Letter: Change gun laws to protect safety, security

I am disappointed that no readers saw fit to write about the University of Iowa international student who was expelled because of a 'concerning comment on social media” and that he had permits to buy and carry a gun issued by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. ('UI investigates ‘concerning comment' posted online,” Feb. 11).

The permits were later revoked and the student returned home. A March 17 story in the Phoenix New Times tells of a Taiwanese national on a visitor visa purchasing 17,000 rounds of ammunition at a local gun show. Federal law makes it illegal for foreign visitors to possess ammunition unless they have a hunting license or are participating in a competitive shooting event. How is it that an international student is allowed to not only purchase a gun but also be issued a carry permit? Why are any foreign nationals visiting the United States allowed the opportunity to purchase and carry guns or ammunition? There are exceptions, as outlined by ATF. Gang Lu, an international graduate student at the University of Iowa, killed four people in 1991 with a legally purchased handgun. We need to change our gun laws to protect our safety and security. This isn't a Second Amendment issue, but a common sense issue.

Tom Pyron

Cedar Rapids