Undercover Videos
A recent multi-state undercover investigation of private sellers at gun shows demonstrates just how easy it is for criminals to take advantage of the Gun Show Loophole. The investigation of 7 gun shows in 3 states involved undercover buys from 47 gun sellers using hidden cameras.
Watch hidden camera videos from the investigation to see how easy it is for criminals to take advantage of the Gun Show Loophole:
The investigation found:
Watch hidden camera videos from the investigation to see how easy it is for criminals to take advantage of the Gun Show Loophole:
The investigation found:
- Private sellers illegally engaged in the business: The investigation found private sellers were selling numerous guns, admitted to frequenting many gun shows, and some even had employees. These private sellers were apparently engaged in the business of selling guns while avoiding the requirement to perform background checks.
- Gun sales to people who may not be able to pass a background check: Even though private dealers are not required to perform background checks, they cannot sell to someone who they have reason to believe is prohibited from buying guns. 19 of 30 private sellers – 63% – broke the law by completing a sale to a buyer who they thought could not pass a background check.
- Straw Sales: Licensed dealers cannot allow someone to fill out the paperwork and undergo a background check if the dealer knows the person is not the actual buyer of the gun. This is a “straw sale” and it is a federal felony. 16 of 17 – 94% – of licensed dealers were willing to sell to someone who appeared to be a straw purchaser, in violation of federal law.
