bearingarms--2020-03-16--Hawaii Gun Violence Commission Would Be Exempt From Sunshine Laws

The state of Hawaii wants to create a “ gun violence commission ” that would take a look at the issue .
This isn ’ t unusual .
Several states have them , though whether they ’ re doing any good or not still remains to be seen .
However , such commissions make good political theater .
It ’ s a way to look like you ’ re serious on an issue without having to actually do a whole lot of anything .
Further , it ’ s also a way to put a rubber stamp on measures you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some degree of justification .
In and of themselves , such commissions aren ’ t a huge deal .
That is unless they ’ re trying to evade sunshine laws .
Hawaii lawmakers want to set up a new commission to study and address gun violence and violent crimes but its meetings would be closed to the public and it wouldn ’ t have to release its records .
In the wake of the January incident on Hibiscus Drive that killed two Honolulu police officers and torched several Diamond Head homes , legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring together law enforcement and mental health agencies to share information and resources to prevent such incidents , said state Rep. Chris Lee , a main sponsor of House Bill 2744 .
“ This commission would put them all at the same table , ” he said .
Hopefully , that would lead to better responses and save lives , he added .
However , the public would not be clued into the commission ’ s work as the bill seeks to make it exempt from the state ’ s open records and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature of relevant data and information , ” according to the bill .
“ If we ’ re trying to create laws that are going to stop mass shootings and deter criminals , we don ’ t want to open up the discussion about where our vulnerabilities are to the public , ” Lee said .
That provision has received some pushback as the bill moved forward last week in the Senate .
First , understand that criminals already know where the vulnerabilities are .
Someone has already figured them out and exploited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their buddies how they did it .
You ’ re not really going to reveal anything to anyone .
Plus , gun rights activists in the state have already criticized the commission ’ s makeup as being blatantly one-sided .
In anti-gun Hawaii , we all know what kinds of things we ’ re going to start seeing from the commission .
I can ’ t help but wonder if the real reason they don ’ t want the commission to be scrutinized by the public is they don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters as they come up , but instead want to dump everything at once so Second Amendment supporters are unable to challenge matters comprehensively .
If you have 50 recommendations that all drop at once , but ten of which are “ total gun ban ” variations , it ’ s harder for pro-gun groups to address all 50 suggestions .
They ’ ll have to focus on the most egregious ones , thus allowing the others to slide right on by .
Then again , maybe I ’ m giving them too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not that sneaky .
Perhaps they really are stupid enough to believe the bad guys don ’ t know their vulnerabilities .
In that case , don ’ t expect great things out of this commission .
Of course , I wouldn ’ t recommend great things out of the commission anyway .
This is Hawaii , after all .
It ’ s anti-gun and likes it that way .

The state of Hawaii wants to create a “gun violence commission” that would take a look at the issue. This isn’t unusual. Several states have them, though whether they’re doing any good or not still remains to be seen.
However, such commissions make good political theater. It’s a way to look like you’re serious on an issue without having to actually do a whole lot of anything. Further, it’s also a way to put a rubber stamp on measures you want to pass anyone, but need some degree of justification.
In and of themselves, such commissions aren’t a huge deal.
That is unless they’re trying to evade sunshine laws.
Hawaii lawmakers want to set up a new commission to study and address gun violence and violent crimes but its meetings would be closed to the public and it wouldn’t have to release its records. In the wake of the January incident on Hibiscus Drive that killed two Honolulu police officers and torched several Diamond Head homes, legislators have been thinking about possible ways to bring together law enforcement and mental health agencies to share information and resources to prevent such incidents, said state Rep. Chris Lee, a main sponsor of House Bill 2744. “This commission would put them all at the same table,” he said. Hopefully, that would lead to better responses and save lives, he added. … However, the public would not be clued into the commission’s work as the bill seeks to make it exempt from the state’s open records and meetings law “to protect the sensitive nature of relevant data and information,” according to the bill. “If we’re trying to create laws that are going to stop mass shootings and deter criminals, we don’t want to open up the discussion about where our vulnerabilities are to the public,” Lee said. That provision has received some pushback as the bill moved forward last week in the Senate.
Yeah, can’t imagine why.
First, understand that criminals already know where the vulnerabilities are. Someone has already figured them out and exploited them, as well as having told their buddies how they did it. You’re not really going to reveal anything to anyone.
Plus, gun rights activists in the state have already criticized the commission’s makeup as being blatantly one-sided. In anti-gun Hawaii, we all know what kinds of things we’re going to start seeing from the commission.
I can’t help but wonder if the real reason they don’t want the commission to be scrutinized by the public is they don’t want to give pro-gun voices an opportunity to address matters as they come up, but instead want to dump everything at once so Second Amendment supporters are unable to challenge matters comprehensively.
If you have 50 recommendations that all drop at once, but ten of which are “total gun ban” variations, it’s harder for pro-gun groups to address all 50 suggestions. They’ll have to focus on the most egregious ones, thus allowing the others to slide right on by.
Then again, maybe I’m giving them too much credit. Maybe they’re not that sneaky. Perhaps they really are stupid enough to believe the bad guys don’t know their vulnerabilities.
In that case, don’t expect great things out of this commission.
Of course, I wouldn’t recommend great things out of the commission anyway. This is Hawaii, after all. It’s anti-gun and likes it that way.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Mag Bans Hurt The Right Of Self-Defense

Mag Bans Hurt The Right Of Self-Defense

I had a tough time titling today ’ s show , because we ’ re covering quite a bit of ground .
Dr. J. Eric Deitz , who ’ s the director of the Homeland Security Institute at Purdue University joins me to talk about the research he and his team have done into pandemics and how to best stop the spread , but we also spent some time talking about the recent research into magazine capacity and self-defense that the HSI has been working on .
Jason Rantz with radio station KTTH in Seattle also joins me today to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city , where a cluster of coronavirus infections is being treated .
According to Rantz , folks in Seattle seem to be taking the situation much more seriously today than just a few days ago , which is a good sign .
Gov .
Jay Inslee has signed an executive order that closes bars , restaurants , and entertainment options like movie theaters , thought restaurants will be able to continue to serve meals on a to-go basis .
Meanwhile , the surge in ammunition and firearm sales continues around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply in many locations .
As we reported over the weekend , there is no issue with the manufacturing supply chain , so while restocking shelves might take a little longer based on demand , there shouldn ’ t be any long-term problems with availability .
What we ’ re seeing right now is simply demand outstripping supply .
Over the past week or so Americans have bought the same amount of ammunition that they usually purchase over the span of several months , so it will take some time for ammunition manufacturers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other issues that we ’ re looking at are the emergency declarations that are being signed in places like Champaign , Illinois and New Orleans , Louisiana that include the possible ban on transporting or transferring firearms .
While no city has actually tried to implement those orders , it ’ s possible that we could see it in the future .
On an upcoming Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co we ’ ll be taking a closer look at these declarations , and the likelihood of court challenges to the language dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms .
In addition to today ’ s interviews , we also have a case of armed self-defense out of the Houston area , as well as a lifesaving police officer in Kansas City who was in the right place at the right time to save a choking middle school student .
Don ’ t forget to subscribe to Townhall Media on YouTube , or to Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co at Apple Podcasts .
Thanks as always for watching , listening , and spreading the word !

I had a tough time titling today’s show, because we’re covering quite a bit of ground. Dr. J. Eric Deitz, who’s the director of the Homeland Security Institute at Purdue University joins me to talk about the research he and his team have done into pandemics and how to best stop the spread, but we also spent some time talking about the recent research into magazine capacity and self-defense that the HSI has been working on.
Jason Rantz with radio station KTTH in Seattle also joins me today to talk about what life is actually like in the city, where a cluster of coronavirus infections is being treated. According to Rantz, folks in Seattle seem to be taking the situation much more seriously today than just a few days ago, which is a good sign. Gov. Jay Inslee has signed an executive order that closes bars, restaurants, and entertainment options like movie theaters, thought restaurants will be able to continue to serve meals on a to-go basis.
Meanwhile, the surge in ammunition and firearm sales continues around the country, with common calibers in short supply in many locations. As we reported over the weekend, there is no issue with the manufacturing supply chain, so while restocking shelves might take a little longer based on demand, there shouldn’t be any long-term problems with availability. What we’re seeing right now is simply demand outstripping supply. Over the past week or so Americans have bought the same amount of ammunition that they usually purchase over the span of several months, so it will take some time for ammunition manufacturers to catch up.
One of the other issues that we’re looking at are the emergency declarations that are being signed in places like Champaign, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana that include the possible ban on transporting or transferring firearms. While no city has actually tried to implement those orders, it’s possible that we could see it in the future. On an upcoming Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co we’ll be taking a closer look at these declarations, and the likelihood of court challenges to the language dealing with the right to keep and bear arms.
In addition to today’s interviews, we also have a case of armed self-defense out of the Houston area, as well as a lifesaving police officer in Kansas City who was in the right place at the right time to save a choking middle school student.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Townhall Media on YouTube, or to Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co at Apple Podcasts. Thanks as always for watching, listening, and spreading the word!


