Connecticut Governor to Sign Executive Order Prohibiting People on Federal Terrorism Lists From Buying Guns

Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy (D) announced Thursday his intention to prevent gun sales to people on "government watch lists," saying that if you cannot fly due to being on a list, then you "shouldn't be able to purchase a firearm."

Democratic Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy stops at a polling station Nov. 4, 2014. (Getty Images/Spencer Platt)

Malloy said Thursday that Connecticut would be the first state to do so and that the state is working to get access to federal lists.

"Like all Americans, I have been horrified by the recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris,” Malloy said. "This should be a wake-up call to all of us. This is a moment to seize in America — and today I’m here to say that we in Connecticut are seizing it."

He said banning gun sales to those who are not allowed to fly is "basic common sense." Malloy said those who are barred from gun sales may appeal.

Gun rights advocates oppose the no-fly list proposal because they say it violates the rights of people who have not been convicted of a crime.

Malloy said he is responding to the fatal terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California. He also criticized the Republican-led Congress for failing to act.

Connecticut already has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, which were passed in response to the 2012 shooting massacre at Sandy Hook, which left 26 dead, including 20 school children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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