No, universal background checks wouldn't have stopped Aaron Alexis

Presumably we'll now get a push for universal federal background checks—just like the one Aaron Alexis passed to get his CCW permit.

— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 16, 2013

Yep:

So Alexis was previously arrested for an "anger fueled" shooting but universal background checks shouldn't be a thing? #commonsense

— Morgan Grogan (@morganewill) September 16, 2013

#edshow Alexis was dismissed form the reserves? Another reason for background checks/mental problems.

— Jeannie Beanie (@JeannieBeanie46) September 16, 2013

https://twitter.com/OnlyMiOpinion/status/379677141052313600

Aaron Alexis used an AR15 assault weapon! Background checks you stupid RWNJs! And ban these damn murder weapons! #FUNRA.

— David Dlugach (@diamondave13) September 17, 2013

Cooke, a writer for National Review, rightly calls B.S.:

But people saying "universal background checks!" have to answer this: Alexis passed Navy and CCW checks. Why would this be different?

— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 16, 2013

Which means . . . background check. MT @washingtonpost: BREAKING: Aaron Alexis had security clearance that allowed him access to Navy Yard.

— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 17, 2013

So, we have background checks for Navy, security clearance, and CCW permit. But background checks on private sales will end mass shootings!

— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 17, 2013

So, we also know that Alexis bought a shotgun legally from a dealer and that he passed the mandatory federal background check there, too.

— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 17, 2013

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Come on, guys. All these mass shooters pass background checks. And on the rare occasions they don't, they find a way around the system.

— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 17, 2013

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Update:

https://twitter.com/passantino/status/379768523272122369

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Related:

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James Holmes’ psychiatric care opens new questions into background checks

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