Three Wilmington gun dealers have been identified by USA TODAY as part of a list from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), outlining retailers whose firearm sales have been linked to crimes in 2023.
Shops that have sold at least 25 guns traced to crimes in 2023 that were purchased within the past three years are included on the list.
A Freedom of Information Act request from USA TODAY led to the release of more than 1,300 gun shop locations nationwide, recorded as part of the ATF’s Demand 2 Program. The Demand 2 Program aims to trace firearms used in crimes, focusing on prohibiting illegal trafficking and sales.
The following Wilmington firearm stores were included on the list published by USA TODAY:
- Backwater Guns
- 1024 S Kerr Ave., Wilmington, N.C. 28403
- Jim’s Pawn and Guns
- 4212 Oleander Drive, Wilmington N.C. 28403
- Sportsman’s Warehouse #177
- 4715a New Centre Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28405
Each of these stores was contacted by StarNews regarding their inclusion on the list, but neither employees nor managers provided an immediate comment in response as of Thursday afternoon.