expire on December 9, should stay in place. She also hoped the Sandy Hook families would protect their children from hearing the 911 tapes that will be released on Wednesday.