Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Virginia May Close Gun Loophole

Governor's order would give more mental health info to dealers

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2007 6:04 AM CDT

(Newser) – Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine is considering closing the loophole that allowed Virginia Tech gunman Cho Seung Hui to buy guns despite his dangerous and conspicuous mental illness. A judge ruled Cho mentally ill in 2005, but didn't commit him, so his records were not in the data base dealers consult.

Kaine's executive order would send information, like Cho's diagnosis, to the database, even without involuntary commitment; other states are currently reviewing comparable shifts. Both sides of the aisle have applauded the move. "Someone who's declared a threat to others should not be able to purchase a firearm," said GOP lawmaker Mark Cole.

Governor Kaine on campus
Governor Kaine on campus   (Associated Press)
Governor Kaine lays a wreath
Governor Kaine lays a wreath   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Virginia Closes Lethal Gun Loophole

Found: Missing Mental Health Records of Va. Tech Shooter

Va. Tech Shooter May Have Practiced

Cho Guns Were Legal Despite Police Record

Virginia Aims to Kill Gun-a-Month Purchase Cap


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne