Error By Virginia State Police Makes 46,000+ People Federally Prohibited...OOPS!

Published on November 6, 2021
Duration: 5:14

An error by the Virginia State Police incorrectly labeled over 46,000 individuals as federally prohibited from owning firearms. This mistake stemmed from using the wrong code for individuals who voluntarily sought mental health treatment, which should not result in federal prohibition. The issue is reportedly being fixed, but highlights potential flaws in background check systems.

Quick Summary

A significant error by the Virginia State Police incorrectly labeled over 46,000 people as federally prohibited from owning firearms. This mistake involved using the wrong code for individuals who voluntarily sought mental health treatment, a situation that should not lead to federal prohibition.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Virginia State Police Error Uncovered
  2. 00:27Details of the FOIA Request
  3. 00:49Understanding Federal vs. State Prohibition
  4. 01:32The Distinction: Involuntary Commitment
  5. 01:44How the Error Occurred: Programming
  6. 02:31Virginia's State-Level Voluntary Commitment Rule
  7. 02:45The Wrong Code Used
  8. 03:01Consequences of the Error
  9. 03:13The FBI and State Police Response
  10. 03:33Accidental vs. Malicious Errors
  11. 03:54Praise for Watchdogs
  12. 04:06Impact on Individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

What error did the Virginia State Police make regarding firearm ownership?

The Virginia State Police mistakenly classified over 46,000 individuals as federally prohibited from owning firearms. This error occurred because they used the incorrect code for individuals who voluntarily sought mental health treatment, which should not result in federal prohibition.

How does voluntary mental health treatment affect firearm ownership rights?

Generally, voluntarily seeking mental health treatment or commitment does not make an individual federally prohibited from owning firearms. Federal prohibition typically applies only to those who are involuntarily committed.

Who uncovered the Virginia State Police's error?

The error was uncovered by Gun Owners of America (GOA) and firearms advocate John Crump through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted to the FBI.

What are the implications of this error for affected individuals?

Individuals wrongly classified as federally prohibited may have been denied firearm purchases. If they moved to another state, they could have faced further issues. The error highlights potential flaws in the NICS background check system.

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