ATF says E. Washington source of Mexico guns

YAKIMA, Wash. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says Washington is the No. 4 source of illegal guns in Mexico. Agent Steve Foreman told a forum Thursday in Yakima that gun shows in Eastern Washington are the main problem because unlicensed dealers avoid making background checks on the buyers. Foreman said the investigation into one drug cartel shootout in Tijuana traced 15 pistols and rifles back to the Tri-Cities. The Yakima Herald-Republic reports representatives from 27 cities attended the forum at the Yakima Convention Center.