Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, left, listens to her husband Mark...

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, left, listens to her husband Mark Kelly, right, during a return to the supermarket where she was wounded in a rampage two years ago in Tucson, Ariz. (March 6, 2013) Credit: AP

WASHINGTON -- Gun control activist Mark Kelly said Sunday a proposed national gun background bill under discussion in the Senate should include better access to mental health records that could prevent psychologically disturbed people from obtaining guns.

Kelly, a former astronaut and husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, said the man who severely wounded Giffords could not have bought the guns he wielded if a background check had exposed his mental problems.

Jared Loughner pleaded guilty to shooting Giffords and killing six people in Tucson in January 2011. Case records released last week showed Loughner passed a background check despite evidence of his agitated mental state.

Kelly pressed for the background check proposal on Fox News Sunday. -- AP

LIRR alcohol ban ... Rite Aid closes stores ... Harbor dye study Credit: Newsday

Ronkonkoma hit-and-run ... LIRR alcohol ban ... Riverhad has 'bright future' ... LI TikTok creator 

LIRR alcohol ban ... Rite Aid closes stores ... Harbor dye study Credit: Newsday

Ronkonkoma hit-and-run ... LIRR alcohol ban ... Riverhad has 'bright future' ... LI TikTok creator 

Latest videos

Newsday LogoYour Island. Your Community. Your News.Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 5 months
ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME