Glock 19: How did Unemployed Jared Loughner Buy Popular, Expensive Pistol?

Jan. 11, 2011 — -- The the Glock 19 Jared Lee Loughner allegedly used to try to assassinate Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is a popular firearm around the world. Questions remain about how Loughner would be able to afford the gun which costs about $450, not including ammunition and magazines.

Little is known about Loughner's employment record. He volunteered at a local pet shelter in January and February of last year, according to the New York Times, which reported he was told not to come back after he refused to follow the rules about where to walk the dogs. Loughner said on his application at the shelter that he worked at an Eddie Bauer store in Tucson from October 2008 to November 2009.

In an interview with Diane Sawyer on Monday, Pima County, Ariz., Sheriff Clarence Dupnik refused to comment on the alleged shooter's home life, but said, "I can tell you this is a somewhat dysfunctional family."

Loughner legally purchased the Glock at a Sportsman's Warehouse chain store in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 30 after completing a form and passing a background check. Six people were killed and 14 injured in Tucson on Saturday. Giffords, shot in the left hemisphere of the brain, was in critical but stable condition in a Tucson hospital.

Kristen Rand, legislative director of the Violence Policy Center, said the pistol's price ranges from $400 to $500, not including bullets and magazines. Wal-Mart Inc. confirmed that Loughner tried to buy ammunition at one of its stores but was refused service due to "strange behavior," according to the FBI. He was later able to get it at another Wal-Mart.

Sportsman's Warehouse had no comment about Loughner's method of payment. Jason Ogan, spokesman for the Pima County Sheriff's Department, said he did not have information related to Loughner's payment method.

Loughner appeared Monday before a Phoenix judge who assigned him two public defenders. Based on a financial affidavit that Loughner signed, the judge said he might not be financially able to pay for defense attorneys.