bearingarms--2020-03-13--IL Mayor Signs Executive Order Allowing Her To Ban Gun, Ammo Sales

The mayor of Champaign , Illinois has signed a declaration of a local emergency that she claims gives her the power to ban the sale of firearms and ammunition , as well as seize private property and ban the sale of food , water , fuel , and clothing .
Katie Pavlich at Townhall has more details on the order , which seems to violate the Constitution in any number of ways .
Check out some of the powers the mayor has granted to herself .
( 2 ) Order a general curfew applicable to such geographical areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole , as the Mayor deems advisable , and applicable during such hours of the day or night as the Mayor deems necessary in the interest of public safety and welfare .
( 3 ) Order the closing of all retail liquor stores , including taverns and private clubs or portions thereof wherein the consumption of intoxicating liquor and beer is permitted ; ( 4 ) Order the discontinuance of the sale of alcoholic liquor by any wholesaler or retailer ; ( 5 ) Order the discontinuance of selling , distributing , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank properly affixed to a motor vehicle ; ( 6 ) Order the discontinuance of selling , distributing , dispensing or giving away of explosives or explosive agents , firearms or ammunition of any character whatsoever ; ( 7 ) Order the control , restriction and regulation within the City by rationing , issuing quotas , fixing or freezing prices , allocating the use , sale or distribution of food , fuel , clothing and other commodities , materials , goods or services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 ) ( a ) Order City employees or agents , on behalf of the City , to take possession of any real or personal property of any person , or to acquire full title or such lesser interest as may be necessary to deal with a disaster or emergency , and to take possession of and for a limited time , occupy and use any real estate to accomplish alleviation of the disaster , or the effects thereof ; ( b ) In the event any real or personal property is utilized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be liable to the owner thereof for the reasonable value of the use or for just compensation as the case may be .
( 9 ) Order restrictions on ingress or egress to parts of the City to limit the occupancy of any premises ; ( 10 ) To make provision for the availability and use of temporary emergency housing ; ( 11 ) Temporarily suspend , limit , cancel , convene , reschedule , postpone , continue , or relocate all meetings of the City Council , and any City committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other City body as deemed appropriate by the Mayor .
( 13 ) Prohibit the sale or distribution within the City of any products which could be employed in a manner which would constitute a danger to public safety .
( 14 ) Temporarily close any and all streets , alleys , sidewalks , bike paths , public parks or public ways .
( 15 ) Temporarily suspend or modify , for not more than sixty ( 60 ) days , any regulation or ordinance of the City , including , but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , and zoning .
This period may be extended upon approval of the City Council .
( 16 ) Suspend or limit the use of the water resources or other infrastructure .
( 17 ) Control , restrict , allocate , or regulate the use , sale , production , or distribution of food , water , fuel , clothing , and/or other commodities , materials , goods , services and resources .
This is absolutely insane , and it ’ s only going to fuel panic in the city .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate lawsuit .
Not only does it violate the Second Amendment rights of residents of Champaign , the order also states that the city can seize any real property and occupy it during the state of emergency .
In Washington State , we ’ ve seen King County purchase a hotel to use as a quarantine facility for coronavirus patients , but the mayor ’ s declaration would allow her to simply take any and all private property ( in a city , by the way , that hasn ’ t reported a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Ira J. Bishop , who runs Personal Firearms Sales & Service in Champaign County , outside of the city limits .
He ’ s relieved that he operates beyond the reach of the mayor , and says to his knowledge the only gun stores in the city are Gander Mountain and a Field & Stream store , owned by Dick ’ s Sporting Goods .
As a practical matter , any enforcement of this provision of the declaration would only hurt those stores , as gun owners who live in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is , if the mayor hasn ’ t closed all the streets , which her declaration supposedly gives her the authority to do as well .
The American people are looking for leadership right now , not dictatorship .
We all understand , or should , the idea of social distancing .
We all understand the need to flatten the curve and delay the onset of infection for as long as possible in order not to overwhelm the healthcare system .
We even understand , or should , that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the ability to provide for their family .
This is a national emergency , as the president declared today .
It does not mean , however , that the Constitution of the United States can be suspended by the mayor of Champaign , Illinois .
Again , the mayor hasn ’ t tried to implement any of these breathtakingly unconstitutional measures yet , but I hope someone in Champaign files a lawsuit challenging this before she tries .
For other mayors out there , focus on the actual public health crisis instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab , or else risk ramping up the panic and fear in your community and opening yourself up to a lawsuit limiting your authority ( and hopefully ending your political career ) .

The mayor of Champaign, Illinois has signed a declaration of a local emergency that she claims gives her the power to ban the sale of firearms and ammunition, as well as seize private property and ban the sale of food, water, fuel, and clothing.
Katie Pavlich at Townhall has more details on the order, which seems to violate the Constitution in any number of ways. Check out some of the powers the mayor has granted to herself.
(2) Order a general curfew applicable to such geographical areas of the City or to the City as a whole, as the Mayor deems advisable, and applicable during such hours of the day or night as the Mayor deems necessary in the interest of public safety and welfare. (3) Order the closing of all retail liquor stores, including taverns and private clubs or portions thereof wherein the consumption of intoxicating liquor and beer is permitted; (4) Order the discontinuance of the sale of alcoholic liquor by any wholesaler or retailer; (5) Order the discontinuance of selling, distributing, or giving away gasoline or other liquid flammable or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank properly affixed to a motor vehicle; (6) Order the discontinuance of selling, distributing, dispensing or giving away of explosives or explosive agents, firearms or ammunition of any character whatsoever; (7) Order the control, restriction and regulation within the City by rationing, issuing quotas, fixing or freezing prices, allocating the use, sale or distribution of food, fuel, clothing and other commodities, materials, goods or services or the necessities of life; (8) (a) Order City employees or agents, on behalf of the City, to take possession of any real or personal property of any person, or to acquire full title or such lesser interest as may be necessary to deal with a disaster or emergency, and to take possession of and for a limited time, occupy and use any real estate to accomplish alleviation of the disaster, or the effects thereof; (b) In the event any real or personal property is utilized by the City, the City shall be liable to the owner thereof for the reasonable value of the use or for just compensation as the case may be. (9) Order restrictions on ingress or egress to parts of the City to limit the occupancy of any premises; (10) To make provision for the availability and use of temporary emergency housing; (11) Temporarily suspend, limit, cancel, convene, reschedule, postpone, continue, or relocate all meetings of the City Council, and any City committee, commission, board, authority, or other City body as deemed appropriate by the Mayor. (12) Require closing of business establishments. (13) Prohibit the sale or distribution within the City of any products which could be employed in a manner which would constitute a danger to public safety. (14) Temporarily close any and all streets, alleys, sidewalks, bike paths, public parks or public ways. (15) Temporarily suspend or modify, for not more than sixty (60) days, any regulation or ordinance of the City, including, but not limited to, those regarding health, safety, and zoning. This period may be extended upon approval of the City Council. (16) Suspend or limit the use of the water resources or other infrastructure. (17) Control, restrict, allocate, or regulate the use, sale, production, or distribution of food, water, fuel, clothing, and/or other commodities, materials, goods, services and resources.
This is absolutely insane, and it’s only going to fuel panic in the city. It should also be the subject of an immediate lawsuit. Not only does it violate the Second Amendment rights of residents of Champaign, the order also states that the city can seize any real property and occupy it during the state of emergency. In Washington State, we’ve seen King County purchase a hotel to use as a quarantine facility for coronavirus patients, but the mayor’s declaration would allow her to simply take any and all private property (in a city, by the way, that hasn’t reported a single coronavirus case).
I spoke with Ira J. Bishop, who runs Personal Firearms Sales & Service in Champaign County, outside of the city limits. He’s relieved that he operates beyond the reach of the mayor, and says to his knowledge the only gun stores in the city are Gander Mountain and a Field & Stream store, owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods. As a practical matter, any enforcement of this provision of the declaration would only hurt those stores, as gun owners who live in the city could travel outside to purchase a firearm. That is, if the mayor hasn’t closed all the streets, which her declaration supposedly gives her the authority to do as well.
The American people are looking for leadership right now, not dictatorship. We all understand, or should, the idea of social distancing. We all understand the need to flatten the curve and delay the onset of infection for as long as possible in order not to overwhelm the healthcare system. We even understand, or should, that this is going to have an impact on jobs and the ability to provide for their family. This is a national emergency, as the president declared today. It does not mean, however, that the Constitution of the United States can be suspended by the mayor of Champaign, Illinois.
Again, the mayor hasn’t tried to implement any of these breathtakingly unconstitutional measures yet, but I hope someone in Champaign files a lawsuit challenging this before she tries. For other mayors out there, focus on the actual public health crisis instead of trying for an utterly insane power grab, or else risk ramping up the panic and fear in your community and opening yourself up to a lawsuit limiting your authority (and hopefully ending your political career).