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Pro-Gun Software Developer Killed In Police Raid

There ’ s a concern among many in the pro-gun community that someday , the police will come and knock down their door and round up their families , all because they have guns .
Anti-gunners look at these concerns and argue this represents some kind of paranoid delusion , that the police aren ’ t coming for anyone because of guns and anyone who thinks so probably shouldn ’ t have a gun in the first place .
They simply are incapable of taking our concerns seriously .
Which makes me wonder just what the police killing of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular conversation .
A Maryland software developer was asleep in his bedroom when police opened fire from outside the house and shot him dead , according to his family .
The Montgomery County Police Department said in a news release Friday that Duncan Socrates Lemp , 21 , “ confronted ” police who were executing a “ high risk ” search warrant at the Potomac home early Thursday .
They said a tactical unit member fatally shot Lemp around 4:30 a.m .
According to police , the officers were “ following up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though prohibited , was in possession of firearms.
” However , Rene Sandler , an attorney for Lemp ’ s family , said an eyewitness gave a “ completely contrary ” account of the shooting .
She said police have “ absolutely no justification ” for shooting Lemp as far as she can tell .
“ There is no warrant or other justification that would ever allow for that unless there is an imminent threat , which there was not , ” she told The Associated Press .
To be clear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we still don ’ t have answers to and likely won ’ t for a while .
For example , the argument that Lemp was somehow prohibited from owning firearms .
It seems he wasn ’ t a felon , so why would he be prohibited from owning a gun ?
Further , much of what transpired falls into the “ he said/she said ” camp right now .
The police are saying one thing and the family is saying something completely different .
People are basing their opinions and outrage on precisely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , and that ’ s not helping anyone .
It ’ s possible Lemp wasn ’ t awake and instead pointed a gun at an officer .
It ’ s possible that he was asleep and was gunned down in a cold-blooded hail of bullets .
We simply don ’ t have enough information to make a determination either way , so it ’ s important to be cautious right now as we evaluate the evidence .
Luckily , it seems police were wearing body cameras .
If there was wrongdoing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any maleficence can be punished swiftly and appropriately .
The investigation might also be slow-rolled , which would give us a certain degree of answers all on its own .
After all , why slow an investigation unless you don ’ t like what it ’ s finding ?
Regardless , we don ’ t really know anything right now .
News is fresh and subject to change as more information becomes available .
We ’ ll get answers soon enough and then , if what I suspect happens pans out , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be outraged and demand that heads roll .
In the meantime , let ’ s at least keep an open mind and wait for information .

There’s a concern among many in the pro-gun community that someday, the police will come and knock down their door and round up their families, all because they have guns.
Anti-gunners look at these concerns and argue this represents some kind of paranoid delusion, that the police aren’t coming for anyone because of guns and anyone who thinks so probably shouldn’t have a gun in the first place. They simply are incapable of taking our concerns seriously.
Which makes me wonder just what the police killing of a pro-gun software developer will do to that particular conversation.
A Maryland software developer was asleep in his bedroom when police opened fire from outside the house and shot him dead, according to his family. The Montgomery County Police Department said in a news release Friday that Duncan Socrates Lemp, 21, “confronted” police who were executing a “high risk” search warrant at the Potomac home early Thursday. They said a tactical unit member fatally shot Lemp around 4:30 a.m. According to police, the officers were “following up on a complaint from the public that Lemp, though prohibited, was in possession of firearms.” However, Rene Sandler, an attorney for Lemp’s family, said an eyewitness gave a “completely contrary” account of the shooting. She said police have “absolutely no justification” for shooting Lemp as far as she can tell. “There is no warrant or other justification that would ever allow for that unless there is an imminent threat, which there was not,” she told The Associated Press.
To be clear, there are a lot of questions that we still don’t have answers to and likely won’t for a while.
For example, the argument that Lemp was somehow prohibited from owning firearms. It seems he wasn’t a felon, so why would he be prohibited from owning a gun?
Further, much of what transpired falls into the “he said/she said” camp right now. The police are saying one thing and the family is saying something completely different. People are basing their opinions and outrage on precisely jack except that he said/she said right now, and that’s not helping anyone.
It’s possible Lemp wasn’t awake and instead pointed a gun at an officer. It’s possible that he was asleep and was gunned down in a cold-blooded hail of bullets. We simply don’t have enough information to make a determination either way, so it’s important to be cautious right now as we evaluate the evidence.
Luckily, it seems police were wearing body cameras. If there was wrongdoing, it’ll show up there and any maleficence can be punished swiftly and appropriately.
The investigation might also be slow-rolled, which would give us a certain degree of answers all on its own. After all, why slow an investigation unless you don’t like what it’s finding?
Regardless, we don’t really know anything right now. News is fresh and subject to change as more information becomes available. We’ll get answers soon enough and then, if what I suspect happens pans out, we’ll have plenty of time to be outraged and demand that heads roll. In the meantime, let’s at least keep an open mind and wait for information.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Mississippi Bill To Toughen Preemption Passes House

Preemption , the idea that gun laws should come exclusively from the state , is an important tool in the defense of the Second Amendment .
In theory , it means that localities can ’ t create a patchwork of gun laws that are virtually impossible for a single person to navigate .
Even an attorney would be unable to tell which lines you couldn ’ t cross without becoming a criminal .
Meanwhile , though , preemption has been under assault .
Perhaps most famously from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and his assault weapon ban despite Pennsylvania ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aren ’ t interested in playing that game .
Mississippi , in particular , has decided to strengthen its preemption law .
Basically , HB 1215 makes it so state agencies can ’ t create their own firearm rules .
While this isn ’ t a huge step , it is an important one .
The last thing someone needs is to enter a state agency ’ s office with a lawfully-carried firearm , only to find out that the moment they crossed the office ’ s threshold , they were no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bad thing and we all know it .
Even anti-gunners , if they were to be intellectually honest , would see it as a bad thing .
Luckily for them , intellectual honesty isn ’ t exactly their strong point .
Now , should this law even be needed ?
Not really .
Agencies should already know they ’ re not allowed to create law with the stroke of a pen , even within their own halls .
That ’ s not how laws work .
Unfortunately , too many agencies already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that .
Whether that ’ s a good thing or a bad thing is really beyond the scope of what we do here , but we can say that no agency should be able to say jack squat about firearms .
Among the ramifications of this are state agencies not being able to deny services to people who have firearms , something we can easily see happening in various anti-gun states .
Now , the bill goes to the Mississippi Senate for consideration , which hopefully passes without much controversy .
Frankly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No one should have to worry about whether they ’ ll be breaking the law simply because some bureaucrat decided they didn ’ t like guns and doesn ’ t want them around .
That ’ s why we have a legislative process , after all .
It ’ s to prevent tin-pot dictators from taking power and infringing on the rights of good , honest people .
That ’ s precisely what happens when agencies decide they can create laws about guns at any level .
Good on Mississippi for taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trainwreck from happening .
It ’ s beyond time for states to take similar steps to prevent bureaucrats from trampling on the right to keep and bear arms .
Mississippi is doing this now , but a whole lot of other states need to follow their lead on this .

Preemption, the idea that gun laws should come exclusively from the state, is an important tool in the defense of the Second Amendment. In theory, it means that localities can’t create a patchwork of gun laws that are virtually impossible for a single person to navigate. Even an attorney would be unable to tell which lines you couldn’t cross without becoming a criminal.
Meanwhile, though, preemption has been under assault. Perhaps most famously from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and his assault weapon ban despite Pennsylvania’s preemption law.
Other states, however, aren’t interested in playing that game. Mississippi, in particular, has decided to strengthen its preemption law.
On Tuesday, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 1215 by Rep. Shane Barnett (R-Greene, Perry & Wayne Cos). The House approved this positive change to the state firearms preemption statute by a vote of 81-36. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Basically, HB 1215 makes it so state agencies can’t create their own firearm rules. While this isn’t a huge step, it is an important one. The last thing someone needs is to enter a state agency’s office with a lawfully-carried firearm, only to find out that the moment they crossed the office’s threshold, they were no longer lawfully carrying.
That’s a bad thing and we all know it. Even anti-gunners, if they were to be intellectually honest, would see it as a bad thing. Luckily for them, intellectual honesty isn’t exactly their strong point.
Now, should this law even be needed? Not really. Agencies should already know they’re not allowed to create law with the stroke of a pen, even within their own halls. That’s not how laws work.
Unfortunately, too many agencies already do. Further, people are used to that.
Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is really beyond the scope of what we do here, but we can say that no agency should be able to say jack squat about firearms. Among the ramifications of this are state agencies not being able to deny services to people who have firearms, something we can easily see happening in various anti-gun states.
Now, the bill goes to the Mississippi Senate for consideration, which hopefully passes without much controversy.
Frankly, the people of Mississippi deserve it. No one should have to worry about whether they’ll be breaking the law simply because some bureaucrat decided they didn’t like guns and doesn’t want them around. That’s why we have a legislative process, after all. It’s to prevent tin-pot dictators from taking power and infringing on the rights of good, honest people.
That’s precisely what happens when agencies decide they can create laws about guns at any level.
Good on Mississippi for taking a step toward preventing that kind of trainwreck from happening. It’s beyond time for states to take similar steps to prevent bureaucrats from trampling on the right to keep and bear arms. Mississippi is doing this now, but a whole lot of other states need to follow their lead on this.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Idaho Committee Nixes Armed School Staff Legislation

