The Tampa Bay Times reports:
For more than a year, the state of Florida failed to conduct national background checks on tens of thousands of applications for concealed weapons permits, potentially allowing drug addicts or people with a mental illness to carry firearms in public.
A previously unreported Office of Inspector General investigation found that in February 2016 the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stopped using a FBI crime database called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System that ensures applicants who want to carry a gun do not have a disqualifying history in other states.
The employee in charge of the background checks could not log into the system, the investigator learned. The problem went unresolved until discovered by another worker in March 2017 — meaning that for more than a year applications got approved without the required background check.
The system is run by GOP Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who is now running for governor. In 2012 Putnam held a much-criticized press conference to herald Florida’s one-millionth concealed weapon permit. It was donations to Putnam that spawned the boycott and protests of the Public grocery chain.
The liberal media recently called me a sellout to the NRA. I’m a proud #NRASellout! Sign below if you are, too.https://t.co/Uro4UVtIOf
— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) July 26, 2017
President @realDonaldTrump has made it a top priority to secure our borders and I will make it a top priority as Governor to Secure #FloridaFirst. Great joining FL native @ShannonBream last night. My plan: https://t.co/WnB6gLLnWU #sayfie pic.twitter.com/egdxCWGk2q
— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) June 8, 2018
.@adamputnam's rhetoric on guns has been dangerous — but this is far worse. His department’s failure to conduct background checks is a dereliction of his duties & he should consider whether he is able to continue running for Governor or serving as Commissioner. https://t.co/Xe8f0R31iN
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) June 8, 2018
Drop out now, Adam. https://t.co/pc1aai4rFr
— Gwen Graham (@GwenGraham) June 8, 2018