Inspired By Colo. Movie Theater Shooting, Bill Would End Anonymous Online Ammunition Sales

By Dan Wing

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - On Monday, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey joined fellow Democrat Senator Carolyn McCarthy of New York at City Hall in New York City to announce a bill that would effectively ban the anonymous sale of ammunition online.

The bill would require anyone buying or selling ammunition to be a licensed dealer. Anyone who isn't would have to present a photo ID at the time of sale.

The bill is inspired by the Colorado movie theater massacre, in which law enforcement officials say James Holmes anonymously purchased over 6,000 rounds of ammunition shortly before going on a killing spree.

Senator Frank Lautenberg says the bill isn't meant to infringe on a person's right to own a gun, but instead about keeping ammunition out of the hands of dangerous people.

"Those who favor gun ownership, put that aside, and stand up for the safety and the well-being of our citizens."

Ammunition dealers would be required to keep records of all sales, and would also have to report anybody who purchases more than 1,000-rounds of ammunition in a five-day span.

James Holmes was charged in a Colorado court, yesterday.

READ: James Holmes charged with 24 counts of murder