More Issues For Oregon’s Firearm Background Check Program

Portland, Ore. — As the State of Oregon prepares to fight in Harney County Court to fully implement Measure 114, the number of delayed firearm background checks at Oregon State Police continue to pile up.  As of Wednesday afternoon, the number of background checks that were waiting for approval toped 38,500.

Wednesday Afternoon KXL learned that several legal firearm dealers in the state had received zero “Instant Approvals” during the day. That is not something that sits well with Karl Durkheimer, owner of Northwest Armory. “As a private business, we cannot operate like the State of Oregon does,” Durkheimer said. “Being 38,500 background checks behind needs oversight. Law abiding, Oregon taxpayers deserve better.”

Oregon State Police Spokesperson, Captain Kyle Kennedy told KXL when asked about the issue with “Instant Approvals” not being issued: “To our knowledge, the system is up and running.  I do not have any information indicating this is an issue.”  45 minutes later, Captain Kennedy emailed again saying: “Correction:  There was an issue and it was corrected.  I don’t have further information at this time.”

KXL has requested to know what the issue was and how many “Instant Approvals” were not received because of the issue.  We are waiting for a response to that request