From the NRA-ILA summary for TN:
...a permit is not required to purchase a firearm,...There is no state permit requirement for the possession of rifles, shotguns, or handguns.
So, that statement means exactly.. squat.
The "gun show loophole" does exist in TN, but if he had purchased it from an individual, how would anyone know? Such sales are also not reported to anyone, unless of course *he* told them. But it's much more likely he bought the gun from a dealer, since most transactions at gun shows are with dealers, and in TN it's the state that does the Background check. Wonder if they are keeping records they are not supposed to keep? Hmmm? But in any event, if he did not go through the background check, why would a 4th grade teacher not pass it if he had? Most states do criminal BCs on teachers anyway. Just as Major Hasan passed his federal check when he bought his FN 5.7 at Guns Galore in Killeen TX. he would have passed the check, if he indeed actually do so.
Okay, please explain what the gunshow loophole is in Tennessee. If one purchases a pistol in TN from a booth holder/dealer at a gunshow, a background check is done. So what is this ‘loophole’?
According to the AP, the Tennessee Department of Safety has no record of a gun permit under his name.
From the NRA-ILA summary for TN:
...a permit is not required to purchase a firearm,...There is no state permit requirement for the possession of rifles, shotguns, or handguns.
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As you correctly noted above, in Tennessee a permit is not required to purchase a firearm. Possibly the AP meant that the TDOS has no record of a “carry” permit under his name. That would make a little more sense, but I’m just guessing.
BTW, thanks very much for your service to our country in the Air Force.