On average, just under 40,000 people each year die across the country in a gun-related death. So where do criminals typically buy their guns? And do most criminals seek out their weapons of choice through means, not above board?
www.foxnews.com
An official with the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Explosives (ATF) – the federal agency under the Department of Justice (DOJ) tasked with tracking and recovering trafficked weapons – told Fox News that “guns enter illegal commerce through one of three ways.”
The first is by private transactions in which guns bought at gun shows, flea markets or through private sales are later sold to prohibited persons.
The second, the official underscored, was by straw purchasers – individuals who buy guns from dealers and transfer them to prohibited persons.
The third category is theft from gun dealers and private citizens. Gun traffickers transfer guns from legal commerce to illegal commerce and are “considered to be violent criminals,” the official said.
....................................................................................................
IMHO: A small percent of legit gun owners/dealers seem to be major source of illegal guns. Like a doctor selling drugs, perhaps some pro gun groups need to look inward at the problem.
The third category shows a true lack of security by owners/dealers or intentional. Dealer lets his stock get robbed for a fee. He collects the insurance and the guns are long gone.
