bearingarms--2020-06-02--Looters Stealing Massive Numbers Of Guns During Riots

As thousands of people take to the streets all over the nation to riot and destroy things , there ’ s something else very alarming going on right now .
You see , while much of the attention is being focused on people burning businesses , throwing bricks , and stealing televisions and lamps , there ’ s something else that ’ s going on .
It seems the looters are arming themselves .
And that ’ s certainly likely .
Atlanta has had its own riots , including rioters trying to destroy the CNN building , so someone taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
But Chuck ’ s Firearms wasn ’ t the only place looted .
In St. Louis , another gun store was hit .
Nearly three dozen guns have been stolen from a local gun store , the St. Louis County Police Department said Monday .
According to Sgt .
Benjamin Granda , the burglary took place around 1:10 a.m. on Sunday , May 31 .
Officers from the Affton Precinct responded to an alarm at Southside Pawn and Jewelry in the 8100 block of Gravois Road .
Officers arrived at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west side of the building had been shattered and pieces of concrete on the ground beneath the window , Granda said .
The business owners conducted an inventory and determined 32 handguns and two rifles were missing .
That story fails to mention the riots that were taking place around that time in St. Louis , but it doesn ’ t take a rocket scientist to put the pieces together .
Now , it ’ s entirely possible that these were just garden-variety criminals who saw an opportunity and took it .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet there ’ s a more sinister possibility , and that is that individuals are looking to put guns in the hands of rioters .
As law enforcement has provided something of a long leash to rioters in many places , that isn ’ t going to hold indefinitely .
I can ’ t help but wonder if this is an attempt to make it so rioters can “ resist ” police efforts to stop the violence .
Regardless , it ’ s not good .
Stolen guns aren ’ t good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re great for those who would disrupt either .
It doesn ’ t matter whether its criminals buying them off the black market or militant rioters looking to kill police officers .
Either way , this is bad news .
Hopefully , the weapons can be recovered soon .
That ’ s about the only ending to this story that will make many of us rest easy .

As thousands of people take to the streets all over the nation to riot and destroy things, there’s something else very alarming going on right now. You see, while much of the attention is being focused on people burning businesses, throwing bricks, and stealing televisions and lamps, there’s something else that’s going on.
It seems the looters are arming themselves.
And that’s certainly likely. Atlanta has had its own riots, including rioters trying to destroy the CNN building, so someone taking advantage of something like this certainly is possible.
But Chuck’s Firearms wasn’t the only place looted.
In St. Louis, another gun store was hit.
Nearly three dozen guns have been stolen from a local gun store, the St. Louis County Police Department said Monday. According to Sgt. Benjamin Granda, the burglary took place around 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, May 31. Officers from the Affton Precinct responded to an alarm at Southside Pawn and Jewelry in the 8100 block of Gravois Road. Officers arrived at the store and found a window on the west side of the building had been shattered and pieces of concrete on the ground beneath the window, Granda said. The business owners conducted an inventory and determined 32 handguns and two rifles were missing.
That story fails to mention the riots that were taking place around that time in St. Louis, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put the pieces together.
Now, it’s entirely possible that these were just garden-variety criminals who saw an opportunity and took it. That’s very possible, even likely.
Yet there’s a more sinister possibility, and that is that individuals are looking to put guns in the hands of rioters. As law enforcement has provided something of a long leash to rioters in many places, that isn’t going to hold indefinitely. I can’t help but wonder if this is an attempt to make it so rioters can “resist” police efforts to stop the violence.
Regardless, it’s not good. Stolen guns aren’t good for peace and safety, but they’re great for those who would disrupt either. It doesn’t matter whether its criminals buying them off the black market or militant rioters looking to kill police officers. Either way, this is bad news.
Hopefully, the weapons can be recovered soon. That’s about the only ending to this story that will make many of us rest easy.


bearingarms--2020-06-02--Amid Looting, Gun Store Owner Shoots Intruder In Philadelphia

