More details on Carson City IHOP shooter's weapons

Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong released more details about the IHOP shooter Eduardo Sencion's weapons, including that he fired 60 rounds from an assault rifle that had been converted to a fully automatic weapon.

Here is the press release by Furlong:

On September 6th, Carson City was shocked by automatic gunfire at the South Carson City IHOP restaurant. The incident left 4 victims dead, 7 injured, and a dead gunman at the scene. The Sheriff's Office is now releasing information pertaining to the weapons possessed by the shooter, Eduardo Sencion, at the time of the shooting.

Sencion was found with an apparent fatal self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Near his body was a .38 caliber revolver pistol and an assault rifle. Inside the vehicle, an additional pistol and semi-automatic assault rifle were located. The weapons were seized by Sheriff's Deputies and ATF agents at the scene.

The assault weapon used in the shooting has been identified as a Norinco Mak 90. The Mac 90 is a Chinese made modified version of the Russian made AK47. It is manufactured as a semi-automatic sport rifle firing 7.62mm or 5.56mm ammunition. In this case, 7.62mm ammunition was used and approximately 60 rounds were fired. In addition to the weapon, Investigators recovered 16 magazines (1 empty) associated with the weapon at the scene. Each magazine had a 30-round capacity.

Investigators have determined that the weapon was last sold by a private party in California to an unknown buyer over 5 years ago. The weapon was apparently later altered to function as an automatic weapon. The alteration was described by ATF as professionally gunsmithed by and unknown person. The possession of this weapon in its manufactured state (semi-automatic) is not prohibited by Nevada State Law.

It has been unlawful since 1934 (National Firearms Act) for civilians to own machine guns without special permission from the U.S. Treasury Department. Machine guns are subject to a tax every time their ownership changes from one federally registered owner to another, and each weapon is subject to tax when it is made, and it must be registered with ATF. The state of Nevada provides no further restrictions than those imposed by the federal government that are pertinent to the "IHOP Incident".

Also located in Sencion's vehicle was a Romarm AK47 semi-automatic rifle and Glock a semi-automatic handgun. All of these weapons were in manufacturer condition.

The Carson City Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the source of weapon alterations and the identities of those who owned the weapon previous to Sencion. The Nevada Revised Statutes allows for the private sale of weapons and sellers are permitted, but not required, to perform background checks on the purchaser (NRS 202.254). Failure of a seller to perform a background check does not give rise to a civil or criminal cause of action.

As it pertains to Eduardo Sencion, Nevada State CCW Permitting and Federal Firearms Licensing processes prescribed by law are not pertinent to this investigation, as no apparent licensing or permits were ever requested or issued. Speculation regarding Sension's mental health history and ability to obtain weapons have no current bearing on the investigation.

Carson City Sheriff's and ATF agents continue to investigate the IHOP Shooting. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Carson City Sheriff's Office, Detective Division, at 887-2500.

Kenny Furlong
Ken Furlong
Sheriff