bearingarms--2020-03-13--Coronavirus Starting To Impact The 2nd Amendment

The COVID-19 coronavirus that originated in Wuhan , China is having dramatic effects on our entire society , and that includes our right to keep and bear arms .
The NRA ’ s Annual Meeting has been cancelled , sheriffs offices are starting to pause their processing of concealed carry licenses , and legislative hearings on gun control bills have been postponed , along with pro-2A rallies .
At the same time , we ’ re seeing reports of increased gun sales , at least in southern California , and I suspect that the fear and uncertainty felt by so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into new gun owners all across the country .
We talk about this and more on today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co , including some thoughts from listeners and viewers on how they ’ re preparing to socially distance themselves for a period of several weeks .
My wife is immuno-compromised , thanks to her lung cancer , so we ’ re being extra cautious at my place .
We ’ re not quite sheltering in place , but the only off-farm trips we ’ re making at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have several weeks worth of food on-hand , though that ’ s more to stay away from grocery stores and exposure to germs than fear of the stores running out of food .
Everyone coming into our home takes off their shoes and proceeds to the sink to wash their hands , and we wash them regularly throughout the day just to be on the safe side .
I wash my beard almost as often , but I ’ m not quite ready to go as far as my friend Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m willing to make that sacrifice if need be , but for now I ’ m just keeping the beard scrubbed on a regular basis .
I ’ d like to follow up today ’ s show with some more viewer/listener responses , so feel free to answer in the comments below or send me an email at [ email protected ] A few questions for you : • How well are you prepared to spend a couple of weeks at your home if need be ?
• How has your life changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , or the virus itself ?
• On a scale of 1-10 , how concerned are you about the coronavirus ?
• On a scale of 1-10 , how concerned are you about the public response to the coronavirus ?
I ’ m not an expert on pandemics or panics , but as someone who ’ s had his share of bad news , and dealt with fear and uncertainty quite a bit over the past few years , I do have a little bit of advice if you ’ re feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upheaval at the moment .
Tune out for a little while .
It ’ s really okay to turn off the television , step away from the computer , and force yourself to forget about things for even a couple of hours .
The world and all its problems will still be here when you return , but go read a book , or work on your reloads , practice your dry fire exercises , take a walk , play with a dog , lose yourself in a video game , watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else that allows you to just mentally check out for a little bit .
Think of it as a staycation for your head .
What we ’ re going through now , and what we ’ re likely to be going through over the next couple of months , is not the new normal .
It will not be the new normal .
We ’ re living in the abnormal right now , and it ’ s okay to be a little freaked out by that .
Worry doesn ’ t solve any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it may be , it ’ s important to give your heart and soul at least a little rest from the worry and strife when you can .
It ’ s not all coronavirus on today ’ s show , by the way .
We also have conclusion to an armed citizen story that began more than a year ago , as well as a 27-year old woman from Massachusetts who braved a house fire to help rescue the strangers inside .
Thanks as always for watching , listening , and spreading @ @ @

The COVID-19 coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China is having dramatic effects on our entire society, and that includes our right to keep and bear arms. The NRA’s Annual Meeting has been cancelled, sheriffs offices are starting to pause their processing of concealed carry licenses, and legislative hearings on gun control bills have been postponed, along with pro-2A rallies.
At the same time, we’re seeing reports of increased gun sales, at least in southern California, and I suspect that the fear and uncertainty felt by so many Americans at the moment is translating into new gun owners all across the country.
We talk about this and more on today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co, including some thoughts from listeners and viewers on how they’re preparing to socially distance themselves for a period of several weeks.
My wife is immuno-compromised, thanks to her lung cancer, so we’re being extra cautious at my place. We’re not quite sheltering in place, but the only off-farm trips we’re making at the moment are for necessities like her cancer treatment. We have several weeks worth of food on-hand, though that’s more to stay away from grocery stores and exposure to germs than fear of the stores running out of food.
Everyone coming into our home takes off their shoes and proceeds to the sink to wash their hands, and we wash them regularly throughout the day just to be on the safe side. I wash my beard almost as often, but I’m not quite ready to go as far as my friend Jon Stokes from The Prepared.
I did something today I haven't done in at least 20 years: shaved my face clean. My kids almost didn't recognize me. I did it for mask fitment reasons per CDC recs. I also fitted a P100 respirator, & got my eye protection together. — jonstokes.com (@jonst0kes) March 13, 2020
I’m willing to make that sacrifice if need be, but for now I’m just keeping the beard scrubbed on a regular basis.
I’d like to follow up today’s show with some more viewer/listener responses, so feel free to answer in the comments below or send me an email at cam.edwards@bearingarms. A few questions for you:
How well are you prepared to spend a couple of weeks at your home if need be?
How has your life changed already because of the response to the coronavirus, or the virus itself?
On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about the coronavirus?
On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about the public response to the coronavirus?
I’m not an expert on pandemics or panics, but as someone who’s had his share of bad news, and dealt with fear and uncertainty quite a bit over the past few years, I do have a little bit of advice if you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed by all of the upheaval at the moment.
Tune out for a little while. It’s really okay to turn off the television, step away from the computer, and force yourself to forget about things for even a couple of hours. The world and all its problems will still be here when you return, but go read a book, or work on your reloads, practice your dry fire exercises, take a walk, play with a dog, lose yourself in a video game, watch your favorite dumb comedy, or something else that allows you to just mentally check out for a little bit. Think of it as a staycation for your head.
What we’re going through now, and what we’re likely to be going through over the next couple of months, is not the new normal. It will not be the new normal. We’re living in the abnormal right now, and it’s okay to be a little freaked out by that. Worry doesn’t solve any problems, though, so as hard as it may be, it’s important to give your heart and soul at least a little rest from the worry and strife when you can.
It’s not all coronavirus on today’s show, by the way. We also have conclusion to an armed citizen story that began more than a year ago, as well as a 27-year old woman from Massachusetts who braved a house fire to help rescue the strangers inside.
Thanks as always for watching, listening, and spreading the word!


bearingarms--2020-03-13--Op-Ed Offers Hypocritical Message To Sanctuary County Sheriffs

New Mexico is an interesting place to watch right about now .
Despite warnings from a large number of their county sheriffs , the legislature passed a red flag law just the same .
These sheriffs have already vowed not to enforce these blatantly unconstitutional laws and for good reason .
They swore to support and defend the Constitution , but they ’ re also answerable to the people of their counties .
They ’ re not about to back something like this .
However , in an op-ed , we have blatant hypocrisy on display as the writer argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t enforce unconstitutional laws .
Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the “ Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act ” also known as a “ red flag ” law .
She said that any elected county sheriff who refuses to enforce the law should resign .
Given New Mexico ’ s high suicide rates , domestic violence killings and the threat of mass shootings , it is shameful elected county sheriffs are more concerned about “ Second Amendment rights ” believing anyone , including those who pose a harm to themselves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firearm of their choosing .
Elected sheriffs hide behind the Second , Fourth and 14th amendments so as not to protect or enforce the rights of others who have the rights of “ life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness ” guaranteed as much under the Constitution as the right to bear arms .
In the violent world of domestic violence , mass shootings , mental illness and suicide , elected sheriffs who oppose meaningful gun-control legislation the red flag law represents are negligent in performing their duties and responsibilities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They choose to promote their own fanatical pro-gun political philosophy and their own personal interpretation of the law and constitutional rights .
So , the writer–former prosecutor and city commissioner ( among other things ) Pete Dinelli–seems to get that it ’ s a violation of the Second Amendment , he just doesn ’ t care .
What Dinelli doesn ’ t get is that red flag laws don ’ t protect “ life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness ” because they target individuals and deny them their due process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flimsy evidence , and then allows politicians to pretend they ’ ve actually accomplished something .
Further , where was Dinelli ’ s outrage when New Mexico became a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants ?
There ’ s no constitutional clause or amendment saying that anyone who crosses the border has to be greeted with open arms , yet the entire state stood up and hoisted a middle finger to the federal government and refused to enforce laws that aren ’ t even unconstitutional .
It seems awfully hypocritical for Dinelli to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusal to enforce laws that deprive people of their life , liberty , or their pursuit of happiness when his own state turns a blind eye to criminals entering our great nation illegally .
Then again , this is par for the course with the anti-Sanctuary crowd .
It was fine when immigration laws were being ignored .
Now that it ’ s something they want to cram down people ’ s throats , though , it ’ s different .
Dinelli will have to learn to deal with disappointment , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listen to the governor or him on this .

New Mexico is an interesting place to watch right about now. Despite warnings from a large number of their county sheriffs, the legislature passed a red flag law just the same. These sheriffs have already vowed not to enforce these blatantly unconstitutional laws and for good reason. They swore to support and defend the Constitution, but they’re also answerable to the people of their counties.
They’re not about to back something like this.
However, in an op-ed, we have blatant hypocrisy on display as the writer argues these sheriffs should resign if they can’t enforce unconstitutional laws.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the “Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act” also known as a “red flag” law. She said that any elected county sheriff who refuses to enforce the law should resign. They should. … Given New Mexico’s high suicide rates, domestic violence killings and the threat of mass shootings, it is shameful elected county sheriffs are more concerned about “Second Amendment rights” believing anyone, including those who pose a harm to themselves and others, should have the right to a firearm of their choosing. Elected sheriffs hide behind the Second, Fourth and 14th amendments so as not to protect or enforce the rights of others who have the rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” guaranteed as much under the Constitution as the right to bear arms. In the violent world of domestic violence, mass shootings, mental illness and suicide, elected sheriffs who oppose meaningful gun-control legislation the red flag law represents are negligent in performing their duties and responsibilities to serve and protect the general public. They choose to promote their own fanatical pro-gun political philosophy and their own personal interpretation of the law and constitutional rights.
So, the writer–former prosecutor and city commissioner (among other things) Pete Dinelli–seems to get that it’s a violation of the Second Amendment, he just doesn’t care.
What Dinelli doesn’t get is that red flag laws don’t protect “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” because they target individuals and deny them their due process rights, take their guns on ridiculously flimsy evidence, and then allows politicians to pretend they’ve actually accomplished something.
Further, where was Dinelli’s outrage when New Mexico became a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants? There’s no constitutional clause or amendment saying that anyone who crosses the border has to be greeted with open arms, yet the entire state stood up and hoisted a middle finger to the federal government and refused to enforce laws that aren’t even unconstitutional.
It seems awfully hypocritical for Dinelli to be so upset by these sheriffs and their refusal to enforce laws that deprive people of their life, liberty, or their pursuit of happiness when his own state turns a blind eye to criminals entering our great nation illegally.
Then again, this is par for the course with the anti-Sanctuary crowd. It was fine when immigration laws were being ignored. Now that it’s something they want to cram down people’s throats, though, it’s different.
Dinelli will have to learn to deal with disappointment, though, because none of these sheriffs have to listen to the governor or him on this.


