Virginia Tech killer bought ammunition clips through eBay

[TheWebHead]

Source: The Associated Press

BLACKSBURG, Virginia: The Virginia Tech killer went to the Internet less than a month before Monday's massacre to get ammunition clips that fit one of the two handguns he used in the rampage, an eBay spokesman said.

The eBay account demonstrates the prime role computer forensics and other digital information have played in the investigation into the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. When the subject of an investigation is a loner like Seung-Hui Cho, experts say his computers and cell phone can be a rich source of information.

The online auction site lists the purchase date of the empty clips as March 22, about three weeks before the attack in which Cho, 23, killed 32 people and himself.

EBay spokesman Hani Durzy said the purchase of the clips from a Web vendor based in Idaho was legal and that the company has cooperated with authorities. "In looking at his activity on the site, we can confirm that at no point that he used eBay to purchase any guns and ammunition," Durzy said Saturday. "It is strongly against eBay policy to try to sell guns and ammunition."

Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/22/america/NA-GEN-US-University-Shooting.php

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here's some more details...
Cho's feedback for others:
http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedbackMemberLeft&memberid=blazers5505&items=-1&item=-1&de=off

feedback received:
http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=blazers5505&items=-1&item=-1&de=off

looks like he met several people to sell V Tech football tickets. Googling blazers5505 only has ebay links.

bought the ammo, via ebay, here:
http://www.oneclickshooting.com/

[aikoaiko]

1. Ebay has a ridiculous anti-gun policy.

I've even seen listings for parts and accessories blocked. I'm surprised they even let the magazines go through.

[murloc]

2. interesting, but

My concern is that he got them at all.

I don't think that ebay is a concern per se.

Buying ammo clips from ebay is certainly less efficient than running down to the corner gun store and buying them. Ebay has pretty much a built in 5 day waiting period.

Its not like either venue is subject to background checks for clips.

I suppose he wanted to save a few bucks, although I find the idea of saving $10 bucks right before you plan to kill yourself a bit odd.

[TheWebHead]

3. I'm guessing it was more the anonymity

he hated talking to people, so buying online made more sense for him because you wouldn't have to talk to a salesperson about what he's looking for.

[murloc]

4. That makes sense.

Clearly he had some serious anti-social issues.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

20. Actually, it was more probably price than anonymity

I use e-bay to buy magazines and holsters because they generally sell for about 1/2 the price the gun stores sell em for.

[Praw]

8. No, they are not subject to background checks

Nor should they be.

By the way, they are called magazines, not clips. There is a difference. ;)

[Blue_Tires]

10. welcome to the site!

[villager]

13. right. You never ever want to do a background check on a suicidal person buying guns, ammo

& equipment.

[Digital]

21. Huh?

Exactly what type of "background check" would have determined that this guy was suicidal and homicidal? How exactly would you perform said "background check" on every person that bought a magazine for a pistol that they have legally purchased?

A little rational thought please!!

[onehandle]

5. "legal" America makes killing perfectly legal. nt

[beevul]

6. Ebay Firearm Weapon Knife policy for what its worth...

Some Examples

Firearm Parts and Accessories:
Prohibited

eBay prohibits members from listing firearms, including antique, collectible, and sport & hunting firearms as well as ammunition. This includes, but is not limited to:

Assault weapon-related parts or accessories. This prohibition applies to all parts and accessories related to any firearm defined as an "assault weapon" by federal or California law. For more details on assault weapons, please visit http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/awlist.htm and http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/awguide/awguide.php.

Firearm receivers or frames, whether complete receivers and frames, components and parts of receivers and frames, or "cut" or "80%" receivers.

Parts or accessories prohibited for sale by federal or California law, including items related to short-barreled shotguns or short-barreled rifles, fully automatic weapons, large-capacity magazines, multi-burst trigger activators and camouflaging firearm containers.

Any of the following firearms-related items: silencers, converters (items that can be used to give a firearm automatic capability), kits that can be used to create a firearm, potato guns and cannons, flares, flare launchers, flare guns, flare gun receivers, short barrels and any illegal firearm-related items.

Please note that any photos in a listing (including stock photos) must also abide by our Firearms, Weapons and Knives policy. If a prohibited item is included in a photograph for a non-prohibited item, the listing may be ended.

Permitted

All other legal gun parts and accessories, including, but not limited to, trigger guards, firing pins, barrels, stocks, butt plates, trigger assemblies, pistol grips, holsters and scopes. Listings for such items must clearly state the type of firearm for which the part or accessory is designed. If this information is not provided, the listing may be ended.

BB Guns, Replicas, Blank Guns and Imitation Guns
Prohibited

BB guns, air guns, black powder guns or muzzle-loader guns

Listings that use the term “BB gun” in the item title or description of any listing for an airsoft or replica gun.

Permitted

Paintball guns, "airsoft" guns*, pellet guns, replica, "look-alike," and imitation firearms under certain circumstances. These items:

Must have clear markings permanently affixed to them (commonly blaze orange markings on the barrel or a blaze orange plug inserted into the barrel)

Must not be readily convertible to shoot a lethal projectile

Must be located in the U.S. and the seller must be located in the U.S.

