Orlando Terrorist: The Most Gun Control-Compliant Shooter in History?

TAMPA, FLORIDA — President Barack Obama’s immediate leveraging of the atrocious Islamic terror attack in Orlando toward new gun control reforms may be predictable — yet the circumstances involving the professional background of Omar S. Mateen could prove a breaking point for his fellow anti-gun activists. As the debate eventually moves toward the Second Amendment, activists must answer how the most prevalent mass shooter in American history cleared background checks, medical examination, registration and dozens of hours of mandated training.

“We have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be. And to actively do nothing is a decision as well,” President Obama noted in a White House press conference today. The Administration’s typical pivot toward promoting background checks, health evaluations and related registration procedures will likely not see as much air time in the days ahead – for good reason.

Florida resident Omar S. Mateen was registered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a private security officer with an additional Class G Firearm License. Compared to a standard civilian concealed carry permit issued by the same Department, Mateen was required to undergo the full battery of common gun control measures floated after mass shootings.

Before acquiring a Class G permit, Mateen completed the requirements for the prerequisite Class D protocol. The Basic Security Officer Training process requires the completion of a 40 hour course over four consecutive days by a school or instructor licensed by the State of Florida. Mateen had to clear a criminal background check to satisfy the requirements and be legally able to work in the United States. He was required to renew his Class D Security license annually. Breitbart Texas’ review of Mateen’s Class D record found that license number D2723758 was set to expire on September 14, 2017.

Mateen’s Class G firearm license was far more detailed. The gunman completed an additional 28 hours of guided instruction focusing on legal statutes governing the permit and responsibilities therein (12 hours); operational safety and firearm mechanics (8 hours); and a firearms qualification exam in a shooting range for eight hours. He passed a 96-round shooting proficiency battery. Thereafter, Mateen’s criminal background was reviewed again pursuant to the application and submitted to a separate medical evaluation that certified he had no conditions that “would preclude [Mateen] from performing duties in an armed capacity.”

Class G licensees must register proofs of identity, citizenship/legal residency and fingerprints with application documents as well. Like Class D holders, Class G requires annual proficiency testing as well. Omar Mateen’s Class G license (G2704169) would have expired on September 13, 2017.

When executing his duties under the Class G license, Mateen could carry up to two semiautomatic pistols or revolvers ranging from .38 to .45 ACP calibers.

The .223 caliber assault rifle and 9mm pistol used in the mass shooting were confirmed to be legally purchased by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a tweet published Sunday afternoon.

BREAKING: ATF Orlando “We have completed urgent traces on firearms involved in #Orlando shooting. Firearms purchased legally.”

— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) June 12, 2016

The Wall Street Journal reported that beyond the Florida licensing requirements, both previous FBI probes into Mateen’s conduct and potential terrorist connections could not be verified a threat worthy of further action.

Logan Churchwell is a founding member of the Breitbart Texas team. You can follow him on Twitter @LCChurchwell.