Ohio’s Republican governor pushes for background check laws after mass shooting

Ohio’s GOP Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday urged the state’s Republican-held legislature to pass background checks legislation following last weekend’s mass shooting in the state that killed nine people.

During a Tuesday press conference, the governor detailed legislative actions he wants to take on both mental health and gun violence, according to The Associated Press. 

“We can come together to do these things to save lives,” DeWine said.

{mosads}He also said during the press conference that he spoke with lawmakers and thinks his proposals can pass.

A shooter attacked a popular nightspot district in Dayton over the weekend, killing 9 and injuring others. The massacre came less than 24 hours after a gunman killed more than 20 in El Paso, Texas.

Protesters at the press conference on Tuesday chanted “do something,” following a similar chant when DeWine spoke at a Sunday vigil for the victims of the Dayton shooting. 

Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) had previously called for a “red flag law” to prevent people considered threats from obtaining firearms but was unsuccessful in getting it passed.

DeWine’s comments follow a call from President Trump for background checks in the wake of the shootings.

Trump said he wanted national lawmakers to “come together” in order to get “strong background checks” but did not specify details.

On Monday, Trump suggested tying background check laws to immigration reform.