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Tennessee governor signs order aimed at strengthening background checks

The move in the ruby-red state comes after a deadly elementary school shooting that spurred protests across the state and nation and the House GOP expulsion of two young Black Democratic lawmakers who agitated for gun reform.

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April 11, 2023 at 7:31 p.m. EDT
Gov. Bill Lee used a Tuesday news conference in Nashville to urge lawmakers to take up gun-control legislation and announce an executive order intended to strengthen background checks for gun purchases. (George Walker IV/AP)
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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) on Tuesday signed an executive order attempting to strengthen the state’s background checks for gun purchases. He also called on state lawmakers to pass what are known as red flag laws that would temporarily remove guns from people deemed dangerous.

Lee’s announcement comes two weeks after six people, including three children, were killed at a private Christian school in Nashville, setting off statewide protests and calls for gun reform.