bearingarms--2020-03-13--Criminal Charges Dismissed Against NJ Gun Owner Roosevelt Twyne

Great news out of New Jersey , where attorney Evan Nappen has announced that all criminal charges against his client Roosevelt Twyne have been dismissed .
Twyne had been charged with unlawful possession of hollow point ammunition ( Hornady Critical Duty ) and unlawful transport of his handgun while driving home from work .
This was welcomed news for Mr. Twyne who has been suspended from his Armored Car Security Guard job since his arrest .
Mr Twyne expressed his extreme gratitude in thanking all those who have supported and donated to his case , making his fight for justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I suspect a big reason that the charges were dropped was because of the media attention brought to the case by Nappen .
I ’ m pleased that Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co. was first to interview Nappen about his client , and helped get the word out about the injustice that Twyne was facing .
As we reported at the time , Twyne was ( and is ) a legal gun owner and possessor of a license to carry in New Jersey who was facing multiple felonies for having his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None of that mattered when Twyne was stopped by police in Roselle Park , New Jersey back on February 8th just a block from his home , allegedly for having illegal window tint on his vehicle .
When Twyne informed the officers that he was a concealed carry holder and did , in fact , have his firearm on him , police searched him and ultimately arrested him on two felony charges ; possession of hollow-point ammunition and illegal transportation of a firearm .
Senior Associate Louis Nappen , Esq.
, added , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twyne ’ s firearm returned , licenses protected , and reputation restored .
This includes fighting the tinted windows motor vehicle offense , which is known to be used as a pretext excuse for motor vehicle stops.
” Evan Nappen , Esq.
, stated , “ His case has focused national attention of the injustice of New Jersey firearm laws .
This highlights the need to reform New Jersey gun laws to stop turning honest citizens into criminals.
” As Louis Nappen notes , now that Twyne ’ no longer facing criminal charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work as an armored car guard , but first he ’ s going to need to have his gun returned to him .
Hopefully the police in Roselle Park , New Jersey respond quickly and appropriately in returning Twyne ’ s legally owned handgun to him so he can start to put his life back in order .
There also needs to be a serious reckoning in Roselle Park over what happened .
The mayor of Roselle Park said just a few days ago on Facebook that he stands fully behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though I wonder if he ’ ll back off now that the charges have been dismissed .
Mayor Signorello claimed that Twyne ’ s arrest was “ appropriate ” , and stated that Twyne ’ s carrying of his firearm was “ inconsistent ” with the laws of New Jersey .
“ Mr .
Roosevelt Twyne was arrested on February 8 , 2020 for carrying a firearm in a manner inconsistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey following a lawful motor vehicle stop in the Borough of Roselle Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Security Officer Registration Act ) Card for his profession ; the laws of this state are clear that while driving with such a weapon , it must be stowed away separate from his person and remain unloaded .
Neither of which were the case in this incident .
Plain and simple , Mr. Roosevelt did not follow the law .
Our Police Department acted appropriately to keep our community safe .
The second amendment simply allows for “ a well-regulated Militia ” .
I support the well-thought out and mindful gun laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if you are going to own a firearm in my Borough then you must follow those laws.
” Roosevelt Twyne did follow the law .
It ’ s pathetic that the mayor of Roselle Park sought to convict Twyne before prosecutors had even decided what to do with the case , but it ’ s a demonstration of just how hostile some politicians in New Jersey are towards the right to keep and bear arms .
Signorello claims the Second Amendment simply allows for a “ well-regulated militia.
” I would encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision , because he ’ s spouting off nonsense by ignoring the fact that the courts have determined what we all know is true ; the right to keep and bear arms is a right of the People .
The arrest of Roosevelt Twyne was an injustice .
Thankfully it won ’ t be compounded with a prosecution .
Congratulations to Roosevelt Twyne , Evan Nappen , Louis Nappen , and all those who helped to achieve this outcome .

Great news out of New Jersey, where attorney Evan Nappen has announced that all criminal charges against his client Roosevelt Twyne have been dismissed.
Twyne had been charged with unlawful possession of hollow point ammunition (Hornady Critical Duty) and unlawful transport of his handgun while driving home from work. This was welcomed news for Mr. Twyne who has been suspended from his Armored Car Security Guard job since his arrest. Mr Twyne expressed his extreme gratitude in thanking all those who have supported and donated to his case, making his fight for justice possible.
This is fantastic news, and I suspect a big reason that the charges were dropped was because of the media attention brought to the case by Nappen. I’m pleased that Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co. was first to interview Nappen about his client, and helped get the word out about the injustice that Twyne was facing. As we reported at the time, Twyne was (and is) a legal gun owner and possessor of a license to carry in New Jersey who was facing multiple felonies for having his legally owned firearm and company-issued ammunition.
None of that mattered when Twyne was stopped by police in Roselle Park, New Jersey back on February 8th just a block from his home, allegedly for having illegal window tint on his vehicle. When Twyne informed the officers that he was a concealed carry holder and did, in fact, have his firearm on him, police searched him and ultimately arrested him on two felony charges; possession of hollow-point ammunition and illegal transportation of a firearm. Senior Associate Louis Nappen, Esq., added, “We now fight to get Mr. Twyne’s firearm returned, licenses protected, and reputation restored. This includes fighting the tinted windows motor vehicle offense, which is known to be used as a pretext excuse for motor vehicle stops.” Evan Nappen, Esq., stated, “His case has focused national attention of the injustice of New Jersey firearm laws. This highlights the need to reform New Jersey gun laws to stop turning honest citizens into criminals.”
As Louis Nappen notes, now that Twyne’ no longer facing criminal charges, he should be able to return to work as an armored car guard, but first he’s going to need to have his gun returned to him. Hopefully the police in Roselle Park, New Jersey respond quickly and appropriately in returning Twyne’s legally owned handgun to him so he can start to put his life back in order.
There also needs to be a serious reckoning in Roselle Park over what happened. The mayor of Roselle Park said just a few days ago on Facebook that he stands fully behind the actions of the officers who arrested Twyne, though I wonder if he’ll back off now that the charges have been dismissed.
Mayor Signorello claimed that Twyne’s arrest was “appropriate”, and stated that Twyne’s carrying of his firearm was “inconsistent” with the laws of New Jersey.
“Mr. Roosevelt Twyne was arrested on February 8, 2020 for carrying a firearm in a manner inconsistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey following a lawful motor vehicle stop in the Borough of Roselle Park. Although Mr. Twyne held a SORA (Security Officer Registration Act) Card for his profession; the laws of this state are clear that while driving with such a weapon, it must be stowed away separate from his person and remain unloaded. Neither of which were the case in this incident. Plain and simple, Mr. Roosevelt did not follow the law. Our Police Department acted appropriately to keep our community safe. The second amendment simply allows for “a well-regulated Militia”. I support the well-thought out and mindful gun laws in the State of New Jersey, and if you are going to own a firearm in my Borough then you must follow those laws.”
Roosevelt Twyne did follow the law. It’s pathetic that the mayor of Roselle Park sought to convict Twyne before prosecutors had even decided what to do with the case, but it’s a demonstration of just how hostile some politicians in New Jersey are towards the right to keep and bear arms. Signorello claims the Second Amendment simply allows for a “well-regulated militia.” I would encourage him to go and read the Heller decision, because he’s spouting off nonsense by ignoring the fact that the courts have determined what we all know is true; the right to keep and bear arms is a right of the People. The arrest of Roosevelt Twyne was an injustice. Thankfully it won’t be compounded with a prosecution. Congratulations to Roosevelt Twyne, Evan Nappen, Louis Nappen, and all those who helped to achieve this outcome.


