Background Check Didn't Stop Colorado Shooting Suspect From Buying AR-556

The gun shop where the Colorado shooting suspect bought his gun says he passed a background check to purchase the weapon. Eagles Nest Armory told local news outlets the Colorado Bureau of Investigation authorized the sale on March 16, CNN reports.

Six days later Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa would open fire in a grocery store, killing 10 people. The incident raises questions over how effective proposals to expand background checks would be in preventing mass shootings.

“Regarding the firearm in question, a background check of the purchaser was conducted as required by Colorado law and approval for the sale was provided by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation,” said store owner John Mark Eagleton.

Eagleton said he was “absolutely shocked” by what transpired and would “continue to fully cooperate” with investigators.

“Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business," he said.

Background checks have been central to Joe Biden’s response to the week’s mass shootings. The day after the Colorado massacre, he called for tighter gun control laws.

"I don't need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common-sense steps that will save lives in the future -- and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act," Biden said.

A middle-aged gunman shot and killed 10 people as they bought snacks and groceries in the Colorado city of Boulder AFP / Jason Connolly

Background checks aren’t the only proposal coming from his office. Biden has also called for bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“I got that done when I was a senator. It passed," he said. "It was a law for the longest time. And it brought down these mass killings. We should do it again."

The family of the police officer killed during the shootings has said the late officer would be “deeply offended to know his death would be used to promote gun control.”

“Just because some wacko goes around shooting people doesn’t mean guns need to be taken away. You can’t take away enough guns to protect this country,” said Homer Tally, Eric Tally’s father.