Convicted Felon With Long History of Arrests Including for Domestic Violence-Related Issues
Aurora, Illinois police say the gunman who shot and killed five people and wounded several others on Friday should not have been allowed to own a gun. They cite an initial background check that did not reveal an out-of-state felony conviction, NBC News reports.
“He absolutely he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm,” Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said.
The gunman, Gary Martin, was a fired warehouse worker who had been issued a permit in 2014 that he used to purchase a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun.
But the shooter, who also wounded five police officers along with one of his former co-workers, had a 1995 Mississippi felony conviction for aggravated assault that should have barred him from being able to purchase a gun. That conviction was flagged only after he applied for a concealed carry permit.
Police say Martin had been sent a letter informing him he had to relinquish the weapon. They are not currently certain if any follow up had taken place.
“Martin also had six prior arrests with the Aurora Police Department, including arrests for traffic and domestic violence-related issues, according to Ziman. She said his last arrest in Aurora was in 2008 for violating an order of protection,” NBC News adds. There was also a 2017 arrest in another jurisdiction for disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.
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