Gun Laws, Suicide

I read your letters to the editor regarding the Granada Hills High School suicide and guns with sadness. I lost my father to a self-inflicted gunshot about 30 days ago. He had been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility for being a threat to himself Oct. 5. Six days later, he was released. On Oct. 14, he applied for a handgun through a legitimate gun dealer. After a 10-day waiting period, he completed his purchase. Five days later, he used it on himself.

People within the Justice Department have explained that any time a patient is involuntarily held the hospital is to file paperwork with the Justice Department that would preclude someone from buying a weapon during a background check. The waiting period is designed to allow time for reports to be input.

I have asked people within the Los Angeles Police Department, Justice Department and district attorney’s office if a criminal investigation should be initiated into how my dad was able to purchase a weapon. They concur that rules may have been broken, but no one is willing to follow up. No one has been able to explain to me why we have gun laws if no one seems to have the authorization to enforce them.

DEBRA FARRA

Granada Hills