A lone gunman enters the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas and opens fire on the congregation, killing twenty-six and wounding another twenty. The assailant was later found dead in their car from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The gunman was prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing firearms and ammunition due to a domestic violence conviction in a court-martial while serving in the United States Air Force, prompting an investigation from the United States Air Force into the matter. Attorney General Jeff Sessions orders a review of the gun background check system on November 22 which results in the discovery that the shooter’s previous domestic assault charges, which should have prevented the gunman from purchasing or possessing firearms and ammunition, were never properly reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
November 5, 2017