The owner of The Firing Line gun store in Philadelphia is cooperating with police investigators after shooting an intruder during a confrontation early Tuesday morning .
Officers said when they arrived at the store they found a man on the second floor with a gunshot wound to the head .
He was pronounced dead at the scene Investigators said the gun shop owner told them he was staking out his store following an earlier burglary attempt .
He said he watched the security screen show three or four men use wire cutters to break through the gate and enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his gun at the man inside the store and fired , striking him in the head .
The two to three other people ran from the scene .
Gun stores have become an increasing target of rioters and looters .
In Pleasant Grove , Alabama , police say at least 12 people broke into a local gun shop on Tuesday morning .
In Orangeburg , South Carolina , authorities say suspects used a stolen car to ram their way inside a gun shop early Monday morning .
Dozens of firearms were stolen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
A burglar alarm at 1:10 a.m. alerted St. Louis County police who dispatched officers to Southside Pawn and Jewelry , 8101 Gravois Road .
A window on the west side of the building had been shattered , and chunks of concrete lay on the ground .
But if the entry was a little crude , the rest of the heft was surprising in its coordination .
Police say as many as ten people in at least six cars , all working in concert , unloaded 34 semi-automatic weapons — 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprawling pawn shop before escaping .
We ’ ve already seen a spike in new gun owners over the past few months , but news like this will likely drive many more Americans to purchase a firearm for self-defense .
Back in Philadelphia , Channel 6 spoke to several people waiting to purchase a gun at Founding Fathers Outfitters in suburban Montgomery County , including one man who was also the target of would-be gun thieves .
In the words of Sal Salhiah of North Philadelphia , “ If somebody walks into my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s the only thing I can say.
” He says Sunday night ’ s crowds did break into his neighbor ’ s property .
Salhiah has a little girl at home .
“ My daughter is sleeping upstairs in the next room .
It ’ s not about watching .
Anything that you see on the TV is a mess but when you see it in real life , that ’ s scary , ” he says .
A man named John , who works in private security , tells Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bulking up his arsenal .
“ It ’ s definitely because of what I witnessed the last couple days , the more the better , ” he says .
The owner says his guns , meant for law-abiding citizens , almost fell into the wrong hands two nights ago .
“ A group of looters decided to park down the street and then tried to bash in our front door .
Unfortunately for them , we have special glass , ” said John .
I think it would be a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep employees , friends , family , or even trusted customers on-hand throughout the overnight hours when possible to guard the shop and try to prevent these types of smash-and-grab robberies .
It ’ s clear that gun stores are quickly becoming a target for looters , and police in many jurisdictions are so overwhelmed with the riots that even a reported burglary in progress can ’ t guarantee a quick response .
As has been made repeatedly clear over the past week , it ’ s up to us to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our businesses .

The owner of The Firing Line gun store in Philadelphia is cooperating with police investigators after shooting an intruder during a confrontation early Tuesday morning.
Officers said when they arrived at the store they found a man on the second floor with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene Investigators said the gun shop owner told them he was staking out his store following an earlier burglary attempt. He said he watched the security screen show three or four men use wire cutters to break through the gate and enter the store. The owner said he pointed his gun at the man inside the store and fired, striking him in the head. The two to three other people ran from the scene.
Gun stores have become an increasing target of rioters and looters. In Pleasant Grove, Alabama, police say at least 12 people broke into a local gun shop on Tuesday morning.
Lt. Danny Reid says the burglary happened around 3:20 a.m. when a vehicle was used to pulled the front door of Pleasant Grove Gun Supply off the hinges. He says 12-13 people then ran inside and took everything they could. Lt. Reid says from start to finish the crime has 2 minutes and 50 seconds. He says the suspects were inside the store for only 10-15 seconds. “The door came off and there was a flood of individuals,” Lt. Reid said.
In Orangeburg, South Carolina, authorities say suspects used a stolen car to ram their way inside a gun shop early Monday morning.
The alarm at Woody’s Pawn and Jewelry, located at 898 Russell Street, activated at around 2:30 a.m., owner Chan Holman said. He and his wife arrived at the store to find a black Chrysler Sebring had been driven through a wall and into the store. The vehicle was stolen from Martin’s Auto Electric last Wednesday. Part of a wall and merchandise were destroyed. A preliminary estimate of the damage is $15,000.
Dozens of firearms were stolen from a St. Louis-area gun and pawn shop on Sunday.
A burglar alarm at 1:10 a.m. alerted St. Louis County police who dispatched officers to Southside Pawn and Jewelry, 8101 Gravois Road. A window on the west side of the building had been shattered, and chunks of concrete lay on the ground. But if the entry was a little crude, the rest of the heft was surprising in its coordination. Police say as many as ten people in at least six cars, all working in concert, unloaded 34 semi-automatic weapons — 32 handguns and two rifles — from the sprawling pawn shop before escaping.
We’ve already seen a spike in new gun owners over the past few months, but news like this will likely drive many more Americans to purchase a firearm for self-defense. Back in Philadelphia, Channel 6 spoke to several people waiting to purchase a gun at Founding Fathers Outfitters in suburban Montgomery County, including one man who was also the target of would-be gun thieves.
In the words of Sal Salhiah of North Philadelphia, “If somebody walks into my house, he’s done. That’s the only thing I can say.” He says Sunday night’s crowds did break into his neighbor’s property. Salhiah has a little girl at home. “My daughter is sleeping upstairs in the next room. It’s not about watching. Anything that you see on the TV is a mess but when you see it in real life, that’s scary,” he says. A man named John, who works in private security, tells Action News after the last two days he’s bulking up his arsenal. “It’s definitely because of what I witnessed the last couple days, the more the better,” he says. The owner says his guns, meant for law-abiding citizens, almost fell into the wrong hands two nights ago. “A group of looters decided to park down the street and then tried to bash in our front door. Unfortunately for them, we have special glass,” said John.
I think it would be a good idea at the moment for gun stores to keep employees, friends, family, or even trusted customers on-hand throughout the overnight hours when possible to guard the shop and try to prevent these types of smash-and-grab robberies. It’s clear that gun stores are quickly becoming a target for looters, and police in many jurisdictions are so overwhelmed with the riots that even a reported burglary in progress can’t guarantee a quick response. As has been made repeatedly clear over the past week, it’s up to us to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our businesses.


