In our last post on former astronaut, professional husband (of a spree killer’s survivor) and gun control advocate Mark Kelly, we repeated an assertion that Mr. Kelly didn’t take immediate possession of an AR-15 purchase because he’d asked for gun mods (trigger job, flash suppressor). Since then, the store in question, Diamondback Police Supply Co. of Tucson, Arizona released a statement about the reason for the “delay” . . .
On March 5, 2013 Mr. Mark Kelly purchased a Sig Sauer 45 caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer M400 5.56 AR style rifle from my company, Diamondback Police Supply Co. in Tucson, AZ. The rifle, having been purchased in trade from another customer, cannot be released to Mr. Kelly or any other customer for a minimum of 20 days in accordance with local ordinances. Mr. Kelly did not ask for any modifications to the rifle, nor are we making any. Once the hold period is up, Mr. Kelly must then show proper identification, complete the Federal Firearms Transfer Record (Form 4473) and successfully complete the NICS background check prior to his taking physical possession of the firearm.
So, if Mr. Kelly bought the gun simply to show how easy it is to buy a gun, as claimed, why did he buy a gun that isn’t easy to buy? He could have purchased a brand new AR-15, filled out form 4473, passed the NICS background check and walked out of the store with an AR-15.
Clearly, Kelly bought an AR-15 because he wanted an AR-15. Presumably he bought a pre-owned gun because . . . wait for it . . . he liked it. Or wanted to save money. Or protect his family. Whatever. But it doesn’t change the fact that his purchase was not intended to make a point. He got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Period.
And I repeat my challenge to the media to ask Mr. Kelly a simple question: have you purchased an AR-15 before? ‘Cause if he did there can be no doubt of what we already know to be true.