Batman Movie Massacre: How easy is it to get firearms?

Set Text Size SmallSet Text Size MediumSet Text Size LargeSet Text Size X-Large
Share
Updated: 7/24/2012 7:12 pm
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. -- When the shots rang out in the Aurora theater, some people thought it was a movie stunt.

"It brought tears to my eyes. Heard it on the news this morning and I was absolutely shocked," Lesley Jones said.

James Holland burst in with full on body armor covering his chest, arms, legs even his throat.

"This guy was equipped and ready to rock and roll. He did."

Holmes also had two pistols, a shotgun and an AK-47 type rifle. We met up with tactics specialist Gary Belson, to get his take on the tragedy. He said barring no convicted felonies or criminal stains, it's fairly easy to get a firearm.

"He can buy it at a gun show. He can buy it at a pawn shop. He can buy it at a gun dealer," he said.

The theater shooting is already sparking debate about gun laws and who should be able to get their hands on a weapon. Nelson doesn't believe legislation should change, because in the right possession, guns can be used to protect, not harm. In Florida, we learned the law allows licenses to carry stun guns, knives, and billy clubs in a concealed fashion in addition to firearms.

We don't know where Holmes got his weapons, but we do know someone determined enough to get some in this country most likely can.

"They will get the gun no matter how they get it. They'll steal it, get off the black market, get the guns from some place no matter what law we put in. That's not going to stop the bad guys," Belson said.
Share
9 Comment(s)
Comments: Show | Hide

Here are the most recent story comments.View All

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Action News Jacksonville

nativejax - 7/22/2012 2:30 AM
0 Votes
tlynn, today, they do use the American designed AR-15 for hunting 'varmints',(i.e. a farmer shooting coyote in his herds). Though it was built here and used in Vietnam. The Ak-47 was a Russian designed gun for the sole purpose of killing people. Personally I too would like to see all personnel assault rifles banned but for some stupid reason the Anti gun fanatics can't tell the difference, so they want to try to blame ALL killing on all 'types'of guns/weapons instead of the psycho's who mis-use them.

tlynn - 7/21/2012 10:41 PM
0 Votes
I believe in the protecting ones self with the use of deadly force if necessary…Can any of you tell me why Assault weapons are legally sold in the US.? What use do they have other than killing/murdering a fellow man? These are not "hunting" guns….Unless you are "hunting" a fellow man…They are for murder only! So why are they legal? Because the NRA, and gun makers say so??????

nativejax - 7/21/2012 7:05 PM
0 Votes
What do you expect grumpyoldman, the news story started out identifying him as Holland and then went to Holmes. If I was this Holland guy from Aurora, I'd have to sue Action news. Maybe THEN they would hire news reporters/editors that do the job right.

grumpyoldman - 7/21/2012 3:30 PM
2 Votes
OBVIOUSLY, GUN CONTROL LAWS DON"T WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, to the so called news people... If I have to come on here to see that the truth is told, I want to get paid! I will at least tell my fellow Americans the truth!!! Which is more than we can say for you. How is this possible? It is unlawful to carry a gun concealed or have a loaded weapon in Aurora, CO. Someone needs to ask the liberal dipshits who pass these laws why they don't work. All the law-abiding citizens complied. Unfortunately, 71 of them got shot because they were helpless to defend themselves. http://www.coloradoceasefire.org/munilaws.htm Special Gun Laws for City of Aurora, CO 1. "Dangerous weapon" includes firearm 2. Revocation of license for furnishing a firearm to a minor or someone under the influence. 3. Window displays cannot include firearms with barrels less than 12 inches long. 4. Unlawful to carry concealed "dangerous weapon" 5. Unlawful to discharge firearms, unless by law enforcement on duty or on shooting range. 6. Unlawful to possess firearm while under the influence of intoxicant 7. Unlawful to have loaded firearm in motor vehicle. 8. Unlawful for a juvenile to possess a firearm. ATTENTION CRIMINALS: THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS BUILDING HAVE BEEN DISARMED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

nativejax - 7/21/2012 1:45 PM
0 Votes
And besides if the government wanted to make something ILLEGAL it should be the gas canister's, bullet proof vest, tactical wear, etc, that the general everyday citizen doesn't have any use for. I SEE THEM SOLD ALL DAY LONG ON CRAIGSLIST. To use a gas canister on a crowd IS an act of TERRORISM as far as I'm concerned. This guy needs to be a 'fried' in Aurora's town square.

nativejax - 7/21/2012 1:28 PM
0 Votes
Because Dremwolf, they want to scare the masses of people out there that STILL thing 'guns kill people'. When EVERY RESPONSIBLE citizen knows that 'PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE'. Its a lot easier for these left wing fanatics who put a dictator in office on only a promise of 'change', to take away your gun rights instead of starting up 'programs' or curriculum's to teach and train people to be knowledgeable and familiar with guns.

Dremwolf - 7/21/2012 1:43 AM
0 Votes
Why the ^%*& is the media comparing an AR-15 to a AK-47? "Holmes also had two pistols, a shotgun and an AK-47 type rifle." How about, "Holmes also had two pistols, a shotgun and an AR-15 military type rifle."? Or, "Holmes also had two pistols, a shotgun and an AR-15 semi-automatic type rifle."?

BullZi1 - 7/20/2012 10:11 PM
2 Votes
Right NativeJax, and why everytime something like this happens these ding bat reporters start asking this same dufus question ... "How easy is it to get firearms?" WHAT?! This is the U.S.!!!! It is very easy and that's the way it's supposed to be!!! The 2nd amendment is about the people being armed to protect themselves, country, and prevent tyrany in govt period. Everyone needs to stop worrying about the weapons and start dealing with those that misuse them and meet out SWIFT punishment in the form of DEATH to remove them from society.

nativejax - 7/20/2012 7:31 PM
1 Vote
SO HERE IT GOES. THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY, FIREARMS ARE OUR RIGHT. WHAT the question really should be is "WHY ISN'T EVERYONE TAUGHT the proper use,dangers and storage of firearms?" or "Why arn't the LAWS STIFFER FOR THESE NUT JOBS THAT USE THEM TO KILL?" As soon as this psycho did this the whiny azz Anti Gun FANATICS started working on the victims. And Obama had his mug ALL UP IN THERE too didn't he. Mark my word, KISS YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHT GOOD-BYE IF HE GETS RE-ELECTED. You wait and see.
Inergize Digital This site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital.
Mobile advertising for this site is available on Local Ad Buy.