bearingarms--2020-06-02--Riots Aren't Just Destroying Businesses, They're Taking Lives

While we ’ ve all been captivated by the images of looting and pillaging taking place in dozens of American cities , off-camera , homicides have been soaring over the past week as police are expending almost all of their energies trying to quell civil unrest .
As cops try to get a handle on the riots , criminals are taking full advantage .
In Chicago , there were 22 homicides over the weekend , including 11 homicides just on Sunday alone .
In the greater Cook County area the numbers are even worse .
Three additional forensic pathologists were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caseload of 35 autopsies , which is approximately 15 to 20 more than the normal amount of autopsies performed in one day .
“ This is an unprecedented amount of homicides in one day for our office , ” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar said in a statement .
“ The most I can recall in one day since I started here in 2003 is 10.
” The City of Brotherly Love has been anything but loving since the riots began , and there ’ s been a staggering increase in homicides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia .
In Memphis , there were a half-dozen murders over Memorial Day weekend , and violence has continued unabated in the city ever since .
Most of these homicides aren ’ t directly related to the riots and protests , but there have been several murders reported around the country that can be blamed on riots , including the killing of 22-year old Italia Maria Kelley in Davenport , Iowa .
Kelly ’ s younger sister took to social media to pin the murder on protesters .
In Las Vegas on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of the federal courthouse , while a federal protective services officer was murdered in Oakland , California over the weekend .
On Monday night , four St. Louis , Missouri police officers were shot , though thankfully none of their injuries are life threatening .
Ironically , one of the goals of at least some of the protesters is to defund police departments .
This past week has given us a fairly good idea of what would actually happen without a law enforcement presence in many neighborhoods .
Crime doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not calm , rules the streets .
It ’ s become clear that stopping the riots isn ’ t just a matter of saving windows and the stuff inside buildings .
It ’ s a matter of live and death .

