HOUSTON (Texas) | As crazy as it sounds, all it takes is a valid driver's license and a few minutes to buy yourself a gun in Texas. The Journal followed two Americans through the very short acquisition process.

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“It takes longer to buy a car here than a gun,” Joseph Say, a 43-year-old Texan, drops uneasily as he buys a gun at a huge outdoor store in suburban Houston. , in Texas.

Since the arrival of the Journal in Texas, all the people we meet are alarmed at the ease of obtaining a firearm.

So we went shopping yesterday in two establishments offering revolvers, pistols, rifles and other guns.

It would have taken only 15 short minutes to come out with a weapon and ammunition.

It is to show the disconcerting ease with which Salvador Ramos, 18, was able to obtain a weapon which enabled him to kill 21 people, including 19 children, that Joseph Say and Sarah Zickefoose did not hesitate to accompany Le Journal for this surreal experience.

"It's just terribly shocking that anyone over the age of 18 with a Texas [driver's] license can afford a gun so easily," said the 22-year-old student, who lives in suburban Houston. .

One minute

Whether at the Bass Pro Shop hunting and fishing store or the Academy sports store, it only took a minute for the two shoppers to have a gun in their hands.

Each time, the only question asked is: "what are you looking for?" »

“Something for defense,” says Say, who works in cybersecurity.

For her part, Sarah Zickefoose asks for a small weapon to put in her purse.

Once both customers confirm they want to buy the gun, they only need to prove they are Texans to begin the minimal background check process.

Since she did not really want to make a purchase, Sarah Zickefoose did not complete the process, she who simply wanted to demonstrate to the Journal the ease of getting your hands on a weapon.

Four signatures

Joseph Say, for his part, chose to go all the way by buying a “Winchester Super X 12 gauge”, which will “hurt more than kill, therefore less dangerous”, he says.

The seller simply asked him to fill out a form with his contact details, as well as answer a few questions such as: “are you part of a terrorist organization? or “Do you have mental health issues? ".

The store employee later did a background check on Mr. Say through an internal program. The seller noting that Mr. Say obviously has no crime to his credit, the latter was able to pay for his weapon, and that, in just 15 minutes.

“Is it really normal that it can only take 15 minutes to buy a weapon that can kill people? asks the man as he leaves the store, before confiding that he will give the shotgun and its case to his brother...

A RANGE OF CHOICES

Sarah Zickefoose, 22, just wanted to demonstrate to the Journal how easy it is to get your hands on a gun. She had an impressive display behind her with several choices at her disposal. In less than a minute, she found herself with a gun in her hands.

GOOD ADVICE

Barely arrived at the Academy sports equipment store, the young woman is advised on the weapon she should take. "This one might suit you because it's small, has no security, and fits in a small bag. »

NO QUESTIONS

Without asking any questions, the merchant immediately agrees to sell to him. The only thing Sarah Zickefoose needs is a valid license and a clean criminal record. But don't worry, says the salesman, because 90% of people pass the background check.

1- CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

Whether it is a revolver, a pistol, a rifle, a shotgun, the customer begins by choosing the weapon he wishes to try. He can then hold the weapon in his hands to see if he likes it at first sight. For the exercise, our journalist was able to take this shotgun without any problem.

2- SHOW WHITE PAWS

In Texas, it is absolutely necessary to be Texan to acquire a firearm. The Journal's representative was therefore unable to begin the process of purchasing one.

3- COMPLETE A FORM

The client must complete a form including several questions relating to his mental state and possible crimes committed, or to find out if he is part of a terrorist organization, in particular.

4- PAY YOUR PURCHASE

Once the seller has checked the criminal record of the buyer, all that remains is to go to the checkout to pay for his purchases.

5- GO WITH

For Joseph Say, all that remains is to enjoy his rifle!