Guns used in Colorado theatre shooting legal in Canada
Canada requires stricter rules and requirements to obtain guns used in Colorado theater shooting
The guns that Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes allegedly used to kill 12 people and injure nearly 60 are all available for purchase in Canada.
However, purchasers in Canada have to follow more rules and requirements to obtain the firearms than in the United States. It’s been reported that Holmes used Smith & Wesson’s AR-15 rifle (PHOTO), Remington’s 870 12-gauge shotgun and Glock’s .40 caliber handgun when he opened fire on innocent people in a Colorado movie theater July 20.
The Toronto Sun reports, that after the federal long-gun registry was killed by the Conservatives this past spring, sporting shops saw a large increase in sales of both restricted firearms, handguns, and non restricted rifles and shotguns.
“None of those firearms are particularly unique or special,” said Tony Bernardo, executive director of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association speaking to CBC.
The massacre happened during a special midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises”. According to police, Holmes had legally purchased the firearms along with thousands of rounds of ammunition during the past six months before the shooting.
“We are also seeing an increase in firearms that have been brought into the used market, we had millions of long guns in Canada that were not in the system, and many decided to divest themselves of them once they no longer feared prosecution,” Bernardo said. “More people are getting involved with shooting every year, there are gigantic increases in firearms permits, our instructor crews that do training are full every weekend in Canada.”
If someone wants to purchase a firearm in Canada, then they will have to obtain a license no matter what type of firearm. The specific license that’s required depends on the firearm. Other requirements include passing a test, taking a Canadian Firearms Safety Course and completing a police background check.