A bill to allow staff and teachers in public schools to carry with an enhanced firearms permit died in a Senate committee on Friday after a narrow 5-4 vote to scuttle the legislation .
Supporters of the bill want districts to have the flexibility to have armed school staff , particularly in rural locations where law enforcement response time may be a half-hour or longer , but opponents of the measure said that the training requirements for the enhanced carry license weren ’ t strong enough for their liking Idaho Sheriff ’ s Association Executive Director Vaughn Killeen testified against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one-day class for enhanced concealed carry permits is insufficient to carry on school grounds .
“ If you have an untrained teacher , sometimes that person can be just as dangerous as someone else in a setting like that , ” he said .
The bill failed 5 to 4 .
All three Republican members who opposed the bill cited the training concern .
Meanwhile , GOP committee members sent a bill to expand permitless concealed carry rights to out of staters to the Senate floor on a party-line vote .
Training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to state , and in many cases it ’ s left up to the school district to decide what training should be required .
In Utah , only a concealed carry license is necessary , while in Ohio , the FASTER training program has put thousands of educators through multiple days of training , including firearms instruction , simulations , first aid , de-escalation techniques , and more .
I suspect that this bill will be back next year , and I ’ d encourage the bill ’ s sponsor to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded outside of Ohio to Colorado in the past few years .
There ’ s no reason why similar training couldn ’ t be offered to every Idaho educator that wants it , and we already know the training works .
That should satisfy any concerns from Republican lawmakers , and allow for rural school districts in the state to have a first line of defense in case of an attack on the school grounds .
In the meantime , as Idaho Public Radio noted , lawmakers did send a bill to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idaho from other states , which would be a great improvement to the state ’ s existing permitless carry provisions .
The state ’ s constitutional carry law went into effect in 2016 , but only applies to residents of the state .
Out-of-staters can still carry as long as they have a license issued by their home state ( Idaho recognizes all licenses issued by other states , though only 20 states recognize Idaho ’ s concealed carry license ) .
If this measure passes , then Idaho will have true constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the chances are good that this will get to the governor ’ s desk .

A bill to allow staff and teachers in public schools to carry with an enhanced firearms permit died in a Senate committee on Friday after a narrow 5-4 vote to scuttle the legislation.
Supporters of the bill want districts to have the flexibility to have armed school staff, particularly in rural locations where law enforcement response time may be a half-hour or longer, but opponents of the measure said that the training requirements for the enhanced carry license weren’t strong enough for their liking
Idaho Sheriff’s Association Executive Director Vaughn Killeen testified against the bill last week. He said the one-day class for enhanced concealed carry permits is insufficient to carry on school grounds. “If you have an untrained teacher, sometimes that person can be just as dangerous as someone else in a setting like that,” he said. The bill failed 5 to 4. All three Republican members who opposed the bill cited the training concern. Meanwhile, GOP committee members sent a bill to expand permitless concealed carry rights to out of staters to the Senate floor on a party-line vote.
Training standards for armed school staff vary from state to state, and in many cases it’s left up to the school district to decide what training should be required. In Utah, only a concealed carry license is necessary, while in Ohio, the FASTER training program has put thousands of educators through multiple days of training, including firearms instruction, simulations, first aid, de-escalation techniques, and more.
I suspect that this bill will be back next year, and I’d encourage the bill’s sponsor to look into the FASTER program, which has expanded outside of Ohio to Colorado in the past few years. There’s no reason why similar training couldn’t be offered to every Idaho educator that wants it, and we already know the training works. That should satisfy any concerns from Republican lawmakers, and allow for rural school districts in the state to have a first line of defense in case of an attack on the school grounds.
In the meantime, as Idaho Public Radio noted, lawmakers did send a bill to expand constitutional carry protections to those coming into Idaho from other states, which would be a great improvement to the state’s existing permitless carry provisions. The state’s constitutional carry law went into effect in 2016, but only applies to residents of the state. Out-of-staters can still carry as long as they have a license issued by their home state (Idaho recognizes all licenses issued by other states, though only 20 states recognize Idaho’s concealed carry license). If this measure passes, then Idaho will have true constitutional carry, and right now it looks like the chances are good that this will get to the governor’s desk.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--CA Lawmaker Wants To Modify State Microstamping Law

Any California gun owner will tell you that the state ’ s “ microstamping ” law has played havoc with their ability to purchase handguns since it was put on the books back in 2007 .
No new models of handguns have been made available for sale since , because manufacturers simply can ’ t comply with the law , which mandates each new handgun model in the state be able to imprint a unique identifying code on two separate locations of the cartridge of a bullet when the gun is fired .
Now Assemblyman David Chiu , a Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modify the bill in the hopes that he can make manufacturers comply with California ’ s mandate to microstamp .
While that might possibly entice some manufacturers to attempt to comply with the microstamping law , Chiu ’ s bill would have a devastating impact on the handguns that are currently for sale in the state .
Under the measure , for each new gun model introduced in California with the microstamping technology , the attorney general would remove three that do not meet the standard from a list of handguns certified for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for unsafe guns to be phased out and safer guns that assist with crime-solving to enter the market , ” said Chiu , a San Francisco Democrat .
And the National Shooting Sports Association ’ s Mark Oliva notes that , even with Chiu ’ s modification to the microstamping law , criminals can still easily thwart the technology .
He said the etching on a firing pin does not provide a legible imprint on every bullet casing and can easily be removed with sandpaper or by switching out the engraved firing pin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t work every time , ” he said .
“ There are better ways to address the crime problems that California has than putting new requirements on manufacturers.
” Oliva said the microstamping requirement is already infringing on gun rights in the state by choking off access to semiautomatic pistols as older models fall off the certified handguns list .
He said continuing to pursue the “ failed technology ” of microstamping amounts to an empty gesture by lawmakers .
“ They don ’ t seem to hear about a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love , ” he said .
Oliva ’ s right that the state is already infringing on the right to keep and bear arms by winnowing the list of handguns that are available for sale in the state .
Based on the long lines at gun stores around California this past weekend , there are plenty of residents who are very interested in exercising their Second Amendment rights at the moment , but the state has made it much more difficult to do so thanks to gun laws like a ten-day waiting period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatically reduced the options for handguns available to purchase .
Chiu ’ s legislation is just another attempt to impose a burden on firearms manufacturers and limit the Second Amendment rights of Californians .
The state ’ s microstamping law doesn ’ t need to be modified , it needs to be repealed .

Any California gun owner will tell you that the state’s “microstamping” law has played havoc with their ability to purchase handguns since it was put on the books back in 2007. No new models of handguns have been made available for sale since, because manufacturers simply can’t comply with the law, which mandates each new handgun model in the state be able to imprint a unique identifying code on two separate locations of the cartridge of a bullet when the gun is fired.
Now Assemblyman David Chiu, a Democrat from San Francisco, is seeking to modify the bill in the hopes that he can make manufacturers comply with California’s mandate to microstamp.
On Monday, Assemblyman David Chiu will introduce AB2847, which would require that semiautomatic pistols sold in the state leave a single unique imprint on bullets that are fired — rather than two, as currently required. The marking, which reveals a gun’s make, model and serial number, is meant to help law enforcement investigations.
While that might possibly entice some manufacturers to attempt to comply with the microstamping law, Chiu’s bill would have a devastating impact on the handguns that are currently for sale in the state.
Under the measure, for each new gun model introduced in California with the microstamping technology, the attorney general would remove three that do not meet the standard from a list of handguns certified for sale. “It creates a mechanism for unsafe guns to be phased out and safer guns that assist with crime-solving to enter the market,” said Chiu, a San Francisco Democrat.
And the National Shooting Sports Association’s Mark Oliva notes that, even with Chiu’s modification to the microstamping law, criminals can still easily thwart the technology.
He said the etching on a firing pin does not provide a legible imprint on every bullet casing and can easily be removed with sandpaper or by switching out the engraved firing pin with an unmarked spare. “It doesn’t work every time,” he said. “There are better ways to address the crime problems that California has than putting new requirements on manufacturers.” Oliva said the microstamping requirement is already infringing on gun rights in the state by choking off access to semiautomatic pistols as older models fall off the certified handguns list. He said continuing to pursue the “failed technology” of microstamping amounts to an empty gesture by lawmakers. “They don’t seem to hear about a gun control idea that they don’t love,” he said.
Oliva’s right that the state is already infringing on the right to keep and bear arms by winnowing the list of handguns that are available for sale in the state. Based on the long lines at gun stores around California this past weekend, there are plenty of residents who are very interested in exercising their Second Amendment rights at the moment, but the state has made it much more difficult to do so thanks to gun laws like a ten-day waiting period, and the microstamping law which has dramatically reduced the options for handguns available to purchase.
Chiu’s legislation is just another attempt to impose a burden on firearms manufacturers and limit the Second Amendment rights of Californians. The state’s microstamping law doesn’t need to be modified, it needs to be repealed.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Ralph Northam: Gun Salesman Of The Year

