Frank Lautenberg: “the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001 reminded us that police are heroes who risk their lives to protect us. That's…”

“the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001 reminded us that police are heroes who risk their lives to protect us. That's why it's so outrageous that a gun manufacturer would design and market a ``cop killer'' weapon. Today on the streets of our cities there is a handgun, called the Five-SeveN, that was specifically designed to pierce bulletproof vests like the ones worn by police. The web site for this gun actually brags that it can pierce protective armor--that it is a potential cop killer. One of these weapons was recently confiscated by police officer in Camden, NJ, from a suspect charged with trafficking in large amounts of narcotics. If there had been a gunfight, the police would have been outgunned. Who knows how many cop-killer guns are on the streets of my State--or yours? Police across the nation are alarmed by this weapon. The police chief of Jersey City, Robert Troy, recently pleaded with Congress to ban this gun. That's why I have introduced the Protect Law Enforcement Armor (PLEA) Act to take ``cop-killer guns'' off the streets. And, I am pleased Senators Corzine, Schumer and Clinton are co-sponsors of this legislation. There might be a place for this gun on a battlefield . . . but not near a playground. Not on our streets. The cop-killer gun isn't good for hunting. The last time I checked, deer didn't wear bulletproof vests. It isn't for target shooting. It isn't even a practical weapon for protection against home intruders.”