Crimo's uncle said in a recent story that he did not detect anything wrong with the shooter prior to the crime, but also commented that he didn't like to be around or talk with his nephew, limiting their conversations to hello and goodbye.

Though Crimo's father witnessed numerous episodes of threatened violence against individuals and groups, and repeated threats of suicide, the father helped Crimo obtain his FOID card and helped with his son's FOID renewal. Failure #2.

Local law enforcement had a rap sheet on Robert E. Crimo III that showed that he was a violent and threatening individual, yet failed to object to his FOID application and renewal. Failure #3.

Illinois State Police, who issue the Illinois FOID card, also seemed to miss the signs and failed to note problems in their background check. Robert E. Crimo III should have been a classic example of unstable individuals who should not have access to legal firearms, yet his application and renewal application were approved and Crimo perpetrated his mass shooting with a legally obtained firearm. Failure #4 and #5.

This puts the whole process of background checks and legitimate ownership of guns in question here in Illinois, where FOID card issuance is still seriously backlogged and this epic failure was allowed to happen.
 
 This editor believes that if there are any questions about an applicant's emotional or mental stability, any episodes of violent behavior or threats, the FOID card should be denied, thus helping to protect the public and preserve the trust of those who are peaceful FOID card holders.
 
 There will be errors in the system, but if you have to err, do it on the side of public safety and deny the application.
 
 [Jim Youngquist]