> Additionally... Consider making it a crime even to try to buy a gun if you are > inelligible to actually buy one... Then maybe authorities could have arrested him at > the attempt time... At least detain him long enough to determine if he is a danger > before releasing him again. This approach would leave legal law abiding citizens > alone, but allow immediate examination of an unlawful attempt.
Depending on how things happen at the gun store, it is a federal crime. When you pick up a gun, you are in possession of it. If it is illegal for you to possess a gun, they COULD lock you up for at least a few years just on that.