Ralph Northam: Gun Salesman Of The Year

For eight years , gun sales continued to increase as many felt concern over their right to keep and bear arms would come under attack by a vehemently anti-Second Amendment Obama administration .
While Obama did make a few anti-gun moves , he didn ’ t have a complicit legislature that would go along with his whims .
The best he could do were some executive orders .
With the threat of a Hillary Clinton administration looking like a certainty , manufacturers dug in and tried to get ahead of the potential demand that they only saw increasing… …only to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , it seems Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is ready to step in and take the crown as gun salesman of the year .
Firearms sales skyrocketed in Virginia and also increased nationally in February , according to new data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation ( NSSF ) .
The NSSF ’ s adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System ( NICS ) data shows that Virginia performed nearly 66,000 background checks in February alone , a 63.4 % increase from the roughly 40,000 performed a year earlier .
Virginia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , dating back to last November , when the most recent elections took place .
The rise coincides with a newly elected legislature that is increasingly hostile towards the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms .
Multiple pieces of legislation , including a limit on handgun purchases , a red-flag law and much more , advanced during the state ’ s 2020 Legislative Session .
“ It ’ s a trend we ’ re seeing in Virginia .
What that ’ s telling us is that Virginians are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislature and governor are not listening to their citizens , ” Mark Oliva , NSSF public affairs director , told America ’ s 1st Freedom .
“ We defeated probably the most-egregious bill , still , some very bad ones went through .
[ Virginians ] are buying the firearms they want while they can before their rights are infringed.
” The debate about guns in Virginia and the potential for civil unrest stemming from those laws has also managed to spur a nearly 17 percent increase in gun sales across the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because of Virginia ’ s huge bump in gun sales , it doesn ’ t account for it all .
Instead , a lot of people are looking at Virginia and trying to buy up guns just in case .
After all , Northam ’ s antics have sparked many to be worried about a civil war beginning in the Old Dominion State and then spreading across the nation .
It ’ s not a completely unreasonable concern , either .
After all , Northam ’ s proposals are downright draconian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns and the media ’ s warning that public opinion supports them on this–something I ’ m not really convinced of , to be sure–then it ’ s a perfect storm to effectively kill the so-called “ Trump Slump.
” That ’ s a win for manufacturers , at least in the short term , but less of a win for us .
After all , as we ’ re seeing now with the Covid-19 scare , people are ready to go out and buy guns and ammo to the point that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ain ’ t just toilet paper being hoarded , folks .
That ’ s likely to help the gun manufacturers ’ bottom line as well .

For eight years, gun sales continued to increase as many felt concern over their right to keep and bear arms would come under attack by a vehemently anti-Second Amendment Obama administration. While Obama did make a few anti-gun moves, he didn’t have a complicit legislature that would go along with his whims. The best he could do were some executive orders.
With the threat of a Hillary Clinton administration looking like a certainty, manufacturers dug in and tried to get ahead of the potential demand that they only saw increasing…
…only to see Donald Trump be elected president.
Demand crashed and crashed hard.
However, it seems Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is ready to step in and take the crown as gun salesman of the year.
Firearms sales skyrocketed in Virginia and also increased nationally in February, according to new data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The NSSF’s adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) data shows that Virginia performed nearly 66,000 background checks in February alone, a 63.4% increase from the roughly 40,000 performed a year earlier. Virginia’s numbers have increased over the past four months, dating back to last November, when the most recent elections took place. The rise coincides with a newly elected legislature that is increasingly hostile towards the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms. Multiple pieces of legislation, including a limit on handgun purchases, a red-flag law and much more, advanced during the state’s 2020 Legislative Session. “It’s a trend we’re seeing in Virginia. What that’s telling us is that Virginians are voting with their wallets. The Virginia legislature and governor are not listening to their citizens,” Mark Oliva, NSSF public affairs director, told America’s 1st Freedom. “We defeated probably the most-egregious bill, still, some very bad ones went through. [Virginians] are buying the firearms they want while they can before their rights are infringed.”
The debate about guns in Virginia and the potential for civil unrest stemming from those laws has also managed to spur a nearly 17 percent increase in gun sales across the nation.
While some of the national increase is because of Virginia’s huge bump in gun sales, it doesn’t account for it all.
Instead, a lot of people are looking at Virginia and trying to buy up guns just in case. After all, Northam’s antics have sparked many to be worried about a civil war beginning in the Old Dominion State and then spreading across the nation. It’s not a completely unreasonable concern, either. After all, Northam’s proposals are downright draconian.
Couple that with the Democrats push on guns and the media’s warning that public opinion supports them on this–something I’m not really convinced of, to be sure–then it’s a perfect storm to effectively kill the so-called “Trump Slump.”
That’s a win for manufacturers, at least in the short term, but less of a win for us.
After all, as we’re seeing now with the Covid-19 scare, people are ready to go out and buy guns and ammo to the point that we’re starting to see shortages reported. It ain’t just toilet paper being hoarded, folks.
That’s likely to help the gun manufacturers’ bottom line as well.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--Some Sheriffs Finding Ways To Process CCW Licenses During Pandemic

I ’ ve written quite a bit here in the past couple of days about the number of sheriffs ’ offices and local courts that are temporarily suspending the approval of concealed carry licenses , not because of any attempt to disarm citizens , but to protect the deputies and court workers so that the system can function during the coronavirus pandemic and the current attempts to flatten the curve of new cases .
One sheriff ’ s office in West Virginia is trying to find a good middle ground between protecting the front-facing staff and deputies and ensuring that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concealed carry license .
The Monongalia County Sheriff ’ s Office says it will continue processing concealed carry renewals , but only through the mail .
Beginning March 19 , the access door to the sheriff ’ s office lobby will be closed to non-essential personnel , except in emergencies , according to a press release .
Fingerprinting will also be temporarily suspended for the general public .
The sheriff ’ s office said new concealed carry applications will not be accepted until further notice because of personal contact with personnel .
Renewal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only by mail , which will require anyone doing so to send a money order for payment of any fees .
Questions on this process can be directed to 304-291-7260 .
There is at least one sheriff still accepting concealed carry applications at the moment .
The Montgomery County , Ohio Sheriff ’ s Office is still accepting applications and renewals for concealed carry , but the office has shifted to an appointment-only system to limit the number of people inside the building and in contact with employees .
Perhaps the easiest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all 50 states to announce that expiring concealed carry licenses will be extended an additional 90 days , or 60 days after the issuing authority begins processing applications and renewals again .
Of course , there are plenty of anti-gun governors who might balk at such a step , but at a time when Los Angeles is letting inmates out early and the Legal Aid Society of New York is calling for an end to all arrests in the city during the pandemic , it seems silly for any gun control supporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arresting and locking up individuals for carrying with an expired license .
Cam Edwards has covered the 2nd Amendment for more than 15 years as a broadcast and online journalist , as well as the co-author of `` Heavy Lifting : Grow Up , Get a Job , Start a Family , and Other Manly Advice '' with Jim Geraghty .
He lives outside of Farmville , Virginia with his family .
https : //bearingarms.com/author/camedwards/

I’ve written quite a bit here in the past couple of days about the number of sheriffs’ offices and local courts that are temporarily suspending the approval of concealed carry licenses, not because of any attempt to disarm citizens, but to protect the deputies and court workers so that the system can function during the coronavirus pandemic and the current attempts to flatten the curve of new cases.
One sheriff’s office in West Virginia is trying to find a good middle ground between protecting the front-facing staff and deputies and ensuring that people can still at least renew their concealed carry license. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office says it will continue processing concealed carry renewals, but only through the mail.
Beginning March 19, the access door to the sheriff’s office lobby will be closed to non-essential personnel, except in emergencies, according to a press release. Fingerprinting will also be temporarily suspended for the general public. The sheriff’s office said new concealed carry applications will not be accepted until further notice because of personal contact with personnel. Renewal of concealed carry permits will be done only by mail, which will require anyone doing so to send a money order for payment of any fees. Questions on this process can be directed to 304-291-7260.
There is at least one sheriff still accepting concealed carry applications at the moment. The Montgomery County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office is still accepting applications and renewals for concealed carry, but the office has shifted to an appointment-only system to limit the number of people inside the building and in contact with employees.
Perhaps the easiest and simplest solution would be for the governors of all 50 states to announce that expiring concealed carry licenses will be extended an additional 90 days, or 60 days after the issuing authority begins processing applications and renewals again. Of course, there are plenty of anti-gun governors who might balk at such a step, but at a time when Los Angeles is letting inmates out early and the Legal Aid Society of New York is calling for an end to all arrests in the city during the pandemic, it seems silly for any gun control supporter to seriously argue that we should be arresting and locking up individuals for carrying with an expired license.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--Many Get Rude Awakening On Online Gun Sales

