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Maryland gun buyer background checks may be delayed beyond normal 7-days

Posted at 12:40 PM, Jun 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-25 12:42:40-04

RESITERSTOWN, Md. — A system used by Maryland State Police to run background checks on applications for new gun purchases, is operating again.

The database had been down due to a system failure since June 21.

As result, a backlog of nearly 900 applications has built up.

The state normally requires a 7-day waiting period before buyers are able to take their gun with them, so that a background check can be completed.

But now, some may have to wait beyond those 7-days until workers with the Maryland State Police Licensing Division can catch up.

Police say the system has only been back up and running since around 8:30 Wednesday night.

The first 50 plus applications processed were those who had their guns released to them before a background could be completed, because the 7-days had already expired due to the system being down.

Police are also working with firearms dealers in Maryland to track any other guns that may have been released without background checks.

Meanwhile, Licensing Division employees are planning to work around the clock until they're back up to speed on pending and incoming gun purchase applications.