The National Rifle Association joins the entire country in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of Virginia Tech and everyone else affected by this horrible tragedy.
The National Rifle Association joins the entire country in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of Virginia Tech and everyone else affected by this horrible tragedy.
We will not have further comment until all the facts are known.
This short, abrupt apology offers little consolation for the parents and families of the victims of Seung-Hui Cho, who, in spite of his mental state, was legally able to purchase two handguns.
The first weapon Cho purchased from TGSCOM Inc, an online company. He picked the 22 caliber Walther P22 handgun up at pawnshop in February. His bought his second handgun, a 9 mm Glock 19 semiautomatic, a month later from Roanoke Firearms.
How is it that Seung-Hi Cho was able to buy guns and ammunition in spite of his well documented past that identified him as a severely unbalanced and marginalized young man, who suffered from depression and mental illness? He was able to do this because he had the required three pieces of identification and because he filled out the required questionnaire. Interestingly, Virginia tech students are not allowed to be armed -- those caught face immediate expulsion. Apparently, either that question was not asked, or Cho lied on his questionnaire.
In the end, Cho easily purchased two deadly weapons. And let’s be real – handguns are lethal and they have only one purpose – to kill human beings, quickly and efficiently and in large numbers.
As always, when a heinous gun crime is committed in the United States, the NRA is forced to defend its ridiculous stance on handguns. Be prepared for their age old and factually incorrect argument that states: Guns don’t kill, people do. Perhaps this time, they can invent a more sophisticated argument, but it’s doubtful – there is no justification for allowing handguns in a civilized country.
American citizens must demand stricter and more common sense gun laws. Sadly, the gun lobby in the United States has a loud voice and deep pockets. But if enough people speak out, they can be defeated.
In conclusion, consider these facts:
- Of all firearm-related crime, 86 percent involved handguns
- On the average, if someone gets shot and killed, four out of five times it will be with a handgun
- In 1997,handguns were used in 79.4 percent of all firearm homicides
In Virginia:
- US residents can legally purchase firearms as long as they:
- Provide proof of residency
- Pass an immediate automated background check
- Answer a questionnaire
- Are over twelve
- If they buy a second hand weapon at a gun show, there is no waiting period or background check
- Permit not required to buy a gun
- Without a permit, one can only purchase one handgun per month
- With a permit, one can purchase as many guns as they want without a waiting period
Sounds like a criminal’s utopia to me.
Sources:
Zawitz, M. Guns Used in Crime: Firearms, Crime and Criminal Justice–Selected Findings. Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1995.P> 6) Cook, P. and Ludwig, J. Guns in America. Police Foundation, 1996.
On the average, if someone gets shot and killed, four out of five times it will be with a handgun. In 1997, for example, handguns were used in 79.4 percent of all firearm homicides.
FBI Supplementary Homicide Report data, 1978-1997.