These rules apply to all items designed to look like firearms, including replicas/imitation guns of any age, as well as toy and cap guns.

Note: Most states require that purchasers of airsoft guns be 18 years of age or older.

Stun Guns
Prohibited

The possession and sale of stun guns is prohibited in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia and may also be illegal in other locations within the United States. In addition to being prohibited under certain state laws, some municipalities also limit stun gun sales.

Stun guns that are designed to look like everyday items, such as cell phones or flashlights, or which are designed to be hidden or concealed, are not permitted on eBay.

Permitted

Sales of stun guns on eBay are only permitted to the extent permissible by law and may only be bought, sold, and shipped within the US. Sellers are responsible for reviewing the laws in their location and the location of the buyer and ensuring that sales are legal in both locations before listing and completing such transactions on eBay.

Hand Weapons
Prohibited

Nunchaku

Brass, plastic or metal knuckles

Leaded cane/staff/crutch/stick

Zip guns

Shurikens

Throwing stars

Knuckle knives

Billy clubs/batons

Sandclubs or sandbags

Slungshots (also known as saps or blackjacks)

Permitted

Faux or practice items, such as foam nunchaku or plastic throwing stars

Knives
Prohibited

Switchblade Knives: The interstate sale of switchblade knives is prohibited by federal law; therefore switchblade knives may not be listed on eBay. Federal law defines switchblade knives as “any knife having a blade which opens automatically (1) by and pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.” Butterfly knives are also prohibited.

Disguised Knives: Knives disguised to look like a harmless item are not permitted on eBay. These items include but are not limited to belt buckle knives, lipstick case knives, air gauge knives, and writing pen knives.

Push Knives: Push knives are not permitted on eBay. These items are often referred to as push daggers, punch daggers, punch knives, push dirks or T-handled knives.

Permitted

All other knives are generally permitted.

Pepper Spray and Mace
Pepper spray and mace may be listed on eBay to the extent permitted by applicable law. Sellers and buyers alike should be aware that several states and municipalities regulate the sale and possession of these items, and should make sure that they are in compliance with these laws when buying or selling pepper spray or mace on eBay.

Militaria, Ordnance and Grenades
Prohibited

Equipment and supplies issued to and formerly used by United States Armed Forces that have not been disposed of in accordance with Department of Defense demilitarization policies. Sales of such items may constitute violations of federal law.

Ordnance (military weaponry, ammunition, and related parts), even if the item is "unserviceable" or has been "demilitarized" or "demilled," as eBay cannot confirm that the item has effectively and permanently been altered for lawful and safe transport and sale.

Grenades, including metal military practice grenades, rifle grenades, dummy grenades, grenade launcher attachments, and mines.

Permitted

Replica ordnance, specifically items that were never actual military ordnance

Relics, curios, memorabilia, or display items permanently altered to prevent ready modification for use as a grenade.

Why does eBay have this policy?

eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since the sale of weapons is highly regulated, or may cause harm to eBay or its members, sellers are restricted in their listing of them on eBay.



http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/firearms-weapons-knives.html

[scrinmaster]

12. They were for his P22. Ten rounds isn't high capacity.

[jwirr]

7. A clip is not ammo. Ebay does not sell guns or ammo because

the laws vary too much from state to state. They do not want to deal with the regulations so they do not sell. They also police their sellers - I was told about several items - not guns - I would have to take off sale because they were illegal to sell on Ebay.

[Irishonly]

9. I Had No Idea

I use Ebay to buy and sell collectibles. I didn't think you could buy anything to do with guns there.

[slackmaster]

11. MAGAZINES!

:argh:

[aikoaiko]

14. For the visual thinkers.

[villager]

15. Tech gunman bought ammo clips on eBay

Source: AP

Tech gunman bought ammo clips on eBay

By ADAM GELLER and CHRIS KAHN, Associated Press Writers

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Internet activities of the Virginia Tech gunman provided more insight Saturday into how he may have plotted for the rampage, with revelations that he bought two ammunition clips on eBay.

Seung-Hui Cho purchased two empty clips about three weeks before the attack in which Cho killed 32 people and himself. The clips were designed for one of the two types of handguns he used.

Cho, 23, also used the account to sell items ranging from Hokies football tickets to horror-themed books, some of which were assigned in one of his classes.

EBay spokesman Hani Durzy said the purchase of the clips from a Web vendor based in Idaho was legal and that the company has cooperated with authorities.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070422/ap_on_re_us/virginia_tech_shooting

[Praw]

16. repost

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2817033

[Gman]

17. Dupe

In DU terms...

And welcome!

[WePurrsevere]

18. Welcome to DU, Praw! Hopefully...

you'll enjoy your time on DU. :hi:

As Gman has said we call a "repost" a "dupe" (easier to type out the duplicate:)). If, in the future when you see them in LBN (or any DU rules broken) you would hit the little "Alert" link in the bottom laft corner of the post with the issue it would be helpful and truly appreciated. :)

[Igel]

19. Geller and Kahn violate the first rule of writing.

Write what you know something about.