EXCERPT:
BRZEZINSKI: "As Joe mentioned, law enforcement officials tell NBC News that the gunman who killed 7 people and injured nearly two dozen in that shooting rampage in west Texas on Saturday purchased his weapon from a private seller, a transaction that does not require a background check. Officials say the gunman had previously failed a background check in 2014 because of a disqualifying mental health issue, and that investigators are now looking into who sold him the gun. The seller could face criminal charges if they are aware of the shooter’s mental health issues. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement yesterday blaming the shooting on Republicans and the Senate for stalling on a House-passed bill that would require background checks for nearly all private sales. Senator Schumer writes, quote, 'If the House-passed background checks bill would have been signed into law, this tragedy would have been avoided. Leader McConnell, you have no excuse. The Senate must vote on the House bill next week — not a diluted bill, not a bill on other matters. We must take a vote on the House-passed bill to close these loop holes without delay.' And 'The Washington Post' is also calling on Mitch McConnell with a full-page editorial this morning entitled 'Do something, Mr. McConnell.' 'When the Senate returns from its Labor Day recess, it must act on guns.' The editorial includes the names of mass shooting victims from incidents such as Columbine, Sandy Hook, last month’s shooting in Dayton and El Paso, and many, many more.”