While we’ve all been captivated by the images of looting and pillaging taking place in dozens of American cities, off-camera, homicides have been soaring over the past week as police are expending almost all of their energies trying to quell civil unrest. As cops try to get a handle on the riots, criminals are taking full advantage.
In Chicago, there were 22 homicides over the weekend, including 11 homicides just on Sunday alone. In the greater Cook County area the numbers are even worse.
Three additional forensic pathologists were called in Monday to handle an increased caseload of 35 autopsies, which is approximately 15 to 20 more than the normal amount of autopsies performed in one day. “This is an unprecedented amount of homicides in one day for our office,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar said in a statement. “The most I can recall in one day since I started here in 2003 is 10.”
The City of Brotherly Love has been anything but loving since the riots began, and there’s been a staggering increase in homicides and shootings over the past week in Philadelphia.
Apart from the looting and unrest that shook the city over the weekend came a barrage of violence that had been all too familiar: At least 31 people were shot over three days, including eight killed. The shootings erupted across the city, from Southwest Philadelphia to East Germantown to Mantua and West Philadelphia. Four people were shot in one spot, three in another, two in a third. The victims ranged from age 12 to 52. According to police statistics, there have been 158 homicide victims in the city as of Sunday night, a 21% increase from the same period last year.
In Memphis, there were a half-dozen murders over Memorial Day weekend, and violence has continued unabated in the city ever since.
In between, the chants of ‘hands up, don’t shoot’ and ‘no justice, no peace’ and passionate pleas for more accountability, Memphis Police Deputy Chief Sam Hines asked the crowd of protestors on Union Avenue a question. “We’ve had approximately 5 – 6 homicides over the Memorial Day weekend. Is anybody excited about stopping those?” he asked. “Is anybody excited about protesting against those individuals, those victims, those fathers, those sons and brothers who were killed?” It’s the same question longtime community activist Stevie Moore asked himself. Stevie Moore is an ex-felon who has served time in several penal institutions for selling drugs. He has successfully transformed his life and is now a local businessman, political consultant, and community activist. “It’s frustrating to see a double standard,” Moore said. “Why can’t we see a killing as a killing? I’m tired of going to funerals. No one is saying that.” According to the Memphis Police Department, there have been 87 homicides this year which is an increase compared to the same time last year when there were 72 homicides.
Most of these homicides aren’t directly related to the riots and protests, but there have been several murders reported around the country that can be blamed on riots, including the killing of 22-year old Italia Maria Kelley in Davenport, Iowa. Kelly’s younger sister took to social media to pin the murder on protesters.
“A protester shot my sister. It was not the police. Because of you, I lost my sister.” Davenport, Iowa. (Two killed. Two others, including a police officer were also shot.) pic.twitter.com/k0NoNgRorw — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 2, 2020
In Las Vegas on Monday evening, a federal marshal was killed outside of the federal courthouse, while a federal protective services officer was murdered in Oakland, California over the weekend. On Monday night, four St. Louis, Missouri police officers were shot, though thankfully none of their injuries are life threatening.
Ironically, one of the goals of at least some of the protesters is to defund police departments. This past week has given us a fairly good idea of what would actually happen without a law enforcement presence in many neighborhoods. Crime doesn’t dissipate. It flourishes. Chaos, not calm, rules the streets. It’s become clear that stopping the riots isn’t just a matter of saving windows and the stuff inside buildings. It’s a matter of live and death.


bearingarms--2020-06-02--Media Latches On To Denver Gun Activists Arrest, Glosses Over Riots

There is an awful lot going on right now .
I know , I know .
I ’ m not exactly breaking news here .
Anyone not living under a rock knows that there ’ s a lot going on .
Riots in so many cities it ’ s difficult to keep track of , a pandemic that I guess is still a thing , and plenty of other things going on .
It wasn ’ t that long ago that protests to reopen states were extremist , and now burning buildings and looting businesses is just good clean fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise to see a number of hard leftist outlets–as opposed to the softer leftism of the mainstream media–latch onto a story about a pro-gun activist being arrested .
During a vehicle search near the downtown Denver protest on Friday evening , police officers seized several military-style assault rifles from anti-government gun enthusiasts who call themselves “ Boogaloo Bois.
” Most peaceful protesters had left downtown Denver by the time police searched a car that had been occupied by a group of young men , one of whom was wearing a military-style vest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous magazines and other weapons in the trunk .
Chevy McGee , a 20-year-old anti-government gun enthusiast who lives in Fort Collins , claims to own some of the weapons .
In a May 30 Facebook post , McGee shared the same image , writing , “ Shout out to Denver PD for stealing our shit last night .
None of this left the trunk of our car , and they said they had reasonable suspicion because someone called that ’ s why they searched it .
They cuffed us and let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleges in the Facebook protest that the officers told him someone called the police after seeing one of his group wearing a military-style plate-carrier vest , which allows the wearer to add ballistic protection .
McGee states that neither he nor his associates open-carried their rifles .
“ Open carry is illegal in Denver and we did not have enough guys to open carry so I don ’ t wan na hear it , ” wrote McGee on Facebook .
In other words , there ’ s no evidence that either actually did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s was arrested recently for making pipe bombs , but McGee himself wasn ’ t charged with anything .
Of course , for folks like Wonkette , that ’ s more than enough .
I ’ m not going to quote it , because , well , the stupid might be contagious , but I ’ ll link it here in case you feel up for it .
As for McGee , some might ask why he might feel that kind of firepower was necessary at a protest .
The City and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 170 people were arrested in connection to Sunday ’ s riots .
In a statement , the City said charges vary but include the following : Over the past four days , a total of 284 people have been arrested in connection to the riots in and around downtown , which have generally taken place at night following peaceful protests during the daytime .
That ’ s would cover the appropriate timeframe in which McGee was heading into Denver .
Look , I know that his association with a potential bomber doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t convict people of crimes purely on association with other people .
Many of us have known some degree of criminal in our past , yet we ’ re not accountable for that sort of thing .
But we can look at what was happening in Denver and figure out why McGee likely went .
Violence has been tearing the country apart for days now .
Some are using their guns to defend businesses .
Some are digging in for civil war as violent “ protests ” continue unabated .
Yet it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are holding up riots and rioters are good and just , they ’ re ready to eviscerate this man for breaking zero laws .
Funny how that shakes out , isn ’ t it ?

