Crusius told them the Romanian rifle was delivered to Gun Masters, a gun store in Allen, Texas, according to the report. There is no gun store by that name in Allen, but there is a store called Gunmaster in nearby Plano.
An employee of the store told The Associated Press the owner was not available and questions would need to be sent by email.
Gunmaster did not respond to written questions Wednesday. The shop’s gunsmith, Brian Park, told the Tribune Tuesday that he did not know whether Crusius received a gun there.
El Paso police said shortly after the shooting that killed 22 people that the rifle was
purchased legally .
Experts say buying guns online is common.
“Just like any other retail, brick-and-mortar is taking a back seat to the internet,” said David Prince, the owner of Dallas-area Eagle Gun Range.
To legally purchase a weapon online, the buyer must have it shipped to a licensed gun dealer who records the firearm’s make, mark and serial number before performing a background check. If the person passes, they can have the gun.
This allows law enforcement to identify the original buyer of a gun if it’s used in a crime or is stolen.