US News

Navy Yard shooter did not use AR-15 assault rifle

Aaron Alexis did not use an AR-15 assault rifle in his Navy Yard killing spree Monday, authorities said Tuesday.

Alexis rented the deadly weapon, but returned it before unleashing his deadly wrath on innocent victims, relying instead on a legally-purchased shotgun he bought the week before and two handguns he picked up at the scene, federal officials said.

A salesman at a suburban Virginia gun shop told the Post that Alexis, 34, a discharged Navy engineer, bought a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun, and went through the required waiting period and background check.

“He bought a very basic gun,” the salesman at Sharpshooters Small Arms Range in Lorton, Va. said. “It holds six rounds. It’s the cheapest on the rack.”

The salesman said the model Alexis bought goes for $419.

“People come and people go,” he said. “But he seemed like a normal person. There was nothing off about him. We get a lot of people in here. From civilians to military to secret service.”

The salesman said the sale complied with the law.

Aaron AlexisGetty Images

“ Every sale is by the books,” he said. “Usually people tell us what they want to use the gun for whether it’s home security or whatnot. I don’t recall if he said anything, just that he was interested in the gun.”

Investigators are still sorting out whether he brought additional weapons or got them from guards after launching his attack.