NICS has blocked more than 600,000 people convicted of a crime from acquiring a weapon since 1998. When the background check system flags a purchaser for a felony or another qualifying conviction, the transaction is stopped. A surprising number of people with open arrest warrants attempt to buy a gun.
Patrick Swayze died Monday after battle with pancreatic cancer, publicist says; Swayze's doctor revealed in March 2008 that Swayze had the disease; Swayze broke through with his performance in 1987's Dirty Dancing Co-star Jennifer Grey: He was a real cowboy with a tender heart
HOUCHRON CAPTION (10/01/1995): Patrick Swayze, with his wife of 20 years, actress Lisa Niemi, in a 1978 photograph. PHOTO FILED: PATRICK SWAYZE. 06/1978 - (L-R) Lisa Haapaniemi (aka Lisa Niemi) and husband Patrick Swayze at Patsy Swayze's dance studio in Houston.