Gun Sales Under Fire
By: Monica Tassoni
Updated: January 12, 2011
ODESSA -- The Tucson, AZ shooting has been a concern for many people, and some are wondering how a mentally unstable young man was able to purchase a gun.
With an estimated 51 million firearms, Texans may view gun control differently than other states. However, gun sales are controlled federally.
Current restrictions include a background check by the FBI and stores must follow a Federal policy.
"When they first come in, the fill out a 4473, they must have a valid Texas DL, no felonies, no domestic violence, no dishonorable discharge." Said Mark Harless, owner of Mark's Guns in Odessa, TX.
It's tough system, that keeps guns out of the hands of felons. However, in Loughner's case, his erratic behavior was only noted by the community college but the court's were never made aware.
"Its has to go through a database, so if no one turns anything in then we wouldn't know." Said Mark Harless
The court's must label someone as unfit to be banned from buying a weapon. So now some wonder if more needs to be put in place, such as broadening the definition of metally ill. Or will this just cause an overreaction?
"Enforce the laws they have, don't make new ones just enforce the ones they got." Said Mark Harless.
