Highland Park Shooting Suspect Bought Firearms Legally Despite Past Complaints
Summary from the AllSides News Team
The family of the suspect in the Highland Park, Illinois Fourth of July shooting had complained to police about his behavior in the past.
21-year-old Robert Crimo was detained and charged with seven counts of first-degree murder for the shooting that left seven dead and dozens injured. Police said Tuesday that in April 2019, they were notified by Crimo's family that he threatened to take his own life, and that in September 2019, family members told them that "Crimo was going to kill everyone." Sixteen knives and other weapons were then confiscated from Crimo's home, but no firearms were found. Police said that "At that time, there was no probable cause" to arrest him, and that his family members didn't sign off on formal complaints.
Three months later, Crimo successfully obtained a Firearm Owners Identification card (FOID). Police said that "there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger and deny the FOID application." Crimo then passed four background checks between 2020 and 2021, and legally purchased five firearms, including the suspected murder weapon. The situation has led to scrutiny of Illinois' red flag laws, which seek to confiscate firearms from people deemed dangerous by police or their family members.
Crimo's history and the efficacy of red flag laws were the top story across the political spectrum Wednesday.
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