You can buy a gun on the internet .
That ’ s what anti-gun politicians have been screaming for years now .
They swear up and down you can buy an AR-15 online and that represents a huge problem .
And , they ’ re sorta right .
You can buy a gun online .
You just can ’ t take possession of it until it passes through the hands of an FFL holder who will conduct a background check first .
The problem is , many people don ’ t really understand that .
They hear about the specter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just assume that you can do that .
This misconception isn ’ t helped by the fact that you can go to online gun stores or gun manufacturers and find what looks like a normal retail interface waiting for you .
Well , it seems that many are finding out the hard way that online gun sales aren ’ t really a thing .
Here at Omaha Outdoors , we ’ ve been inundated with inquiries from out-of-state folks – many from California – asking if we can ship them a gun directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no .
Despite what politicians and many in popular media claim , you can ’ t buy a gun online and have it shipped to your house .
Well , you could , if you were a federally licensed firearm dealer ( or federally licensed curio and relic collector ) and your home was your place of business .
Other than that , no , you can ’ t buy a gun online and have it shipped , especially across state lines , to your home .
What you ’ ll need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us is order it on our online store and select an FFL , a federally licensed firearm dealer , during the online checkout process .
We ship the gun to the dealer near you – presuming the firearm and its accessories are legal in your area – and you visit the dealer to fill out the required ATF Form 4473 and undergo the federal and any applicable state background checks .
Some states might require a waiting period – sure to be a sore point at a time when people feel the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only then can you take your new firearm home .
Now , some of the more knowledgeable anti-gunners–assuming you really can consider them “ knowledgeable ” about guns–will argue that what the term really means is using the internet to facilitate face-to-face transfers that do bypass background check procedures in many states .
The problem is , they use a term like “ online gun sales ” or “ gun show loophole ” to describe the exact same kind of transaction , a face-to-face transfer .
As a result , people think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun show without a background check ( you can ’ t ) or online .
The truth of the matter is that I believe this confusion is intentional .
I think gun control advocates actually want people to be confused by these terms , though .
I think they want them terrified that bad guys can buy guns nine ways to Sunday and if we don ’ t close these so-called “ loopholes ” then they ’ ll never be stopped .
None of that is true .
But right now , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The Covid-19 bug has a lot of people worried .
So worried , in fact , that they ’ re wanting guns .
Unfortunately , they ’ re finding out just what the gun laws in this country are like and they ’ re nowhere near the free-for-all that ’ s been described .
One little virus has just given a lot of people a glimpse behind the curtain and just how much BS the anti-gun movement has been peddling for years .

You can buy a gun on the internet.
That’s what anti-gun politicians have been screaming for years now. They swear up and down you can buy an AR-15 online and that represents a huge problem.
And, they’re sorta right. You can buy a gun online. You just can’t take possession of it until it passes through the hands of an FFL holder who will conduct a background check first.
The problem is, many people don’t really understand that. They hear about the specter of “online gun sales” and just assume that you can do that. This misconception isn’t helped by the fact that you can go to online gun stores or gun manufacturers and find what looks like a normal retail interface waiting for you.
Well, it seems that many are finding out the hard way that online gun sales aren’t really a thing.
Here at Omaha Outdoors, we’ve been inundated with inquiries from out-of-state folks – many from California – asking if we can ship them a gun directly. The answer is, of course, no. Despite what politicians and many in popular media claim, you can’t buy a gun online and have it shipped to your house. Well, you could, if you were a federally licensed firearm dealer (or federally licensed curio and relic collector) and your home was your place of business. Other than that, no, you can’t buy a gun online and have it shipped, especially across state lines, to your home. What you’ll need to do to buy a gun from us is order it on our online store and select an FFL, a federally licensed firearm dealer, during the online checkout process. We ship the gun to the dealer near you – presuming the firearm and its accessories are legal in your area – and you visit the dealer to fill out the required ATF Form 4473 and undergo the federal and any applicable state background checks. Some states might require a waiting period – sure to be a sore point at a time when people feel the need for a gun to protect themselves NOW. Only then can you take your new firearm home.
Now, some of the more knowledgeable anti-gunners–assuming you really can consider them “knowledgeable” about guns–will argue that what the term really means is using the internet to facilitate face-to-face transfers that do bypass background check procedures in many states.
The problem is, they use a term like “online gun sales” or “gun show loophole” to describe the exact same kind of transaction, a face-to-face transfer. As a result, people think you can buy a gun at a gun show without a background check (you can’t) or online.
The truth of the matter is that I believe this confusion is intentional. I think gun control advocates actually want people to be confused by these terms, though. I think they want them terrified that bad guys can buy guns nine ways to Sunday and if we don’t close these so-called “loopholes” then they’ll never be stopped.
None of that is true.
But right now, that intention is being undermined by a little virus. The Covid-19 bug has a lot of people worried. So worried, in fact, that they’re wanting guns. Unfortunately, they’re finding out just what the gun laws in this country are like and they’re nowhere near the free-for-all that’s been described.
One little virus has just given a lot of people a glimpse behind the curtain and just how much BS the anti-gun movement has been peddling for years.
Frankly, I think it’s hilarious.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--Emergency Declarations And Your 2A Rights

The number of local declarations of emergency that have been issued around the country are going to grow in the coming days , and we ’ ve already seen several local declarations contain language that would curtail the ability to buy and sell ammunition .
Is that legal ?
On today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co we speak with Amy Swearer of the Heritage Foundation and Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to get an idea of what ’ s happening right now and what the legal response might be if , in fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to attempt to suspend the exercise of our right to keep and bear arms during this national emergency .
As Swearer explains , we ’ ll likely see challenges to any attempted infringement on that right , but we don ’ t have a lot of case law to work with because we ’ re swimming in uncharted waters at the moment .
However , one case out of North Carolina suggests that even in a state of emergency , governments can ’ t simply declare our rights to be null and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of King , North Carolina instituted a local state of emergency based on winter storms , and that declaration included a ban on the possession of alcohol or firearms outside of the home .
Under North Carolina law , the town was entitled to do so , but several individuals and groups ended up challenging the ban in court , and in 2012 a federal judge sided with the individuals who sued .
We may very well see similar challenges in the near future , though I would encourage every gun owner to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to urge them not to take any action that could result in the deprivation of an individual ’ s Second Amendment rights in a state of emergency .
The NSSF ’ s Larry Keane says there was some concern that city council members in Albuquerque , New Mexico were going to impose a similar ban on Monday night , but the instead the city council did the right thing and changed its original emergency powers ordinance that had been adopted in the 1960 ’ s to remove language dealing with firearms .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement specifically addressing concerns from gun owners .
“ If we declare a public health emergency , it will be to tap into state and federal funding and allocate resources to limit the impact of COVID-19 on our entire community .
The declaration would be in step with the President of the United States , the Governor of New Mexico , dozens of other states and cities around the country including the Mayor of Rio Rancho who have already made such declarations.
” “ The legislation being considered tonight does not ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liquor sales , nor does it implement a curfew or close streets , and the Mayor ’ s declaration will not either.
“ “ Anyone suggesting otherwise is wrong , period .
Stoking fear and mistrust will only harm our efforts to fight this public health emergency as a unified community.
” So the gun stores will remain open in Albuquerque , but will they have anything to sell ?
Keane says yes , noting that manufacturers of both firearms and ammunition are already responding to the surge in demand .
The one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there are any factory shutdowns because of the coronavirus , but for now the supply chain is stable , though it ’ s having a bit of a hard time keeping up with demand at the moment .
Be sure to check out the entire show above , and thanks as always for watching , listening , and spreading the word .