There is an awful lot going on right now.
I know, I know. I’m not exactly breaking news here. Anyone not living under a rock knows that there’s a lot going on. Riots in so many cities it’s difficult to keep track of, a pandemic that I guess is still a thing, and plenty of other things going on. It wasn’t that long ago that protests to reopen states were extremist, and now burning buildings and looting businesses is just good clean fun or something.
However, imagine my surprise to see a number of hard leftist outlets–as opposed to the softer leftism of the mainstream media–latch onto a story about a pro-gun activist being arrested.
During a vehicle search near the downtown Denver protest on Friday evening, police officers seized several military-style assault rifles from anti-government gun enthusiasts who call themselves “Boogaloo Bois.” Most peaceful protesters had left downtown Denver by the time police searched a car that had been occupied by a group of young men, one of whom was wearing a military-style vest. They found several semi-automatic assault rifles, numerous magazines and other weapons in the trunk. … Chevy McGee, a 20-year-old anti-government gun enthusiast who lives in Fort Collins, claims to own some of the weapons. In a May 30 Facebook post, McGee shared the same image, writing, “Shout out to Denver PD for stealing our shit last night. None of this left the trunk of our car, and they said they had reasonable suspicion because someone called that’s why they searched it. They cuffed us and let us go after 30 minutes.” McGee also alleges in the Facebook protest that the officers told him someone called the police after seeing one of his group wearing a military-style plate-carrier vest, which allows the wearer to add ballistic protection. McGee states that neither he nor his associates open-carried their rifles. “Open carry is illegal in Denver and we did not have enough guys to open carry so I don’t wanna hear it,” wrote McGee on Facebook.
In other words, there’s no evidence that either actually did anything wrong. An associate of McGee’s was arrested recently for making pipe bombs, but McGee himself wasn’t charged with anything.
Of course, for folks like Wonkette, that’s more than enough. I’m not going to quote it, because, well, the stupid might be contagious, but I’ll link it here in case you feel up for it.
As for McGee, some might ask why he might feel that kind of firepower was necessary at a protest.
Hmmmm….can’t imagine why.
The City and County of Denver said Monday afternoon that 170 people were arrested in connection to Sunday’s riots. In a statement, the City said charges vary but include the following: Violation of curfew order
Assault
Criminal mischief
Assault to a police officer
Burglary
Arson Over the past four days, a total of 284 people have been arrested in connection to the riots in and around downtown, which have generally taken place at night following peaceful protests during the daytime.
That’s would cover the appropriate timeframe in which McGee was heading into Denver.
Look, I know that his association with a potential bomber doesn’t look good, but we don’t convict people of crimes purely on association with other people. Many of us have known some degree of criminal in our past, yet we’re not accountable for that sort of thing.
But we can look at what was happening in Denver and figure out why McGee likely went. Violence has been tearing the country apart for days now. Some are using their guns to defend businesses. Some are digging in for civil war as violent “protests” continue unabated.
Yet it’s amusing that so many out there are holding up riots and rioters are good and just, they’re ready to eviscerate this man for breaking zero laws. Funny how that shakes out, isn’t it?


