How Criminals Obtain Firearms
Criminals acquire guns through several common channels, including theft, straw purchases, and illegal online or street markets. Stolen firearms often come from vehicles, homes, and businesses that lack proper security measures.
Straw Purchases and Illegal Transfers
Straw purchases occur when a person legally buys a firearm and then transfers it to someone who cannot pass a background check. This method is a major source of crime guns and is a federal offense in many jurisdictions.
Sources of Illegal Firearms
Many crime guns are traced back to thefts from vehicles, homes, and retail stores. Others come from unregulated private sales or are trafficked across state and international borders. Law enforcement agencies track these sources to disrupt illegal supply chains.
