Not What We Are Told
So, only 1% of guns related to crimes are purchased through licensed dealers? WHAT? I thought it was “they” who are the scrourge of crime in this country:
Federal data indicate otherwise. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics report, “Firearm Use by Offenders,” only about 1 percent of guns used in crimes come from gun shows. In fact, most crime guns — 57 percent — come from just 1 percent of licensed dealers. Federal and state law-enforcement agencies should come down on those renegade dealers like a ton of bricks.
Another study, by the FBI concerning attacks on law-enforcement officials, found that 97 percent of the offenders had procured their weapons through illegal means.
“most crime guns — 57 percent — come from just 1 percent of licensed dealers”
Which makes me suspect that they may just be in bad neighborhoods… like Illinois.
Kent McManigal
27 Jan 09 at 4:22 pm
Most definitely!
Nathan K.
27 Jan 09 at 4:39 pm
Straw purchases are a legitimate concern. Also those stats have no way of tracking face-to-face transfers that take place without record.
Sales and background checks are very problematic… it’s very easy to get into complete registration and invasive background checks (think medical and psych records in the hands of govt functionaries)…
Chris
28 Jan 09 at 5:49 pm