bearingarms--2020-03-13--Guns, Tactical Gear Sales Up Over Covid-19 Fears

Yesterday , I mentioned that a lot of Asians in Southern California are buying up guns based on fears they ’ ll be blamed for the Covid-19 virus that ’ s causing panic and a certain degree of hysteria throughout the nation .
While it ’ s stupid to blame them for the virus–these are Americans , for crying out loud–I understand their concerns .
People get stupid when they get scared .
However , it ’ s not just Asians buying up guns , apparently .
And it ’ s not just guns being sold , either .
Stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tactical gear , and firearms are seeing a huge increase in sales due to the worsening coronavirus outbreak in the US .
As of Thursday , the US had more than 1,323 cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic .
Italy , as well as New Rochelle , New York , have gone into lockdown , and many major companies have urged their employees to self-quarantine .
On Wednesday night , President Donald Trump announced the US would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the United States for at least 30 days .
Bracing for the worst , Americans are stockpiling face masks , nonperishables , hand sanitizer , and toilet paper .
Prepper and survivalist stores have also seen a massive increase in sales .
According to Matt Materazo , the founder of Gladiator Solutions , a ballistic body armor and tactical outfitting store , the coronavirus outbreak has changed the kind of orders his store has received .
He said typically the majority of his business has been big bulk orders from the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , it ’ s a lot of small orders .
“ We don ’ t usually get these one , two sales , ” he told BuzzFeed News .
“ They ’ re not particularly preppers , they ’ re people who are seeing what ’ s going on and saying to themselves , ‘ where is this going ?
’ ” Materazo wouldn ’ t share specific sales numbers , but said the increase has been considerable .
“ I do of course get a certain amount of my business from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the uptick isn ’ t coming from the prepper community , it ’ s the general civilian population , ” he said .
It ’ s not very hard to understand why .
Even if Covid-19 turns out to be a big old nothing , there is still the potential for second-order effects .
China , for example , effectively shut down for several weeks .
No manufacturing was happening .
Nothing was moving .
And where do we get a lot of goods from ?
That ’ s right .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems here in the United States already .
Couple that with some Americans not being able to work and you have people not being able to pay their bills , buy food , and take care of other essentials .
It ’ s not difficult to see that leading to civil unrest as people lash out in anger over their predicaments .
I ’ m not saying this will happen .
I ’ m simply saying I can see it happening far too easily .
I mean , think about the riots we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t like who got elected president .
Imagine how it would be if people had hungry children at home and no way to get food for them because the grocery stores were empty ?
So yeah , I can see people who ordinarily wouldn ’ t bother with body armor picking up a set or two .
I can see them buying firearms and stocking up on ammunition .
I can see ranges being busy places , too , as folks knock the rust off their marksmanship skills .
Plus , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a civil war brought about by gun-grabbing politicians and it ’ s almost a perfect storm for people buying gear like this .
It ’ s probably a good thing for the industry , but the question really becomes whether it ’ s a good thing for the nation or not .

Yesterday, I mentioned that a lot of Asians in Southern California are buying up guns based on fears they’ll be blamed for the Covid-19 virus that’s causing panic and a certain degree of hysteria throughout the nation. While it’s stupid to blame them for the virus–these are Americans, for crying out loud–I understand their concerns. People get stupid when they get scared.
However, it’s not just Asians buying up guns, apparently. And it’s not just guns being sold, either.
Stores across the country selling ballistic body armor, tactical gear, and firearms are seeing a huge increase in sales due to the worsening coronavirus outbreak in the US. As of Thursday, the US had more than 1,323 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic. Italy, as well as New Rochelle, New York, have gone into lockdown, and many major companies have urged their employees to self-quarantine. On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump announced the US would be suspending travel from much of Europe to the United States for at least 30 days. Bracing for the worst, Americans are stockpiling face masks, nonperishables, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. Prepper and survivalist stores have also seen a massive increase in sales. … According to Matt Materazo, the founder of Gladiator Solutions, a ballistic body armor and tactical outfitting store, the coronavirus outbreak has changed the kind of orders his store has received. He said typically the majority of his business has been big bulk orders from the law enforcement and the first responder communities. Now, it’s a lot of small orders. “We don’t usually get these one, two sales,” he told BuzzFeed News. “They’re not particularly preppers, they’re people who are seeing what’s going on and saying to themselves, ‘where is this going?’” Materazo wouldn’t share specific sales numbers, but said the increase has been considerable. “I do of course get a certain amount of my business from the prepper community, but the majority of the uptick isn’t coming from the prepper community, it’s the general civilian population,” he said.
It’s not very hard to understand why.
Even if Covid-19 turns out to be a big old nothing, there is still the potential for second-order effects. China, for example, effectively shut down for several weeks. No manufacturing was happening. Nothing was moving.
And where do we get a lot of goods from? That’s right. China.
That’s causing some logistical problems here in the United States already. Couple that with some Americans not being able to work and you have people not being able to pay their bills, buy food, and take care of other essentials. It’s not difficult to see that leading to civil unrest as people lash out in anger over their predicaments.
Civil unrest can easily be violent civil unrest.
I’m not saying this will happen. I’m simply saying I can see it happening far too easily. I mean, think about the riots we’ve had because people didn’t like who got elected president. Imagine how it would be if people had hungry children at home and no way to get food for them because the grocery stores were empty?
So yeah, I can see people who ordinarily wouldn’t bother with body armor picking up a set or two. I can see them buying firearms and stocking up on ammunition. I can see ranges being busy places, too, as folks knock the rust off their marksmanship skills.
Plus, let’s couple this with the previous concerns of a civil war brought about by gun-grabbing politicians and it’s almost a perfect storm for people buying gear like this.
It’s probably a good thing for the industry, but the question really becomes whether it’s a good thing for the nation or not.


bearingarms--2020-03-13--West Virginia County Puts Concealed Carry Applications On Hold

The coronavirus pandemic has already helped cleared out grocery store shelves of everything from toilet paper to hand sanitizer , and now many gun stores around the country are reporting a surge in sales of firearms and ammunition as well .
One gun store owner in Petaluma , California says his store has been packed over the last few days .
“ I ’ ve sold 12 handguns in two hours , ” said Gabriel Vaughn , owner of the Sportman ’ s Arms in Petaluma , laying the guns out on his store counter .
Purchases during the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ammunition too .
“ Any time people are uneasy , sales go up , and it ’ s always the same , guns and ammo , ” said Vaughn .
While more Americans may be buying firearms and ammunition out of fear and uncertainty , if they ’ re planning on also obtaining a concealed carry license they should be quick about it .
At least one county sheriff in West Virginia is now putting all new concealed carry license applications on hold .
It ’ s important to note that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves , only the application process .
According to a source within the sheriff ’ s department , the decision was made based on the physical layout of the office where the applications are received and the CDC and WV Department of Health guidelines for maintaining safe distances between potentially infected individuals and the sheriff ’ s department employees to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
West Virginia is a constitutional carry state , so even if you ’ re a resident of Ohio County and your concealed carry license expires before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you want to carry but can ’ t apply for a license , you won ’ t be impacted .
As long as you can legally possess your firearm , you can lawfully carry it .
The biggest impact will be on those wanting to travel outside of the state of West Virginia and carry in another state .
If their license expires , or they don ’ t yet have their license , they ’ ll be unable to do so unless they have a concealed carry license that is recognized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
While the Ohio County , WV Sheriff ’ s Office is the first that I ’ m aware of to suspend the processing of concealed carry licenses , I suspect it won ’ t be the last , and if similar steps are taken by sheriff ’ s departments in states that do not have constitutional carry or open carry laws , we could obviously see a much bigger impact .
According to the Crime Prevention Research Center , there are more than 18-million 18-million concealed carry holders around the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several million concealed carry licenses that come up for renewal each year .
If the suspension of concealed carry applications and renewals becomes more commonplace , millions of Americans could see their licenses expire , and countless others will be left in limbo for their applications to be approved .
Again , if you ’ ve been thinking about applying for your concealed carry license , do not wait .
I suspect these types of closures will become much more common in the next week or two , and it could be mid-April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications again .

The coronavirus pandemic has already helped cleared out grocery store shelves of everything from toilet paper to hand sanitizer, and now many gun stores around the country are reporting a surge in sales of firearms and ammunition as well. One gun store owner in Petaluma, California says his store has been packed over the last few days.
“I’ve sold 12 handguns in two hours,” said Gabriel Vaughn, owner of the Sportman’s Arms in Petaluma, laying the guns out on his store counter. Purchases during the past week are five times normal, and ammunition too. “Any time people are uneasy, sales go up, and it’s always the same, guns and ammo,” said Vaughn.
While more Americans may be buying firearms and ammunition out of fear and uncertainty, if they’re planning on also obtaining a concealed carry license they should be quick about it. At least one county sheriff in West Virginia is now putting all new concealed carry license applications on hold.
The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office is suspending the acceptance of concealed carry applications/renewals until April 10 out of an abundance of caution. They are suspending all fingerprinting for job applications, security clearances, and personnel records.
It’s important to note that this is NOT a suspension of concealed carry licenses themselves, only the application process. According to a source within the sheriff’s department, the decision was made based on the physical layout of the office where the applications are received and the CDC and WV Department of Health guidelines for maintaining safe distances between potentially infected individuals and the sheriff’s department employees to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, so even if you’re a resident of Ohio County and your concealed carry license expires before you can get it renewed, or if you want to carry but can’t apply for a license, you won’t be impacted. As long as you can legally possess your firearm, you can lawfully carry it.
The biggest impact will be on those wanting to travel outside of the state of West Virginia and carry in another state. If their license expires, or they don’t yet have their license, they’ll be unable to do so unless they have a concealed carry license that is recognized in the state they’re traveling to.
While the Ohio County, WV Sheriff’s Office is the first that I’m aware of to suspend the processing of concealed carry licenses, I suspect it won’t be the last, and if similar steps are taken by sheriff’s departments in states that do not have constitutional carry or open carry laws, we could obviously see a much bigger impact.
According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, there are more than 18-million 18-million concealed carry holders around the country, which means on average there are several million concealed carry licenses that come up for renewal each year. If the suspension of concealed carry applications and renewals becomes more commonplace, millions of Americans could see their licenses expire, and countless others will be left in limbo for their applications to be approved.
Again, if you’ve been thinking about applying for your concealed carry license, do not wait. I suspect these types of closures will become much more common in the next week or two, and it could be mid-April or even May before offices start accepting applications again.


bearingarms--2020-03-13--Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day Postponed Over Coronavirus Concerns

