Local Gun Show Camera Shy
CRYSTAL LAKE (CBS) -- Talk of gun control seems to be driving up demand for some weapons, and there is been a big boost in attendees at gun shows across the country.
But at one gun show in the Northwest Suburbs, there was a problem letting CBS in.
At the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, and just in time for Christmas gift giving, a Sunday gun show.
Lots of weapons and ammo coming out, but CBS 2 cameras couldn't get in.
Gun shows aren't nearly so private in most of the country, but private parties can sell firearms at guns shows with no background checks.
It's called the gun show loophole and the ATF says, that makes gun shows the second leading source of crime guns.
One dealer we spoke with today supports mandatory background checks.
"You don't know who you're dealing with when you're just exchanging cash for a firearm," said Robert Lee. "That gun could be stolen which puts you at a liability, especially if it was used in a crime."
Problem is, the NRA opposes background checks to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
Instead, it wants armed cops in schools to protect kids.
"Why is the idea of a gun good when it's used to protect a president of our country, or our police, but bad when used to protect the children in our schools?" said Wayne Lapierre of the NRA.
CBS 2 wanted ask gun owners about that too. Apparently, the gun show promoters didn't.
The gun show promoters asked CBS 2 to leave, saying, "You're obstructing people from coming and going."
Police were called, so CBS 2 left, still wondering what gun promoters, operating legally, felt they had to hide.
There are 5,000 gun shows across the country every year. It's estimated that two out of five sales at the shows are between private parties, no licensed dealers involved and no background checks.
