Does that mean Crimo bought the gun legally?

Yes. He legally purchased the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle in Illinois within the past year.

Illinois State Police, the agency that issues gun owners’ licenses, said in a statement that the then-19-yearold Crimo applied for a license in December 2019. Applicants under 21 require a parent or legal guardian to sponsor the application. His father sponsored his.

Sponsors must sign an affidavit that says the sponsor “shall be liable for any damages resulting from the minor applicant’s use of firearms or firearm ammunition.” It includes no specifics on liability and damages if the child commits a crime with a gun. It’s also unclear if liability extends beyond when the child turns 21, as Crimo did before the shooting.

State Police Director Brendan Kelly told reporters Wednesday that the father faces potential civil liability, and that there is an ongoing investigation into criminal culpability. He offer no details and said the matter would ultimately be decided in court.

A Crimo family attorney, Steve Greenberg, told the Chicago Tribune that the father was not aware of the threats when he helped his son with the application because his son lived with another relative at the time.

Asked if the suspect’s parents might face any charges as a consequence of what their son did, Greenberg told The Associated Press on Tuesday that “there is zero chance they will be charged with anything criminal.” He added: “They didn’t do anything wrong.”

Park’s report before granting the license.

A statement from state police said only that “there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger” to deny the application.

Under Illinois law, if Crimo had a felony conviction or had been committed for major mental health problems, he likely would not have gotten the license. He had no such record.