Here is my email to WFAA:
Hello,
I wanted to thank you for your effort to stay abreast of the gun-control debate. I was curious if you have read the latest Department of Justice report titled "Firearm Violence" released on Tuesday.
Here is a press release summary: http://bjs.gov/content/pub/press/fv9311pr.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And here is a link to the report: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/fv9311.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I have not seen much news coverage about this report, and I would assume it is important information for Americans concerned about gun related legislation.
One of the fascinating finds is that of the illegal guns purchased, 0.8% were actually purchased at a gun show. That accounts for 1/125 of illegally possessed guns. Of course this number would still not accurately reflect private transactions at a gun show, as the universal background checks bills specifically targeted. Even at gun shows, any FFL (licensed gun dealer - every gun sold at every gun booth) would be required to perform a background check. In addition, many states (i.e. Colorado) already require background checks for all transactions at every gun show - public and private. Other states (i.e. New Jersey) do not allow private transactions at gun shows for modern weapons (anything manufactured after 1898 I believe - I could be mistaken on the year). This report does not go into this much detail, but it is likely that this 0.8% would be a much smaller percentage if the research were to report how many illegally purchased guns came through "gun show loophole".
Thank you for reading. I hope to see something mentioned soon in the news.
12:58pm
WFAA-TV
Hi ****, thanks for writing. I'll take a look at it and pass it on to our assignments desk to see if they'd like to do a local angle on it!