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Nov 6, 2009 9:39 pm US/Central
Hasan's Gun Was Purchased Legally In Killeen
KILLEEN (CBS/AP) ―
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An FN 5.7 semi-automatic pistol, similar to the one used in the November 5 shooting on Fort Hood.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Law enforcement officials say a 5.7-millimeter pistol used in the Fort Hood shooting rampage was purchased legally at a Killeen gun store.
Army Col. John Rossi, deputy commander at Fort Hood, confirmed at a news conference late Friday in Texas that the two weapons carried by Hasan were not military arms, but "privately owned weapons ... purchased locally."
Records indicate Hasan bought the FN 5.7 at store called "Guns Galore" in Killeen well before the attack that left 13 people dead.
The semi-automatic pistol has been dubbed a "cop killer" by those who have tried to stop its use. It is known to be able to hold 20 bullets in a magazine, and can shoot armor piercing bullets.
The gun is used by SWAT teams, the U.S. military and the secret service, and is known for being easy to control and having very little recoil because of the design of the gun.
It's made by Fabrique Nationale Herstal, a Belgian company that manufactures many kinds of guns used by the U.S. military.
The most powerful type of ammunition for the gun is available only to law enforcement and military personnel. Gun control advocates call it a "cop killer" weapon because that ammo can pierce bulletproof vests.
Army officials say it is still very early in the investigation, but early Indications are that the shooting was a 'lone wolf' situation. Army officers say there is no evidence of any outside help or connection to larger group.
The FBI is going through Hasan's computer records, looking for web sites visited, contacts and writings. They are also going through cell phone records.
The FBI was aware of the internet postings earlier this year, but no investigation was opened.
The shooting is being conducted as a joint investigation between the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Command until a decision will be made as to who carries the investigation.
There is the also still a question of how charges will be filed. Since the shooting happened on an Army post, Hasan's charges could come from either a military, federal, or state jurisdiction.
It is not clear what kind of ammunition was used in the Fort Hood attack. Investigators said in Friday night's press conference that it is believed Hasan fired more tha 100 rounds during the attack.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Texas Rangers have interviewed store personnel about Hasan's gun purchase. One official said the store records do not indicate Hasan purchased any ammo when he bought the gun.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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