At this point , it ’ s probably more newsworthy to write about an event that ’ s still scheduled , since everything from the NRA Annual Meeting to the Major League Baseball season is either being postponed or cancelled .
Put the Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in the postponed column , after it and all other large-scale events at the state capitol in Illinois were halted after the Secretary of State put new measures in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson said they are postponing Illinois Gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was supposed to be April 1 .
“ I think about all these disabled people who come in there that aren ’ t healthy anyway , ” Pearson said .
“ I can understand why they did it , you know ” Pearson said the tentative rescheduled date is May 13 .
In the meantime , he encouraged gun rights supporters to lobby lawmakers virtually .
“ Of course if they have computers they can email them and they have their lawmaker ’ s address off of the state website [ ILGA.gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You just look them up and you ’ ll see their capitol phone number and also their email .
So you can email them or simply call them.
” It ’ s good advice , given that work by lawmakers will continue even while access to the capitol by the public will be limited , at least for now .
The legislative session has been cancelled for next week , but lawmakers are supposed to return to Springfield on March 23rd .
Among the gun bills currently being considered is SB1966 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state , as well as adding more than $ 100 dollars to the cost of acquiring the required license to own a firearm in the state .
The bill is currently up in the state Senate for a concurrence vote , and may very well have already passed by the time I-GOLD rolled around on April 1st .
There ’ s nothing stopping gun owners in Illinois from calling or writing their state senators now , and that ’ s exactly what they should be doing .
It ’ s likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , but it ’ s still important for these lawmakers to hear from an overwhelming number of constituents who are opposed to these new restrictions and fees to exercise a fundamental constitutional right .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //bearingarms.com/author/camedwards/

At this point, it’s probably more newsworthy to write about an event that’s still scheduled, since everything from the NRA Annual Meeting to the Major League Baseball season is either being postponed or cancelled. Put the Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in the postponed column, after it and all other large-scale events at the state capitol in Illinois were halted after the Secretary of State put new measures in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson said they are postponing Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day, or I-GOLD. That was supposed to be April 1. “I think about all these disabled people who come in there that aren’t healthy anyway,” Pearson said. “I can understand why they did it, you know” Pearson said the tentative rescheduled date is May 13. In the meantime, he encouraged gun rights supporters to lobby lawmakers virtually. “Of course if they have computers they can email them and they have their lawmaker’s address off of the state website [ILGA.gov],” Pearson said. “You just look them up and you’ll see their capitol phone number and also their email. So you can email them or simply call them.”
It’s good advice, given that work by lawmakers will continue even while access to the capitol by the public will be limited, at least for now. The legislative session has been cancelled for next week, but lawmakers are supposed to return to Springfield on March 23rd. Among the gun bills currently being considered is SB1966, which would require fingerprinting for all gun owners in the state, as well as adding more than $100 dollars to the cost of acquiring the required license to own a firearm in the state.
The bill is currently up in the state Senate for a concurrence vote, and may very well have already passed by the time I-GOLD rolled around on April 1st. There’s nothing stopping gun owners in Illinois from calling or writing their state senators now, and that’s exactly what they should be doing. It’s likely that the bill will pass and be signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, but it’s still important for these lawmakers to hear from an overwhelming number of constituents who are opposed to these new restrictions and fees to exercise a fundamental constitutional right.


bearingarms--2020-03-13--TN Constitutional Carry Bill Clears First Hurdle

As constitutional carry bills seem bound and determined to stall out in so many other places , Tennessee is a little different .
There , the governor has thrown his full support for the measure , which is bound to help it move forward .
Even so , constitutional carry still has to pass the legislature .
The legislative path is one with a lot of potential hurdles that can scuttle even gubernatorially-backed bills easily enough .
The constitutional carry bill , however , just cleared one of them .
A Tennessee subcommittee has advanced legislation that would permit individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a permit , but gun-rights advocates say the bill doesn ’ t go far enough and gun-control advocates say it goes too far .
The legislation , House Bill 2817 , would remove all criminal penalties for a person carrying a firearm without a permit as long as that person otherwise would have qualified for a permit .
A person who would have had his permit revoked would not be allowed to carry .
It still would require a person to obtain a permit to carry a firearm in a city park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would see stricter penalties under this legislation , including increasing the mandatory minimum for firearm theft from 30 days to 180 days .
“ It increases our liberties here in Tennessee , and , at the same time , it is tough on those criminals out there that would abuse the privilege and the right to carry a firearm , ” the bill ’ s primary sponsor , House Majority Leader William Lamberth , R-Portland , told the House Constitutional Protections & Sentencing Subcommittee on Tuesday .
I couldn ’ t agree more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Plus , Lamberth also makes sense when discussing training and carrying a firearm .
Again , well said .
Right now , the bill clearly has the support of the House majority leader and the governor .
If it enjoys similar popularity in the Senate , then the bill is as good as passed .
That ’ ll be a huge win for Tennessee .
That ’ s not to say anyone can rest on their laurels right now .
I wouldn ’ t recommend that in the least .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state to turn up the heat .
It ’ s time to reach out and make it clear to your legislators that you want this bill to become law .
You want constitutional carry as well as the increased penalties for firearm theft .
Look , having a permit requirement doesn ’ t make anyone safer .
It lets people delude themselves into thinking it makes them safer .
That ’ s all it does .
Just because they ’ re comfortable with that delusion doesn ’ t mean we should allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they need the awakening that comes from their hallucinations are shattered before their very eyes .
I look forward to seeing constitutional carry in place in Tennessee very soon .
I hope it ’ s in place when I visit there this summer .
Hell , it would be nice if Georgia ’ s lawmakers took some notes on this one , but that ’ s just my personal opinion .

As constitutional carry bills seem bound and determined to stall out in so many other places, Tennessee is a little different. There, the governor has thrown his full support for the measure, which is bound to help it move forward.
Even so, constitutional carry still has to pass the legislature. The legislative path is one with a lot of potential hurdles that can scuttle even gubernatorially-backed bills easily enough.
The constitutional carry bill, however, just cleared one of them.
A Tennessee subcommittee has advanced legislation that would permit individuals to conceal or open carry a handgun without a permit, but gun-rights advocates say the bill doesn’t go far enough and gun-control advocates say it goes too far. The legislation, House Bill 2817, would remove all criminal penalties for a person carrying a firearm without a permit as long as that person otherwise would have qualified for a permit. A person who would have had his permit revoked would not be allowed to carry. It still would require a person to obtain a permit to carry a firearm in a city park. Violations of some gun laws also would see stricter penalties under this legislation, including increasing the mandatory minimum for firearm theft from 30 days to 180 days. “It increases our liberties here in Tennessee, and, at the same time, it is tough on those criminals out there that would abuse the privilege and the right to carry a firearm,” the bill’s primary sponsor, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, told the House Constitutional Protections & Sentencing Subcommittee on Tuesday.
I couldn’t agree more with Majority Leader Lamberth on this one.
Plus, Lamberth also makes sense when discussing training and carrying a firearm.
Although Lamberth said he would encourage a person to take classes if he or she is going to carry a weapon regularly, he does not believe it’s the government’s role to mandate it.
Again, well said.
Right now, the bill clearly has the support of the House majority leader and the governor. If it enjoys similar popularity in the Senate, then the bill is as good as passed. That’ll be a huge win for Tennessee.
That’s not to say anyone can rest on their laurels right now. I wouldn’t recommend that in the least. Instead, it’s time for activists in the state to turn up the heat. It’s time to reach out and make it clear to your legislators that you want this bill to become law. You want constitutional carry as well as the increased penalties for firearm theft.
Look, having a permit requirement doesn’t make anyone safer. It lets people delude themselves into thinking it makes them safer. That’s all it does. Just because they’re comfortable with that delusion doesn’t mean we should allow it to persist. On the contrary, they need the awakening that comes from their hallucinations are shattered before their very eyes.
I look forward to seeing constitutional carry in place in Tennessee very soon. I hope it’s in place when I visit there this summer.
Hell, it would be nice if Georgia’s lawmakers took some notes on this one, but that’s just my personal opinion.


bearingarms--2020-03-14--Gun Stores Start To Feel Pinch As Ammo Flies Off Shelves

The panic buying of toilet paper and cleaning supplies that have temporarily left store shelves bare is also starting to be seen in gun stores around the country , and it may soon have an impact on the availability of some common types of ammunition in the days and weeks ahead .
On Twitter , I asked folks who ’ d gone shopping in the past 24 hours to chime in and report on what store shelves looked like while they were in their local gun store .
Plenty of people reported back on bare shelves , particularly for 9mm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the experience of all who replied .
Several gun owners reported back that their local stores were still fully stocked .
Scott Ayers , the owner of Farmville Sporting Goods in Farmville , Virginia , says he ’ s been told by several distributors that ammunition is now being allocated to stores , which means that gun store owners like him can ’ t simply call up and place an order for whatever they want .
Instead , he and FFL ’ s will have to work through the local reps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will likely have to ration out orders for the time being to ensure that every store gets at least a little ammo to restock their shelves .
It ’ s important to note that this is solely because of the high demand for ammunition , and not because of any production issues .
Right now , 9mm is to gun stores what toilet paper is to grocery stores- probably sold out , but with resupplies on the way .
The good news is that the ammunition supply chain here in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead in bullets .
Rather than import primary lead from China , manufacturers in the U.S. tend to rely on reclaimed lead , like those found in car batteries .
As the National Shooting Sports Foundation ’ s Mike Bazinet explained back in 2014 , when the last lead smelting plant in the United States closed , ammunition supply wouldn ’ t be effected .
Spokesman Mike Bazinet told us for this fact-check that “ almost all the lead used in ammunition in the U.S. comes from secondary sources , recycled car batteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing of the lead smelter has not had any effect on ammunition prices or availability .
… Lead for bullets comes from secondary sources , and that was not completely understood by people out there .
We certainly tried explain that it ’ s had virtually no effect on ammunition prices.
” While some ammunition is imported to the U.S. from overseas , “ it would be pretty heavy stuff to send ( lead ) across the ocean and put into a bullet .
There are secondary sources of lead in sufficient quantity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — president of Clearwater-based Florida Bullet , which supplies ammunition to law-enforcement agencies in Florida — said its manufacturer has been using reclaimed lead for years .
So , is the surge in ammunition sales going to lead to empty store shelves , or just temporary limits on how much ammunition stores can purchase ?
Any shortages aren ’ t likely to come about as a result of problems getting component materials , but labor issues related to the spread of the coronavirus .
If factories are forced to close for a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , that could have an impact .
Some localities may even try to take a page from what ’ s being done in Italy and Belgium and close all businesses , with limited exceptions for places like grocery stores and pharmacies .
That would not only impact ammunition manufacturers , but gun stores as well .
For the moment , production and distribution of ammunition is still happening , and stores are being resupplied , though some common calibers are being limited because of the high demand .
I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States will look like a week from now .
We are living in The Great Unknown , unfortunately , and it ’ s difficult to peer through the fog of uncertainty and try to spot answers on the horizon .
My best guess ( as of March 14th ) is that we ’ ll likely see some spotty shortages in those common calibers like .22LR , 9mm , .45 ACP , and .223/5.56 over the next couple of weeks , but after that it ’ s just too difficult to predict because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facets of our daily lives , depends on how well we ’ re able to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the coronavirus .

