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Need a Gun? On the Terrorist Watch List? No Problem

Feds OK sales thanks to controversial law

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2009 3:18 PM CDT
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(Newser) – People placed on Washington's terrorist watch list can be prevented from boarding an airplane or getting a visa, but they can still buy a gun, the New York Times reports. In the last 5 years, people on the list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times, and current laws forced federal authorities to approve requests 90% of the time. One buyer even picked up 50 pounds of explosives.

Officials must clear gun purchases, the Times notes, unless potential buyers can be disqualified for being a felon, illegal immigrant, or drug addict. “This is a glaring omission, and it’s a security issue,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who proposes granting the attorney general authority to block such sales. But the NRA says Lautenberg’s approach opposes “the interests of public safety.”

People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.
People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.   (Shutter Stock)
People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.
People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.   (Shutter Stock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
riffran
Jun 21, 2009 8:29 AM CDT
thanks ithurman.. :) .I get in a hurry and do that a lot..lol..my bad
riffran
Jun 20, 2009 11:59 AM CDT
wow...that is scary....but inherant in a beurocrasy that is way to big and complicated to effectively cover all the angles
Fondue
Jun 20, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
Fuck the NRA in the A!

 
Department of Justice • National Rifle Association • terror suspects • suspected terrorists • guns • Frank Lautenberg

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