The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background checks are used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. As of July 2023, a total of 223,650 background checks have led to a Federal denial because the buyer was a fugitive from justice.
Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2023
Reason for denial
Number of denials
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NICS is used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. Before ringing up the sale, cashiers call in a check to the FBI or to other designated agencies to ensure that each customer does not have a criminal record or isn’t otherwise ineligible to make a purchase.
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FBI. (March 31, 2023). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. "Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2023." Chart. March 31, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. (2023). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. "Federal Denials Resulting from Background Checks Done by The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (Nics) in The United States from 1998 to 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 Mar 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI, Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2023 [Graph], FBI, March 31, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/