Strengthening Background Checks
Officials say the gunman responsible for killing two women and wounding nine people in Lafayette had a history of mental illness, re-opening the conversation about gun laws.
Federal law prohibits the sale of firearms to individuals with a history of mental illness; however obtaining that information can be difficult. Dealers in Mississippi say when they request background checks from the FBI what they receive is information on someone’s criminal history, not necessarily their mental health.
Some gun dealers here in South Mississippi would like to see those gun laws strengthened. Kevin Riley with Dad’s Super Pawn said, “We have crazy people in this world that there’s no way to govern these people until we get some kind of law passed that allows us to do background checks on the mentally ill.”
By law, gun dealers reserve the right to refuse sale to any individual even if their background check clears.
Federal law prohibits the sale of firearms to individuals with a history of mental illness; however obtaining that information can be difficult. Dealers in Mississippi say when they request background checks from the FBI what they receive is information on someone’s criminal history, not necessarily their mental health.
Some gun dealers here in South Mississippi would like to see those gun laws strengthened. Kevin Riley with Dad’s Super Pawn said, “We have crazy people in this world that there’s no way to govern these people until we get some kind of law passed that allows us to do background checks on the mentally ill.”
By law, gun dealers reserve the right to refuse sale to any individual even if their background check clears.
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