NBC: Nothing In Background Prevented Newscast Gunman From Buying Glocks

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Nothing in his background legally prevented the shooter in Wednesday’s on-air killing of two Virginia television journalists from purchasing his two Glock handguns, NBC News reported Thursday.

Flanagan was arrested in North Carolina in 2004 for a traffic misdemeanor violation that was later dismissed, according to NBC.

Even a conviction wouldn’t have disqualified Flanagan, who professionally went by the name Bryce Williams, from owning firearms because the federal firearms background check system, National Instant Criminal Background Check System, has very specific requirements for disbarment, including a felony conviction or a dishonorable discharge from the military.

From NBC:

As for his mental health, the standard in federal law is very high: “adjudicated as a mental defective” or “committed to a mental institution.” Nothing in Flanagan’s history indicates that either standard fit him, despite his reputation as an unstable co-worker.

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