Fla. governor calls for gun restrictions after rampage

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Saudi military pilot who killed three people and wounded several others at a naval air station took advantage of a “loophole” for foreign nationals that must be closed, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

At a news conference Sunday, DeSantis said he had believed that only foreign law enforcement officers could legally possess or purchase firearms in the USA. The FBI, however, said the shooter legally purchased in Florida the 9mm handgun he used in Friday’s rampage at the base that is home to more than 23,000 personnel.

The governor said he would urge President Donald Trump and others to change policies that allow foreign nationals to arm themselves.

“I’m a big supporter of the Second Amendment, but the Second Amendment applies so that we, the American people, can keep and bear arms,” said DeSantis, a Republican. “It does not apply to Saudi Arabians.”

It is not clear under what criteria the shooter could legally purchase the gun. Federal law allows some foreign nationals to possess and buy guns in the USA, including official representatives of their government who are accredited with the U. S. government.

Rachel Rojas, FBI special agent in charge, said officials were investigating the motive for the attack by a second lieutenant in the Royal Saudi Air Force who was studying at Pensacola’s Naval Aviation Schools Command.

The Navy identified the victims as Airman Mohammed Hathaim, 19, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23, of Coffee, Alabama; and Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, 21, of Richmond Hill, Georgia.

AP Air Force Col. G. Brian Eddy, Navy Adm. Michael Gilday and Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly pause to honor Pensacola shooting victims.