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 September 2024, a total of 233,948 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 2024
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. (October 28, 2024). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 13, 2025, 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 2024." Chart. October 28, 2024. Statista. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. (2024). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: March 13, 2025. 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 2024." Statista, Statista Inc., 28 Oct 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 2024 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/ (last visited March 13, 2025)
Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 [Graph], FBI, October 28, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