The panic buying of toilet paper and cleaning supplies that have temporarily left store shelves bare is also starting to be seen in gun stores around the country, and it may soon have an impact on the availability of some common types of ammunition in the days and weeks ahead.
On Twitter, I asked folks who’d gone shopping in the past 24 hours to chime in and report on what store shelves looked like while they were in their local gun store. Plenty of people reported back on bare shelves, particularly for 9mm and .223/5.56 rounds.
I work in a gun shop and it’s barren. We’re out of 5.56, 9mm and mostly out of 45acp. Surprisingly we have plenty of 7.62×39 for now — Heavly.Armed.Hippy.hodl (@ArmedHippy_hodl) March 14, 2020
.22 LR gone and 9mm going quick. 12 gauge looking surprisingly good, however. — Revo Boulanger (@RevoBoulanger) March 14, 2020
Academy Sports was out of all cheap .223/5.56 and 9mm was a bit scarce. — Tmanfish (@Tmann72687526) March 14, 2020
Certainly that wasn’t the experience of all who replied. Several gun owners reported back that their local stores were still fully stocked.
👍 had plenty — nicky (@ahtd2012) March 14, 2020
Fine in Montana at the moment. Even had .22 bricks for gopher season — John O’Connell (@anvilinvest) March 14, 2020
Scott Ayers, the owner of Farmville Sporting Goods in Farmville, Virginia, says he’s been told by several distributors that ammunition is now being allocated to stores, which means that gun store owners like him can’t simply call up and place an order for whatever they want. Instead, he and FFL’s will have to work through the local reps for the distributors, who in turn will likely have to ration out orders for the time being to ensure that every store gets at least a little ammo to restock their shelves. It’s important to note that this is solely because of the high demand for ammunition, and not because of any production issues. Right now, 9mm is to gun stores what toilet paper is to grocery stores- probably sold out, but with resupplies on the way.
The good news is that the ammunition supply chain here in the United States relies primarily on secondary sources for the lead in bullets. Rather than import primary lead from China, manufacturers in the U.S. tend to rely on reclaimed lead, like those found in car batteries. As the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Mike Bazinet explained back in 2014, when the last lead smelting plant in the United States closed, ammunition supply wouldn’t be effected.
Spokesman Mike Bazinet told us for this fact-check that “almost all the lead used in ammunition in the U.S. comes from secondary sources, recycled car batteries and other sources of lead. The closing of the lead smelter has not had any effect on ammunition prices or availability. … Lead for bullets comes from secondary sources, and that was not completely understood by people out there. We certainly tried explain that it’s had virtually no effect on ammunition prices.” While some ammunition is imported to the U.S. from overseas, “it would be pretty heavy stuff to send (lead) across the ocean and put into a bullet. There are secondary sources of lead in sufficient quantity in the United States.” Tom Falone — president of Clearwater-based Florida Bullet, which supplies ammunition to law-enforcement agencies in Florida — said its manufacturer has been using reclaimed lead for years.
So, is the surge in ammunition sales going to lead to empty store shelves, or just temporary limits on how much ammunition stores can purchase? Any shortages aren’t likely to come about as a result of problems getting component materials, but labor issues related to the spread of the coronavirus. If factories are forced to close for a period of weeks or even a couple of months, that could have an impact. Some localities may even try to take a page from what’s being done in Italy and Belgium and close all businesses, with limited exceptions for places like grocery stores and pharmacies. That would not only impact ammunition manufacturers, but gun stores as well.
For the moment, production and distribution of ammunition is still happening, and stores are being resupplied, though some common calibers are being limited because of the high demand. I can’t tell you what the restrictions in the United States will look like a week from now. We are living in The Great Unknown, unfortunately, and it’s difficult to peer through the fog of uncertainty and try to spot answers on the horizon.
My best guess (as of March 14th) is that we’ll likely see some spotty shortages in those common calibers like .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223/5.56 over the next couple of weeks, but after that it’s just too difficult to predict because the answer, like so many other facets of our daily lives, depends on how well we’re able to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the coronavirus.


bearingarms--2020-03-14--Gun Bills Stall In Utah, Georgia Legislatures

Despite holding majorities in the Utah and Georgia legislature , pro-2A lawmakers haven ’ t been able to get any piece of good gun legislation across the finish line in either state this year .
Utah ’ s legislative session just wrapped up , and while no pro-gun bills made it to the governor ’ s desk , gun owners were able to defeat a couple of bad bills .
House Minority Leader Brian King , D-Salt Lake City , presented once again this year a bill to enact universal background checks on gun sales in Utah .
It met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat .
As did Layton Republican Rep. Steve Handy ’ s bill , which amounted to a third try at a red-flag law .
It would have allowed a family member or law enforcement to request a court remove a firearm ( s ) from someone who is a danger to themselves or others .
On the bill ’ s repeated failure , Handy said : “ At this point , they ’ re [ House Republicans ] getting a lot of pushback from gun rights folks and that makes them nervous.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are huge priorities for the gun control movement at the moment , and even in states where Republicans control the statehouse , like Florida , we ’ ve seen red flag bills become law .
It ’ s no small thing for Utah gun owners to have beaten back these bills , even if they weren ’ t successful in advancing any bills to protect their right to keep and bear arms .
The session isn ’ t over yet in Georgia , but lawmakers have reached the crossover deadline for bills to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and at least one solid 2A bill failed to progress .
Legislation for gun owners to be able to pull or show their firearms failed to advance to a Senate floor vote .
Under Senate Bill 224 , licensed gun owners also would have been allowed to carry their weapons in churches and in courts when there are no judicial proceedings .
Under current law , a person who pulls a gun on someone can be charged with felony aggravated assault .
Meanwhile , House Bill 787 , which would have established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concealed carry license , also appears to have stalled .
The bill passed out of a House committee back on February 24th , but wasn ’ t brought up for a full vote in the House before the crossover deadline .
It ’ s disappointing that we weren ’ t able to advance these good bills in Utah and Georgia , but at least in those states we don ’ t have to worry about any bad bills becoming law .
As a Virginian , I ’ d be happy to have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven new gun control bills head to the desk of Gov .
Ralph Northam .

Despite holding majorities in the Utah and Georgia legislature, pro-2A lawmakers haven’t been able to get any piece of good gun legislation across the finish line in either state this year.
Utah’s legislative session just wrapped up, and while no pro-gun bills made it to the governor’s desk, gun owners were able to defeat a couple of bad bills.
House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, presented once again this year a bill to enact universal background checks on gun sales in Utah. It met the same fate again this session: defeat. As did Layton Republican Rep. Steve Handy’s bill, which amounted to a third try at a red-flag law. It would have allowed a family member or law enforcement to request a court remove a firearm(s) from someone who is a danger to themselves or others. On the bill’s repeated failure, Handy said: “At this point, they’re [House Republicans] getting a lot of pushback from gun rights folks and that makes them nervous.”
Both universal background checks and red-flag legislation are huge priorities for the gun control movement at the moment, and even in states where Republicans control the statehouse, like Florida, we’ve seen red flag bills become law. It’s no small thing for Utah gun owners to have beaten back these bills, even if they weren’t successful in advancing any bills to protect their right to keep and bear arms.
The session isn’t over yet in Georgia, but lawmakers have reached the crossover deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin, and at least one solid 2A bill failed to progress.
Legislation for gun owners to be able to pull or show their firearms failed to advance to a Senate floor vote. Under Senate Bill 224, licensed gun owners also would have been allowed to carry their weapons in churches and in courts when there are no judicial proceedings. Under current law, a person who pulls a gun on someone can be charged with felony aggravated assault.
Meanwhile, House Bill 787, which would have established universal recognition of other state’s concealed carry license, also appears to have stalled. The bill passed out of a House committee back on February 24th, but wasn’t brought up for a full vote in the House before the crossover deadline.
It’s disappointing that we weren’t able to advance these good bills in Utah and Georgia, but at least in those states we don’t have to worry about any bad bills becoming law. As a Virginian, I’d be happy to have had that legislative outcome, instead of seeing seven new gun control bills head to the desk of Gov. Ralph Northam.


