Which of the following questions can a firearms examiner typically answer regarding a shooting?

A firearms examiner plays a crucial role in analyzing evidence related to gun use in criminal cases. The ability to determine the angle and distance from which a gun was fired is a key aspect of forensic ballistics. This analysis involves examining the bullet's trajectory, the characteristics of the bullet itself, and any impact marks left at the scene. By understanding these factors, an examiner can provide valuable insights into the positioning of the shooter relative to the target, which is critical information in reconstructing the events of a shooting.

The other options, while relevant to a shooting investigation, fall outside the typical expertise and capabilities of a firearms examiner. Determining who was present at the time of the shooting involves witness statements and other investigative techniques that are not within the purview of a firearms analysis. Identifying the specific brand of ammunition used can often be managed if the bullet remains intact and identifiable, but this alone does not provide context about the shooting event itself. Finally, assessing whether a shooter was under the influence requires toxicology testing rather than firearm analysis.