The number of local declarations of emergency that have been issued around the country are going to grow in the coming days, and we’ve already seen several local declarations contain language that would curtail the ability to buy and sell ammunition. Is that legal?
On today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co we speak with Amy Swearer of the Heritage Foundation and Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to get an idea of what’s happening right now and what the legal response might be if, in fact, a city, town, or state were to attempt to suspend the exercise of our right to keep and bear arms during this national emergency.
As Swearer explains, we’ll likely see challenges to any attempted infringement on that right, but we don’t have a lot of case law to work with because we’re swimming in uncharted waters at the moment. However, one case out of North Carolina suggests that even in a state of emergency, governments can’t simply declare our rights to be null and void.
In 2010, the town of King, North Carolina instituted a local state of emergency based on winter storms, and that declaration included a ban on the possession of alcohol or firearms outside of the home. Under North Carolina law, the town was entitled to do so, but several individuals and groups ended up challenging the ban in court, and in 2012 a federal judge sided with the individuals who sued.
“While the bans imposed … may be limited in duration, it cannot be overlooked that the statutes strip peaceable, law-abiding citizens of the right to arm themselves in defense of hearth and home, striking at the very core of the Second Amendment,” Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard wrote in his order.
We may very well see similar challenges in the near future, though I would encourage every gun owner to be in contact with their local officials to urge them not to take any action that could result in the deprivation of an individual’s Second Amendment rights in a state of emergency.
The NSSF’s Larry Keane says there was some concern that city council members in Albuquerque, New Mexico were going to impose a similar ban on Monday night, but the instead the city council did the right thing and changed its original emergency powers ordinance that had been adopted in the 1960’s to remove language dealing with firearms.
The Civil Emergency Powers ordinance was initially passed in the 60s to address potential widespread rioting. City Councilman Pat Davis said the original bill includes many provisions that would be unenforceable today, such as closing down gun stores and gas stations. Under the new version of the bill, Mayor Keller will have the authority to close streets, limit the quantities of certain items sold at stores and close places where big gatherings happen such as places of worship.
The mayor’s office also put out a statement specifically addressing concerns from gun owners.
“If we declare a public health emergency, it will be to tap into state and federal funding and allocate resources to limit the impact of COVID-19 on our entire community. The declaration would be in step with the President of the United States, the Governor of New Mexico, dozens of other states and cities around the country including the Mayor of Rio Rancho who have already made such declarations.” “The legislation being considered tonight does not ban gun sales, confiscate guns, prohibit liquor sales, nor does it implement a curfew or close streets, and the Mayor’s declaration will not either.“ “Anyone suggesting otherwise is wrong, period. Stoking fear and mistrust will only harm our efforts to fight this public health emergency as a unified community.”
So the gun stores will remain open in Albuquerque, but will they have anything to sell? Keane says yes, noting that manufacturers of both firearms and ammunition are already responding to the surge in demand. The one snag, of course, would be if there are any factory shutdowns because of the coronavirus, but for now the supply chain is stable, though it’s having a bit of a hard time keeping up with demand at the moment.
Be sure to check out the entire show above, and thanks as always for watching, listening, and spreading the word.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--Maryland Legislature Approves Universal Background Checks

The state of Maryland has had universal background checks for a while…for handguns .
Long guns , however , were a completely different matter .
They weren ’ t as heavily restricted , probably in part because they ’ re also far less likely to be used in crimes .
Now , those universal background checks have failed to make Baltimore the peaceful Utopia gun control advocates often envision .
Despite that failure , though , the legislature in Maryland has been angling to expand universal background checks to include guns unlikely to be used in criminal enterprises for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it looks like they made it happen .
Now , this isn ’ t as bad as some universal background check bills .
This one doesn ’ t require a transfer for temporary loans of firearms , for example .
Then again , saying it ’ s not as bad as some universal background check laws is like saying Covid-19 isn ’ t as bad as some other diseases like Ebola .
It may be technically true , but it ’ s also kind of irrelevant at this point .
Of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it on various grounds .
Personally , though , I ’ m going to point out just how idiotic this bill actually is .
For one thing , everyone knows that criminals buying and selling guns on the black market aren ’ t remotely impacted by laws like this .
They ’ ll continue their illicit weapons trade while law-abiding citizens have to jump through hurdles .
As such , it ’ ll have absolutely zero impact on crime , especially considering how rarely long guns are used in crime .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates believe such laws are more about controlling the law-abiding than stopping criminals ?
It shouldn ’ t be .
So , if you ’ re in Maryland , it ’ s probably a good thing to go ahead and start planning accordingly .
Of course , many regularly law-abiding people will continue to buy and sell guns for some time regardless of the law .
Everyone has a limit and this is likely to go beyond some people ’ s .
I can ’ t say that I don ’ t understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocate for that .
But I get it .
Regardless , though , Maryland lawmakers have done nothing to make the citizens of their state any safer .

The state of Maryland has had universal background checks for a while…for handguns. Long guns, however, were a completely different matter. They weren’t as heavily restricted, probably in part because they’re also far less likely to be used in crimes.
Now, those universal background checks have failed to make Baltimore the peaceful Utopia gun control advocates often envision.
Despite that failure, though, the legislature in Maryland has been angling to expand universal background checks to include guns unlikely to be used in criminal enterprises for the last couple of years. Well, it looks like they made it happen.
Maryland lawmakers gave final approval Monday to a bill that will require all buyers of rifles and shotguns to submit to background checks. State law already requires buyers to undergo a computerized federal background check when buying a long gun from a licensed dealer, and the bill extends that requirement to private sales and permanent gifts of such guns. The buyer and seller would need to go to a licensed dealer, who could facilitate the check for a $30 fee. The bill’s passage represents a victory for gun control advocates, who have sought for years to eliminate what they believe is a “loophole” in background check requirements. Their advocacy ramped up over the last two years, and the legislation failed in the waning hours of the 2019 General Assembly session after the House of Delegates and the state Senate could not work out differences in the versions of the bill they passed.
Joy.
Now, this isn’t as bad as some universal background check bills. This one doesn’t require a transfer for temporary loans of firearms, for example. Then again, saying it’s not as bad as some universal background check laws is like saying Covid-19 isn’t as bad as some other diseases like Ebola. It may be technically true, but it’s also kind of irrelevant at this point.
Of course, critics of the bill are taking issue with it on various grounds. Personally, though, I’m going to point out just how idiotic this bill actually is.
For one thing, everyone knows that criminals buying and selling guns on the black market aren’t remotely impacted by laws like this. They’ll continue their illicit weapons trade while law-abiding citizens have to jump through hurdles. As such, it’ll have absolutely zero impact on crime, especially considering how rarely long guns are used in crime.
Is it any wonder why so many gun-rights advocates believe such laws are more about controlling the law-abiding than stopping criminals? It shouldn’t be.
So, if you’re in Maryland, it’s probably a good thing to go ahead and start planning accordingly.
Of course, many regularly law-abiding people will continue to buy and sell guns for some time regardless of the law. Everyone has a limit and this is likely to go beyond some people’s. I can’t say that I don’t understand it, even though I cannot advocate for that. But I get it.
Regardless, though, Maryland lawmakers have done nothing to make the citizens of their state any safer.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--New Orleans Mayor Issues Order Permitting Gun Sale Ban

I still remember watching the news footage from New Orleans in the days following Hurricane Katrina .
The Big Easy got hammered , but then the dikes broke and there were even more problems .
Among the issues was the lawlessness being reported throughout the city .
An already violent city became even more violent as people battled for whatever reasons they could come up with .
Yet through it all , the one image that has remained burned in my mind was an older woman speaking with police .
They wanted to evacuate her but she didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had plenty of food , as she pointed out , and she even had a handgun for self-defense .
That was when law enforcement essentially body-slammed her and took the revolver she was using to protect herself from the ravening hordes supposedly roaming the streets .
In the aftermath , many states started passing laws to specifically prevent gun confiscation in the aftermath of a disaster .
Now , the current mayor of New Orleans has gifted herself with the power to suspend the Second Amendment in a slightly different way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) signed a coronavirus emergency order last week allowing her to ban the sale and transportation of firearms .
She signed a follow-up proclamation on March 16 , 2020 , further emphasizing her emergency powers to “ suspend or limit the sale , dispensing , or transportation , of alcoholic beverages.
” The declaration declaring the mayor ’ s power to restrict gun sales and transportation says she is “ empowered , if necessary , to suspend or limit the sale of alcoholic beverages , firearms , explosives , and combustibles.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t confiscate firearms in the current emergency , she can damn well try and make it so no one can buy a firearm .
Look , so long as people are engaged in the trade voluntarily and lawfully allowed to own a firearm and the firearm in question isn ’ t stolen property , then the city of New Orleans has no grounds to interfere with that trade .
Especially not in a very tense time when people are legitimately worried .
Many folks , such as myself , aren ’ t as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by those who are panicking .
While that panic isn ’ t massive right now , what will happen if this becomes a prolonged thing ?
Will people get more stupid ?
Will that stupidity turn violent ?
There are a lot of people out there who don ’ t own firearms who haven ’ t expressed any interest in a firearm right now might change their mind in a week or so .
The problem then might be Cantrell deciding that no , you don ’ t get to have a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something .
By then , it might well be too late .
Any deaths from that fall on Cantrell ’ s shoulders .
Not that I expect her to acknowledge her role in them , mind you .
Besides all that , though , is the fact that the Second Amendment reads “ the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
” There ’ s no addendum to the Bill of Rights saying , “ Unless people start getting sick .
Then you should totally ignore everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second Amendment doesn ’ t stop protecting our God-given rights just because of a virus .
It ’ s time Cantrell gets reminded of that fact .