bearingarms--2020-03-14--MN Sheriff Blasts Gun Control Effort On Social Media

Some in the state of Minnesota are bound and determined to pass gun control .
With a GOP-controlled Senate , it ’ s not very likely , but they ’ re going to try it anyway .
The House recently passed a number of gun control bills and not everyone is happy with them about it .
One such person is Minnesota Sheriff Joel Brott who lashed out at the effort to infringe on the constitutional rights of Minnesotans .
Look , I get that some people really do believe these laws make people safer .
Nevermind that they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I get that some people really believe it .
However , it ’ s imperative for those who understand how they don ’ t to make our stands .
We simply can ’ t allow gun grabbers to run roughshod over us in their fervent but , at best , misguided effort to infringe on our Second Amendment rights .
Time and time again , we ’ ve seen how these laws fail to accomplish their goals and yet the attempt to cram them through continues .
Take red flag laws , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re told is that they ’ re useful for combatting suicide .
While there are a number of other ways for someone to commit suicide , the focus is always on firearms .
Experts say guns are more effective so limiting gun use for suicide attempts will save lives , hence red flag laws for suicidal people .
If that ’ s true , though , why are suicide rates climbing for states with red flag laws ?
I mean , it ’ s like they don ’ t work or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the factors that cause violence , and he ’ s right that we need to focus our attention there .
Violence is violence , whether it ’ s with a gun , a knife , a hammer , or a car .
Removing one weapon from the occasion doesn ’ t make society less violent .
You just remove an effective means to combat that violence from the hands of law-abiding people .
Yet if you get to the causes of violence , the roots of it , you can change the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent because of single-parent homes ?
I don ’ t know , but if they are , then that ’ s something worth addressing .
Are they turning to violent crime because of poor job prospects ?
If so , that can be dealt with .
There are many potential factors and , more than likely , several play a synergistic role in fostering violence .
That violence won ’ t care about the tools available to them .
A violent criminal can hurt or kill someone with their bare hands if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t a requirement by any stretch .
Sheriff Brott ’ s comments are accurate in pretty much every way and I ’ m glad to see more and more sheriffs speaking out about these unconstitutional and wrong-headed gun control laws some seem to believe will make our world all better .

Some in the state of Minnesota are bound and determined to pass gun control. With a GOP-controlled Senate, it’s not very likely, but they’re going to try it anyway. The House recently passed a number of gun control bills and not everyone is happy with them about it.
One such person is Minnesota Sheriff Joel Brott who lashed out at the effort to infringe on the constitutional rights of Minnesotans.
See the attached letter from Sheriff Joel Brott re: gun control legislation Posted by Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, March 9, 2020
In particular:
“I too have concerns for the safety of our children and all citizens, but I don’t believe more restrictive gun control laws will resolve the problems of escalating gun violence in our society,” the post reads.
He’s right.
Look, I get that some people really do believe these laws make people safer. Nevermind that they do no such thing, of course, but I get that some people really believe it.
However, it’s imperative for those who understand how they don’t to make our stands. We simply can’t allow gun grabbers to run roughshod over us in their fervent but, at best, misguided effort to infringe on our Second Amendment rights. Time and time again, we’ve seen how these laws fail to accomplish their goals and yet the attempt to cram them through continues.
Take red flag laws, for example.
One of the things we’re told is that they’re useful for combatting suicide. While there are a number of other ways for someone to commit suicide, the focus is always on firearms. Experts say guns are more effective so limiting gun use for suicide attempts will save lives, hence red flag laws for suicidal people.
If that’s true, though, why are suicide rates climbing for states with red flag laws?
I mean, it’s like they don’t work or something.
Sheriff Brott makes reference to the factors that cause violence, and he’s right that we need to focus our attention there. Violence is violence, whether it’s with a gun, a knife, a hammer, or a car. Removing one weapon from the occasion doesn’t make society less violent. You just remove an effective means to combat that violence from the hands of law-abiding people.
Yet if you get to the causes of violence, the roots of it, you can change the entire nature of the discussion.
Are people violent because of single-parent homes? I don’t know, but if they are, then that’s something worth addressing.
Are they turning to violent crime because of poor job prospects? If so, that can be dealt with.
There are many potential factors and, more than likely, several play a synergistic role in fostering violence. That violence won’t care about the tools available to them. A violent criminal can hurt or kill someone with their bare hands if they want to, after all. Weapons aren’t a requirement by any stretch.
Sheriff Brott’s comments are accurate in pretty much every way and I’m glad to see more and more sheriffs speaking out about these unconstitutional and wrong-headed gun control laws some seem to believe will make our world all better.


bearingarms--2020-03-15--GeorgiaCarry Asks Probate Judges To Extend Concealed Carry Licenses

Around the country , more sheriffs offices are starting to hit the “ pause ” button on concealed carry applications and renewals , and many court systems are implementing changes as well that could impact individuals who are either currently licensed to carry a firearm or those applying for their license .
In Ohio , the sheriffs in Belmont and Fayette counties are among those that have announced the suspension of concealed carry applications , and we ’ ll likely see this become more commonplace in the coming days .
Down in Georgia , the folks at GeorgiaCarry.org are asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weapons Licenses that might expire while the state ’ s judicial system is in a state of emergency .
On March 14 , 2020 , Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton declared a state of judicial emergency .
Pursuant to his emergency powers , and pursuant to OCGA § 38-3-62 , during the period of the order he has suspended , tolled , extended , and otherwise granted relief from any deadlines or other time schedules or filing requirements imposed by otherwise applicable statutes , rules , regulations , or court orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or administrative matters .
GCO takes the position that the expiration of a Georgia Weapons License ( GWL ) is a “ deadline or other time schedule ” of an “ administrative matter ” under the purview of judges , so that GWLs will not expire during the state of emergency .
For the avoidance of doubt , however , GeorgiaCarry.Org has asked the Council of Probate Judges to ask their members ( i.e.
, the probate judges ) to issue blanket orders extending GWL deadlines .
Unlike many other states , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone has a GWL , so open carry isn ’ t really a workaround for folks whose license may be expiring .
Obviously this isn ’ t going to be the biggest issue for public officials in the days and weeks ahead , but it does need to be addressed , and not just in Georgia .
There are more than 18-million concealed carry license holders around the country , and hundreds of thousands of them may be facing renewal deadlines over the next couple of months .
It seems the easiest thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the life of the license for a period of time after the issuing authorities begin processing licenses and applications again .
Three to six months would likely give the sheriffs offices time to process the backlog of paperwork that will be piling up over the next few weeks , and would allow those with concealed carry licenses to continue to carry without running afoul of the law .
Hopefully on the other side of this disaster we can also have a conversation about the need to expand constitutional carry .
Right now there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require a license to carry at all .
If you can legally own a firearm , you can legally carry it .
In those states , even if concealed carry applications and renewals aren ’ t taking place , the impact to legal gun owners will be minimal , unless they want to carry outside of their home state and need a valid concealed carry license that is recognized by the state they ’ re traveling to .
Unfortunately , that ’ s not going to be the case everywhere , and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a legal limbo when it comes to their right to bear arms for self-defense , and that ’ s not even factoring in the number of emergency orders we ’ re likely to see from localities that attempt to restrict the right to keep and bear arms .
We ’ ve already reported here on the mayor Champaign , Illinois signing an order that ostensibly allows her to ban the sale and transfer of firearms , and Gun Talk ’ s Tom Gresham tweeted out an emergency order from the mayor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to ban the transportation of firearms .
This is another issue entirely , and we ’ ll be talking with attorneys tomorrow at Bearing Arms and on Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co about how the prospect of challenging the scope of these emergency declarations while court systems themselves are operating on an emergency basis .

Around the country, more sheriffs offices are starting to hit the “pause” button on concealed carry applications and renewals, and many court systems are implementing changes as well that could impact individuals who are either currently licensed to carry a firearm or those applying for their license.
In Ohio, the sheriffs in Belmont and Fayette counties are among those that have announced the suspension of concealed carry applications, and we’ll likely see this become more commonplace in the coming days.
Down in Georgia, the folks at GeorgiaCarry.org are asking probate judges to extend any active Georgia Weapons Licenses that might expire while the state’s judicial system is in a state of emergency.
On March 14, 2020, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton declared a state of judicial emergency. Pursuant to his emergency powers, and pursuant to OCGA § 38-3-62, during the period of the order he has suspended, tolled, extended, and otherwise granted relief from any deadlines or other time schedules or filing requirements imposed by otherwise applicable statutes, rules, regulations, or court orders, whether in civil or criminal cases or administrative matters. GCO takes the position that the expiration of a Georgia Weapons License (GWL) is a “deadline or other time schedule” of an “administrative matter” under the purview of judges, so that GWLs will not expire during the state of emergency. For the avoidance of doubt, however, GeorgiaCarry.Org has asked the Council of Probate Judges to ask their members (i.e., the probate judges) to issue blanket orders extending GWL deadlines.
Unlike many other states, in Georgia open carry is only allowed if someone has a GWL, so open carry isn’t really a workaround for folks whose license may be expiring. Obviously this isn’t going to be the biggest issue for public officials in the days and weeks ahead, but it does need to be addressed, and not just in Georgia.
There are more than 18-million concealed carry license holders around the country, and hundreds of thousands of them may be facing renewal deadlines over the next couple of months. It seems the easiest thing to do would be to simply extend the life of the license for a period of time after the issuing authorities begin processing licenses and applications again. Three to six months would likely give the sheriffs offices time to process the backlog of paperwork that will be piling up over the next few weeks, and would allow those with concealed carry licenses to continue to carry without running afoul of the law.
Hopefully on the other side of this disaster we can also have a conversation about the need to expand constitutional carry. Right now there are 15 states that don’t require a license to carry at all. If you can legally own a firearm, you can legally carry it. In those states, even if concealed carry applications and renewals aren’t taking place, the impact to legal gun owners will be minimal, unless they want to carry outside of their home state and need a valid concealed carry license that is recognized by the state they’re traveling to.
Unfortunately, that’s not going to be the case everywhere, and some Americans are undoubtably going to be left in a legal limbo when it comes to their right to bear arms for self-defense, and that’s not even factoring in the number of emergency orders we’re likely to see from localities that attempt to restrict the right to keep and bear arms. We’ve already reported here on the mayor Champaign, Illinois signing an order that ostensibly allows her to ban the sale and transfer of firearms, and Gun Talk’s Tom Gresham tweeted out an emergency order from the mayor of New Orleans on Sunday that supposedly empowers her to ban the transportation of firearms.
New Orleans mayor announces plans to block sales and TRANSPORTING of guns and alcohol. Checking the LA laws, she *might* have authority to stop sales. No way does she have authority to block transport. That would cancel open and concealed carry. pic.twitter.com/e8W5830k6E — Tom Gresham (@Guntalk) March 15, 2020
This is another issue entirely, and we’ll be talking with attorneys tomorrow at Bearing Arms and on Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co about how the prospect of challenging the scope of these emergency declarations while court systems themselves are operating on an emergency basis.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Disabled Woman Shoots, Kills Home Invader

