GAO Report Says 'Watch List' Gun Purchases Approved In 91% of Background Checks

From Feb 2004 to Feb. 2010, individuals on U.S. terror watch lists were involved in background checks 1,225 times. About 91 percent of the time, the transactions were allowed to proceed.

The federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report stating that an overwhelming number of individuals on U.S. terror watch lists were allowed to purchase guns.

From Feb 2004 to Feb. 2010, individuals on U.S. terror watch lists were involved in background checks 1,225 times. About 91 percent of the time, the transactions were allowed to proceed, ABC news reports.

"Membership in a terrorist organization does not prohibit a person from possessing firearms or explosives under current federal law," the GAO report states. "However, for homeland security and other purposes, the FBI is notified when a firearm or explosives background check involves an individual on the terrorist watchlist."

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