I still remember watching the news footage from New Orleans in the days following Hurricane Katrina. The Big Easy got hammered, but then the dikes broke and there were even more problems.
Among the issues was the lawlessness being reported throughout the city. An already violent city became even more violent as people battled for whatever reasons they could come up with.
Yet through it all, the one image that has remained burned in my mind was an older woman speaking with police. They wanted to evacuate her but she didn’t want to go. After all, she had plenty of food, as she pointed out, and she even had a handgun for self-defense. That was when law enforcement essentially body-slammed her and took the revolver she was using to protect herself from the ravening hordes supposedly roaming the streets.
In the aftermath, many states started passing laws to specifically prevent gun confiscation in the aftermath of a disaster.
Now, the current mayor of New Orleans has gifted herself with the power to suspend the Second Amendment in a slightly different way.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell (D) signed a coronavirus emergency order last week allowing her to ban the sale and transportation of firearms. She signed a follow-up proclamation on March 16, 2020, further emphasizing her emergency powers to “suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation, of alcoholic beverages.” The declaration declaring the mayor’s power to restrict gun sales and transportation says she is “empowered, if necessary, to suspend or limit the sale of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles.”
In other words, if she can’t confiscate firearms in the current emergency, she can damn well try and make it so no one can buy a firearm.
That’s a huge problem.
Look, so long as people are engaged in the trade voluntarily and lawfully allowed to own a firearm and the firearm in question isn’t stolen property, then the city of New Orleans has no grounds to interfere with that trade. Especially not in a very tense time when people are legitimately worried. Many folks, such as myself, aren’t as concerned about the virus as they are by those who are panicking.
While that panic isn’t massive right now, what will happen if this becomes a prolonged thing? Will people get more stupid? Will that stupidity turn violent?
There are a lot of people out there who don’t own firearms who haven’t expressed any interest in a firearm right now might change their mind in a week or so. The problem then might be Cantrell deciding that no, you don’t get to have a gun because it makes her feel uncomfortable or something.
By then, it might well be too late. Any deaths from that fall on Cantrell’s shoulders.
Not that I expect her to acknowledge her role in them, mind you.
Besides all that, though, is the fact that the Second Amendment reads “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” There’s no addendum to the Bill of Rights saying, “Unless people start getting sick. Then you should totally ignore everything here and just do whatever.” The Second Amendment doesn’t stop protecting our God-given rights just because of a virus.
It’s time Cantrell gets reminded of that fact.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--PA Gun Stores Remain Open As Non-Essential Businesses Asked To Close

Many Allegheny County , Pennsylvania gun stores are opening their doors today as the county government is asking all non-essential business to close for a period of several weeks .
The Pittsburgh Tribune spoke to several gun store owners who say their business is essential , especially in a time of uncertainty .
John Anderson , owner of Delmont Sport Shop in Delmont , said he does not plan to close his shop as he views it as essential .
“ We ’ re essential to keep life , liberty and the freedom of happiness , ” Anderson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted Monday on Facebook that it was aware of Allegheny County ’ s request to close all nonessential businesses but it planned to stay open .
“ After food and shelter , there is no greater need or necessity than the ability to protect oneself and one ’ s loved ones , ” the Keystone Shooting Center wrote .
The center said it was taking extra precautions such as disinfecting equipment and giving their employees the option to work at home .
I have been encouraging as many people as possible to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I don ’ t have a problem with these stores remaining open .
Yes , many retail establishments , bars , restaurants , and entertainment venues are shutting their doors , but John Anderson is right when he says that access to firearms and ammunition is essential to keeping life and liberty protected .
Meanwhile , though the Allegheny County Sheriff ’ s Office is suspending the processing of concealed carry licenses for at least two weeks , the staff were working as hard as possible on Monday to process as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors to the public .
“ We ’ re taking a cautious approach to the virus and the amount of people that are coming to the office , ” Kraus said .
“ We just felt it ’ s in the best interest of health and safety.
” Even before the closure was announced , nearly 100 people had gotten permits Monday morning .
The number had reached 150 by 2 p.m. Kraus said the office averages 40 to 70 permits a day .
Shortly before 1 p.m. , there were more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretched into the courthouse courtyard .
Dan Budday , of Pleasant Hills , said he let his license lapse years ago .
“ It just seemed like a good time with everything that ’ s going on and everything closing , ” he said .
While many gun stores in the Pittsburgh area are staying open , the state-run liquor stores in Pittsburgh and throughout the state will be closing Tuesday by order of Gov .
Tom Wolf .
Board Chairman Tim Holden said in a statement that he knew store closings will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting the public health crisis must take priority .
Wolf already ordered the stores to shut down after Monday in four counties in our area – Bucks , Chester , Delaware and Montgomery – where he had said there was “ confirmed evidence of risk.
” Stores in those four counties first drew large crowds over the weekend , and the liquor control board said processing and delivery of online orders would be delayed because of unusually high order volume .
The liquor control board , however , said it would adopt “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell beer and wine to go , for off-premises consumption .
Retail licensees , including restaurants , bars , hotels , grocery stores and convenience stores , also may continue selling beer or wine to go , while breweries , wineries and distilleries can continue selling their own products for off-premises consumption , it said .
I ’ m not sure why the state is closing liquor stores but allowing breweries , wineries , and distilleries to remain open , but if providing booze is an essential service , then providing Pennsylvanians with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely essential to the safety and security of residents .

Many Allegheny County, Pennsylvania gun stores are opening their doors today as the county government is asking all non-essential business to close for a period of several weeks. The Pittsburgh Tribune spoke to several gun store owners who say their business is essential, especially in a time of uncertainty.
John Anderson, owner of Delmont Sport Shop in Delmont, said he does not plan to close his shop as he views it as essential. “We’re essential to keep life, liberty and the freedom of happiness,” Anderson said. The Keystone Shooting Center in Marshall Township posted Monday on Facebook that it was aware of Allegheny County’s request to close all nonessential businesses but it planned to stay open. “After food and shelter, there is no greater need or necessity than the ability to protect oneself and one’s loved ones,” the Keystone Shooting Center wrote. The center said it was taking extra precautions such as disinfecting equipment and giving their employees the option to work at home.
I have been encouraging as many people as possible to stay home and stay away from others, but I don’t have a problem with these stores remaining open. Yes, many retail establishments, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues are shutting their doors, but John Anderson is right when he says that access to firearms and ammunition is essential to keeping life and liberty protected.
Meanwhile, though the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office is suspending the processing of concealed carry licenses for at least two weeks, the staff were working as hard as possible on Monday to process as many permit applications as possible before closing their doors to the public.
“We’re taking a cautious approach to the virus and the amount of people that are coming to the office,” Kraus said. “We just felt it’s in the best interest of health and safety.” Even before the closure was announced, nearly 100 people had gotten permits Monday morning. The number had reached 150 by 2 p.m. Kraus said the office averages 40 to 70 permits a day. Shortly before 1 p.m., there were more than a dozen people in a line that stretched into the courthouse courtyard. Dan Budday, of Pleasant Hills, said he let his license lapse years ago. “It just seemed like a good time with everything that’s going on and everything closing,” he said.
While many gun stores in the Pittsburgh area are staying open, the state-run liquor stores in Pittsburgh and throughout the state will be closing Tuesday by order of Gov. Tom Wolf.
Board Chairman Tim Holden said in a statement that he knew store closings will hurt consumers and licensees, but that fighting the public health crisis must take priority. Wolf already ordered the stores to shut down after Monday in four counties in our area – Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery – where he had said there was “confirmed evidence of risk.” Stores in those four counties first drew large crowds over the weekend, and the liquor control board said processing and delivery of online orders would be delayed because of unusually high order volume. The liquor control board, however, said it would adopt “lenient measures” to allow licencees to sell beer and wine to go, for off-premises consumption. Retail licensees, including restaurants, bars, hotels, grocery stores and convenience stores, also may continue selling beer or wine to go, while breweries, wineries and distilleries can continue selling their own products for off-premises consumption, it said.
I’m not sure why the state is closing liquor stores but allowing breweries, wineries, and distilleries to remain open, but if providing booze is an essential service, then providing Pennsylvanians with the means to defend themselves is also absolutely essential to the safety and security of residents.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--Crunching The Numbers On The Ammo Sales Spike

The folks over at Ammo.com haven ’ t just been feverishly filling online orders over the past few weeks as Americans across the country are flocking to stock up while the country is locking down .
The Ammo.com staff also been keeping track of where the surge in demand is coming from , and have released some fascinating data about the sales spike .
While many gun stores saw the increase in demand kick in last week , the folks at Ammo.com say they first started seeing a swelling demand back in late February , with a 53 % increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 15th , the website says sales had increased by a staggering 276 % percent .
Much of the online traffic appears to be coming from states that either have reported a high number of COVID-19 cases , or states that border others where clusters have been reported .
According to Ammo.com , Texans have been their biggest customers over the last three weeks in terms of volume , with sales to the Lone Star State increasing 338 % percent .
Delaware residents have also apparently discovered Ammo.com , as shipments to Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,539 % ( no , that ’ s not a typo ) .
The most popular ammo at the moment seems to be 9mm , followed closely by .223/5.56 , and .45 ACP .
Other popular calibers at the moment include 7.62×39 , 40 caliber , and 12-gauge shotgun shells .
In fact , Ammo.com says sales of 40 caliber ammunition have increased by more than 600 % for them going back to February 1st .
As for how the company is handling the surge , Ammo.com does note on its website that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our normal processing procedure .
Instead of same-day shipping , it ’ s taking an average of two to three business days to completely process , package , and ship items.
” Given the sharp increase in sales the company has seen over the past few weeks , that ’ s still a remarkably fast turnaround time .
On Tuesday ’ s Bearing Arms Cam & Co I ’ ll be speaking with Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to get another look at the staggering increase in firearms and ammunition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as an update on how the industry is handling the surge in demand .

