NAS Pensacola shooter qualified to purchase gun with hunting license

Kevin Robinson , Madison Arnold | Pensacola News Journal

The gunman who left three dead and eight injured in a shooting at NAS Pensacola Friday legally purchased the 9mm Glock 45 pistol on July 20 from a federal firearms licensed dealer in Florida using a hunting license, the FBI's Jacksonville Division announced Tuesday.

The shooter, a 21-year-old second lieutenant in the Saudi Royal Air Force, qualified to purchase the firearm using a valid Florida hunting license, but "he may have qualified under other exceptions as well," according to a tweet from the FBI division.

The preliminary investigation did not find any information that would suggest it was purchased unlawfully.

"Under federal law, an alien who is admitted to the US under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from having a gun and ammo unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2)," according to a tweet from FBI division.

Support local journalism. Click here to subscribe to pnj.com.

Under U.S. Code, foreign nationals who have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. can purchase and possess a gun under a few specific conditions:

If they were admitted to the U.S. for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, or if they are in possession of a U.S.-issued hunting license or permit

If they are an official representative of a foreign government who is accredited with the U.S. government; if they are accredited with a government-partnered international organization headquartered in the U.S.; or if they are in transit to or from a country where they are accredited

If they are an official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor as designated by the U.S. Department of State

If they are a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the U.S. on official law enforcement business

NAS Pensacola victim updates: 5 released from hospital, 3 in stable condition

Everything we know: What we know about Pensacola NAS shooter Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani

There is also a process where a foreign national can petition the U.S attorney general directly for a waiver that allows them to possess a gun.

Madison Arnold can be reached at marnold@pnj.com and 850-435-8522.