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
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Patrick Swayze, whose good looks and sympathetic performances in films such as Dirty Dancing and Ghost made him a romantic idol to millions, died Monday. He was 57. Patrick Swayze's doctor said in March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Swayze died of pancreatic cancer, his publicist, Annett Wolf, told CNN. Swayze's doctor, Dr. George Fisher, revealed in early March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from the disease. Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months, Wolf said in a statement Monday.