California treasurer joins calls to pressure gun makers

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

In the wake of Friday’s shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, there’s a growing push to put more pressure on gun manufacturers.

One of those targets is Cerberus, the private equity firm that owns a collection of gun manufacturers called the Freedom Group. One of those manufacturers, Bushmaster, made the rifle that police say was used in the Connecticut massacre.

Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer wrote in Slate that investors should push the company to accept stricter gun control standards.

California Treasurer Bill Lockyer also wants state pension funds to divest from companies producing guns that can’t be legally sold in the state, and he directed staff to begin to reviewing investments.

The request, which was announced by a spokesman, Tom Dresslar on Monday, comes after revelations that the teachers pension fund has a stake in Cerberus.

That investment is already being reviewed by pension officials.

ALSO:

Connecticut governor calls for new assault weapons ban

Public opinion on guns shifting after Connecticut shooting

California teachers pension fund tied to gun maker by investment

-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento
twitter.com/chrismegerian