A Harris County , Texas woman shot and killed one of two home invaders who attempted to gain entry to her apartment in broad daylight over the weekend .
KHOU reports that deputies responded to reports of a shooting just before 3 p.m. on Saturday , and when they arrived at the apartment found one of the suspects had been shot the resident inside .
Deputies said the 18-year-old and a 17-year-old male broke a resident ’ s patio door window .
The 53-year-old disabled resident was home alone when the teens broke the window and reached inside and unlocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The resident fired one shot , killing the teen who was in front , deputies said .
The second suspect , Aren Lacour , as well as 18-year-old Ayanna Harrison , were detained at the scene .
Deputies said Harrison was the driver of a nearby getaway vehicle .
Deputies said the getaway vehicle , a white four-door Mercedes-Benz , is linked to other burglaries in the area .
The teen who was shot has not been identified .
Thank goodness this woman had a firearm to protect herself , because I doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on two young men in a physical fight .
Police report that the intruder who was shot was armed at the time , and the getaway driver is facing additional charges for allegedly trying to hide the firearm .
Felony murder charges are pending against Lacour and Harrison .
They ’ re possibly going to be facing that charge because , according to authorities , they committed the felony offense of burglary of a habitation which resulted in the death of another person .
Harrison is also charged with tampering with evidence because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pistol the deceased suspect was carrying at the time of the burglary .
If gun control activists had their way , this woman would have been unarmed and unable to defend herself when she heard the glass in her patio door shatter and the voices of strangers breaking into her home .
Even now , while many Americans are heading to gun stores to purchase firearms and ammunition , they ’ re denigrating the idea of armed self-defense .
Every gun control group out there claims to support the Second Amendment , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any American would want to own a firearm to protect themselves and those they love .
I will say that as more Americans are buying up guns and ammunition , perhaps for the very first time , there ’ s a need to ensure that they can acquire a basic knowledge of how to safely operate that firearm , and that ’ s going to be more difficult as coronavirus closures have already put an end to many training courses offered by local police departments .
For now , I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we may see that in the weeks ahead .
As gun owners we need to be doing everything we can to ensure that those who are joining our ranks have at least a basic knowledge of the rules of real gun safety , whether it ’ s through reaching out to new gun owners via social media , promoting videos that can give them that information , or simply sharing the basic rules of gun safety on our own social media feeds .

A Harris County, Texas woman shot and killed one of two home invaders who attempted to gain entry to her apartment in broad daylight over the weekend.
KHOU reports that deputies responded to reports of a shooting just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, and when they arrived at the apartment found one of the suspects had been shot the resident inside.
Deputies said the 18-year-old and a 17-year-old male broke a resident’s patio door window. The 53-year-old disabled resident was home alone when the teens broke the window and reached inside and unlocked the door, according to investigators. The resident fired one shot, killing the teen who was in front, deputies said. The second suspect, Aren Lacour, as well as 18-year-old Ayanna Harrison, were detained at the scene. Deputies said Harrison was the driver of a nearby getaway vehicle. Deputies said the getaway vehicle, a white four-door Mercedes-Benz, is linked to other burglaries in the area. The teen who was shot has not been identified.
Thank goodness this woman had a firearm to protect herself, because I doubt she would have been able to take on two young men in a physical fight.
Police report that the intruder who was shot was armed at the time, and the getaway driver is facing additional charges for allegedly trying to hide the firearm.
Felony murder charges are pending against Lacour and Harrison. They’re possibly going to be facing that charge because, according to authorities, they committed the felony offense of burglary of a habitation which resulted in the death of another person. Harrison is also charged with tampering with evidence because deputies said she tried to conceal the pistol the deceased suspect was carrying at the time of the burglary.
If gun control activists had their way, this woman would have been unarmed and unable to defend herself when she heard the glass in her patio door shatter and the voices of strangers breaking into her home. Even now, while many Americans are heading to gun stores to purchase firearms and ammunition, they’re denigrating the idea of armed self-defense.
REMINDER: Evidence shows more guns do NOT make us safer. One study found that guns at home are 4x more likely to cause an unintentional shooting, 7x more likely to be used in assault or homicide, 11x more likely to be used in a suicide than they were to be used for self-defense. https://t.co/jcN5IhhECG — Brady | United Against Gun Violence (@bradybuzz) March 14, 2020
Every gun control group out there claims to support the Second Amendment, but they all take issue with the idea that any American would want to own a firearm to protect themselves and those they love.
I will say that as more Americans are buying up guns and ammunition, perhaps for the very first time, there’s a need to ensure that they can acquire a basic knowledge of how to safely operate that firearm, and that’s going to be more difficult as coronavirus closures have already put an end to many training courses offered by local police departments. For now, I’ve not heard of any ranges closing, but we may see that in the weeks ahead. As gun owners we need to be doing everything we can to ensure that those who are joining our ranks have at least a basic knowledge of the rules of real gun safety, whether it’s through reaching out to new gun owners via social media, promoting videos that can give them that information, or simply sharing the basic rules of gun safety on our own social media feeds.


bearingarms--2020-03-16--Concealed Carry Applications On Hold In Many Places

Plenty of Americans visited their local gun shops this weekend , loading up on ammunition and firearms as the fear and uncertainty over the social and economic impacts of the coronavirus take hold .
We have no idea how many of the gun buyers this past weekend purchased their first firearm , but the odds are good that we have a lot of new gun owners across the country today .
Those new gun owners hoping to take the next step and acquire their concealed carry license are likely in for a little bit of a wait , however .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , the sheriff is shutting down the gun licensing office for the next two weeks .
According to KDKA , about eighty licenses were issued Monday before the office closed for two weeks .
Meanwhile , other law enforcement agencies are putting a halt to firearm training courses that are offered on a regular basis .
In Georgia , the Henry County sheriff announced a series of temporary changes to the department .
We ’ ll see how soon it is , but for now we ’ re in the abnormal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be critical to lowering the infection rate over the entire course of the infection of the coronavirus , as Vice President Mike Pence said during a press conference on Monday afternoon .
As more closures of non-essential businesses are announced , expect the surge in ammunition and firearms sales to continue .
And if gun stores are ordered to close , I would expect a lawsuit to be filed , even with courts operating under declarations of emergencies in many locations .
The argument would be that the right of self-defense is essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to keep and bear arms for self-defense during a state of emergency is a violation of their Constitutional rights .
We ’ ll be talking more about these murky legal waters we ’ re now wading into on tomorrow ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co , when the Heritage Foundation ’ s Amy Swearer will join me to discuss the issue .

Plenty of Americans visited their local gun shops this weekend, loading up on ammunition and firearms as the fear and uncertainty over the social and economic impacts of the coronavirus take hold. We have no idea how many of the gun buyers this past weekend purchased their first firearm, but the odds are good that we have a lot of new gun owners across the country today.
Those new gun owners hoping to take the next step and acquire their concealed carry license are likely in for a little bit of a wait, however. In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, for example, the sheriff is shutting down the gun licensing office for the next two weeks.
#Update: Here’s a look at the current line outside of the #gun permit office at lunch time. This will close today for 2 weeks, per sheriff’s office. #concealedcarry @KDKA pic.twitter.com/398LX5Ecd7 — MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) March 16, 2020
According to KDKA, about eighty licenses were issued Monday before the office closed for two weeks.
Meanwhile, other law enforcement agencies are putting a halt to firearm training courses that are offered on a regular basis. In Georgia, the Henry County sheriff announced a series of temporary changes to the department.
We’ll see how soon it is, but for now we’re in the abnormal, and the next couple of weeks will be critical to lowering the infection rate over the entire course of the infection of the coronavirus, as Vice President Mike Pence said during a press conference on Monday afternoon.
As more closures of non-essential businesses are announced, expect the surge in ammunition and firearms sales to continue. And if gun stores are ordered to close, I would expect a lawsuit to be filed, even with courts operating under declarations of emergencies in many locations. The argument would be that the right of self-defense is essential, and to deprive someone of the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense during a state of emergency is a violation of their Constitutional rights. We’ll be talking more about these murky legal waters we’re now wading into on tomorrow’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co, when the Heritage Foundation’s Amy Swearer will join me to discuss the issue.