Legal Firearms Used in Mass Shootings in US

According to multiple law enforcement sources, the firearms used by the shooter in the recent attack on Republican congressmen during their baseball practice were legally purchased by the alleged gunman. Interestingly, this follows an apparent pattern that in many mass shootings: the guns used in the deadly outburst are often lawfully obtained. In fact, statistics show that since 1982 there have been at least 90 mass shootings in the United States and that most of the shooters bought their guns legally. Specifically, of the 143 firearms used by shooters in mass attacks in the US, more than 75 percent were legally purchased by the shooters.

These numbers indicate the glaring truth that there is no way to control how a person uses a gun that was lawfully purchased, no matter how strict the gun purchase laws may be. In New Jersey, which has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, anyone purchasing a firearm must have a firearms purchaser identification card. In order to obtain a firearms identification purchaser card in NJ, the applicant must file an application with the police, submit to fingerprinting, sign a release for any and all mental health records, and provide references.

Additionally, even if a person has a valid firearms ID card, a separate permit to purchase a handgun must be issued before a person can buy a handgun in New Jersey. As it relates to purchasing weapons in New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(a) states that “no person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of, nor receive, purchase, or otherwise acquire a handgun unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a dealer under this chapter or has first secured a permit to purchase a handgun.” Beyond that, N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(b) sets forth that “no person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of nor receive, purchase or otherwise acquire [a rifle or shotgun] unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a dealer under this chapter or possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card, and first exhibits said card to the seller, donor, transferor or assignor.”

Legal Guns Being Used in Mass Shootings

The bottom line is that legally buying a gun in New Jersey requires paperwork and proper credentials. Sometimes the process can become complicated with delays on applications for firearms identification purchaser cards or handgun purchase permits. If you are in the process of trying to legally purchase weapons in New Jersey and you have any questions about the process, call the experienced firearms defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm today. Our New Jersey gun lawyers are familiar with the requirements for purchasing a firearm in New Jersey and can provide assistance with the application process and help you if your application was already denied.