The folks over at Ammo.com haven’t just been feverishly filling online orders over the past few weeks as Americans across the country are flocking to stock up while the country is locking down. The Ammo.com staff also been keeping track of where the surge in demand is coming from, and have released some fascinating data about the sales spike.
While many gun stores saw the increase in demand kick in last week, the folks at Ammo.com say they first started seeing a swelling demand back in late February, with a 53% increase in sales on February 23rd. By March 15th, the website says sales had increased by a staggering 276% percent.
When comparing 22 days worth of sales from February 23, 2020, through March 15, with sales from February 1, 2020, through February 22, our data shows these staggering statistics: 309% increase in revenue
78% increase in conversion rate
222% increase in transactions
77% increase in site traffic
27% increase in average order
Much of the online traffic appears to be coming from states that either have reported a high number of COVID-19 cases, or states that border others where clusters have been reported.
Vermont had no previous sales, so it ranks top on our list. Although its COVID-19 cases are minimal, it borders both Massachusetts and New York, two hot spots for coronavirus.
Delaware has seen a sales growth of 4,529%. The state’s own numbers are low, but it’s surrounded by a high concentration of cases in New Jersey and the Philadelphia area.
Oklahoma saw a growth of 1,081% in sales and borders states like Texas and Colorado, both of which have been hit hard with COVID-19.
Mississippi has also seen a significant increase at 1,049%, perhaps influenced by its proximity to Louisiana, which has surpassed 100 confirmed cases.
Speaking of which, Louisiana has seen a growth of 1,041%, which may be due to the increasing number of cases the state has seen over the last week.
Alabama, which borders COVID-19 hotspots in Florida and Georgia, has seen a sales boost of 892%.
Wyoming, which borders Colorado and its 100-plus coronavirus victims, has seen an increase of 819%.
The sales increase in Colorado reached 667%.
Idaho, which shares a border with Washington, the U.S.’s epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, has had a growth of 586%.
Oregon has seen an increase of 550%. Sharing borders with both Washington and California, the state is sandwiched between two of the first states to confirm the virus in the U.S.
According to Ammo.com, Texans have been their biggest customers over the last three weeks in terms of volume, with sales to the Lone Star State increasing 338% percent. Delaware residents have also apparently discovered Ammo.com, as shipments to Biden’s home territory have shot up 4,539% (no, that’s not a typo).
The most popular ammo at the moment seems to be 9mm, followed closely by .223/5.56, and .45 ACP. Other popular calibers at the moment include 7.62×39, 40 caliber, and 12-gauge shotgun shells. In fact, Ammo.com says sales of 40 caliber ammunition have increased by more than 600% for them going back to February 1st.
As for how the company is handling the surge, Ammo.com does note on its website that they “have experienced a delay in our normal processing procedure. Instead of same-day shipping, it’s taking an average of two to three business days to completely process, package, and ship items.” Given the sharp increase in sales the company has seen over the past few weeks, that’s still a remarkably fast turnaround time.
On Tuesday’s Bearing Arms Cam & Co I’ll be speaking with Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to get another look at the staggering increase in firearms and ammunition that have been sold since mid-February, as well as an update on how the industry is handling the surge in demand.


bearingarms--2020-03-17--Are Anti-Gun Areas Using Covid-19 As Excuse To Not Renew Permits?

Right now , a lot of people are freaking out over Covid-19 .
I ’ m not going to say they ’ re wrong to be concerned , either .
After all , the virus seems to be pretty nasty if you get it and while it has a fairly low probability of death compared to something like , say , Russian Roulette , it ’ s still a much higher percentage than most of us are comfortable with .
However , life also has to go on .
People still have to take care of their personal business and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our modern world .
That means keeping their carry permits up to date .
However , an anecdote shared in a story out of Washington state over at Ammoland has me more than a little concerned .
But now there ’ s a new problem , and it has gotten the attention of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms .
At least some law enforcement agencies in Washington have suspended taking fingerprints to complete concealed pistol license applications , explaining that it is for the purpose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus by person-to-person proximity .
AmmoLand News contacted a couple of agencies that have been identified by gun owners as suspending or at least paring back their CPL activity , some until April 1 .
However , that decision may be at odds with state statute , which clearly says in the first paragraph , “ The issuing authority shall not refuse to accept completed applications for concealed pistol licenses during regular business hours.
” “ We ’ ve received reports from members and concerned citizens , especially in Washington State , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or permit application services , including the taking of fingerprints , ” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb .
“ That ’ s unreasonable because the right to bear arms shouldn ’ t be subject to administrative delays.
” Obviously , Gottlieb is 100 percent correct .
Especially when you couple it with what Cam brought up yesterday with applications being delayed in many places , though those changes have a different “ feel ” to them .
These areas that are refusing to conduct fingerprinting aren ’ t suspending other operations that might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re still making arrests , for example .
They ’ re still handling fines or other administrative functions .
So why simply refuse to take fingerprints ?
The truth is Covid-19 gave them an excuse to stop doing something that , by law , they can ’ t really do .
Their hope was to at least temporarily delay the issuing of permits in some deluded hope that they ’ ll actually remove guns from their cities ’ streets .
The problem with that is that the permit holders aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem in these communities .
At best , though , this will only serve as a temporary delay .
Regardless , though , it ’ s an excuse .
It ’ s the excuse many of these agencies have been waiting for in order to try and interrupt people interested in exercising their Second Amendment rights .
It ’ s not about keeping officers from contracting the disease–there are other steps that can be taken to mitigate any risk such as frequent handwashing , etc.–but instead keeping guns out of the holsters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This simply can not be allowed to stand .
If there ’ s a silver lining to this , though , it ’ s that this is a temporary hiccup rather than something these agencies can sustain longterm .

Right now, a lot of people are freaking out over Covid-19. I’m not going to say they’re wrong to be concerned, either. After all, the virus seems to be pretty nasty if you get it and while it has a fairly low probability of death compared to something like, say, Russian Roulette, it’s still a much higher percentage than most of us are comfortable with.
However, life also has to go on. People still have to take care of their personal business and go various places in order to function in our modern world.
That means keeping their carry permits up to date.
However, an anecdote shared in a story out of Washington state over at Ammoland has me more than a little concerned.
But now there’s a new problem, and it has gotten the attention of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. At least some law enforcement agencies in Washington have suspended taking fingerprints to complete concealed pistol license applications, explaining that it is for the purpose of reducing the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus by person-to-person proximity. AmmoLand News contacted a couple of agencies that have been identified by gun owners as suspending or at least paring back their CPL activity, some until April 1. However, that decision may be at odds with state statute, which clearly says in the first paragraph, “The issuing authority shall not refuse to accept completed applications for concealed pistol licenses during regular business hours.” “We’ve received reports from members and concerned citizens, especially in Washington State, that local law enforcement agencies are suspending license or permit application services, including the taking of fingerprints,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “That’s unreasonable because the right to bear arms shouldn’t be subject to administrative delays.”
Obviously, Gottlieb is 100 percent correct. Especially when you couple it with what Cam brought up yesterday with applications being delayed in many places, though those changes have a different “feel” to them.
These areas that are refusing to conduct fingerprinting aren’t suspending other operations that might bring them into contact with the infected. They’re still making arrests, for example. They’re still handling fines or other administrative functions.
So why simply refuse to take fingerprints?
The truth is Covid-19 gave them an excuse to stop doing something that, by law, they can’t really do. Their hope was to at least temporarily delay the issuing of permits in some deluded hope that they’ll actually remove guns from their cities’ streets. The problem with that is that the permit holders aren’t the ones who represent the problem in these communities.
At best, though, this will only serve as a temporary delay. Regardless, though, it’s an excuse. It’s the excuse many of these agencies have been waiting for in order to try and interrupt people interested in exercising their Second Amendment rights. It’s not about keeping officers from contracting the disease–there are other steps that can be taken to mitigate any risk such as frequent handwashing, etc.–but instead keeping guns out of the holsters of law-abiding citizens who are out and about.
This simply cannot be allowed to stand.
If there’s a silver lining to this, though, it’s that this is a temporary hiccup rather than something these agencies can sustain longterm.