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Bar Owner Who Shot Protester After He Was Attacked Will Face Grand Jury After All

A day after a county prosecutor in Omaha , Nebraska announced that a bar owner who shot and killed a protester who was attacking him wouldn ’ t face charges , the same official reversed course and says he ’ ll now be referring the case to a grand jury .
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Wednesday he will petition a grand jury to look at evidence in the James Scurlock case .
Scurlock , an unarmed 22-year-old black man and protester , was shot and killed by Omaha bar owner Jake Gardner , early Saturday morning .
Kleine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white , feared for his life when he shot Scurlock , who jumped on top of Gardner after the bar owner had already fired two shots .
Gardner had an expired concealed carry license , which makes his carrying a misdemeanor offense .
That would be charged by the city attorney , as opposed to the county prosecutor .
The grand jury will be looking at whether or not Gardner committed a crime when he shot James Scurlock , but Kleine laid out the evidence , or lack thereof , when he briefed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be seen speaking with the business owner in front of The Hive Saturday night after one of the members of the group had shoved the man ’ s father to the ground .
The man , who Kleine initially did not name but later confirmed was Jake Gardner , is seen backing away from the group and Scurlock , asking them to leave him alone and not to damage his business .
Gardner lifted his shirt to display a handgun in his waistband .
The group attacked Gardner and they fell into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bar .
Gardner grabbed his gun and fired two shots , which caused one member to run away from Gardner .
Scurlock was seen tackling Gardner from behind while Gardner was trying to stand .
Gardner later told police Scurlock had him in a chokehold and witnesses said they heard Gardner say “ Get off me ” several times .
Gardner fired one shot which struck Scurlock in the collarbone .
He died after being taken to Nebraska Medical Center .
“ The bar owner was interviewed with lawyers present .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning shot .
He said Scurlock jumped on him and he was scared Scurlock was going to take his gun .
He fired in self-defense .
He was scared he would lose his life or severe bodily injury , ” Kleine said .
Gardner was in police custody from Saturday night to Sunday night at Omaha Police Headquarters .
“ He has shown he has a gun .
He made it clear he was armed .
He said when someone was on top of him that they said they were going to kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Kleine ’ s announcement , Scurlock ’ s family began calling for a grand jury to decide whether Gardner should face charges .
Honestly , I can ’ t blame them for that .
I also don ’ t blame the Scurlock ’ s for how the media has framed the story , which I believe is designed to intentionally stoke tensions .
Check out the CBS News story headlined “ A White Bar Owner Shot and Killed a Black Protester .
He Won ’ t Face Charges.
” During protests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black activist was shot and killed by a white bar owner after a fight broke out .
The county attorney said the shooter will not face charges because he was “ defending himself.
” James Scurlock , 22 , was killed by Jacob Gardner , the owner of the Hive Bar and Gatsby Bar in Omaha ’ s Old Market neighborhood around midnight Saturday in the midst of protests against police brutality and George Floyd ‘ s death .
The Douglas County Attorney ’ s Office determined Gardner acted in self-defense after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
“ There was a consensus… that the actions of the shooter were justified , ” County Attorney Don Kleine said during a briefing Monday .
“ There wasn ’ t any big disagreement about what happened here.
” According to prosecutors , the incident followed an altercation involving Gardner ’ s father , who pushed several protesters when asking them to leave the bar .
CBS News doesn ’ t even mention the fact that Scurlock jumped on Gardner ’ s back until paragraph seven , and never mentions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chokehold .
One thing the report does mention is that Gardner ’ s 68-year old dad did shove a protester when “ asking ” or telling him to leave the bar .
That individual then turned around shoved Gardner ’ s father , pushing him down to the ground .
Again , I can understand personally why the family would want a grand jury to look at the case , and from a political/civil unrest perspective , it makes sense for a grand jury to look at the case .
Still , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in this charged environment , Gardner could face an indictment that ’ s based more on keeping calm in the streets rather than serving justice.Was Gardner ’ s father justified in originally pushing a protester ?
I don ’ t know , and if the city attorney wants to investigate to see if misdemeanor assault charges are warranted , I ’ d have no problem with that either .
But that original shove isn ’ t what led to Scurlock ’ s death .
Again , this is what happened after Gardner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protester shoved him back , knocking him to the ground .
Scurlock and others could be seen speaking with the business owner in front of The Hive Saturday night after one of the members of the group had shoved the man ’ s father to the ground .
The man , who Kleine initially did not name but later confirmed was Jake Gardner , is seen backing away from the group and Scurlock , asking them to leave him alone and not to damage his business .
Gardner lifted his shirt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group attacked Gardner and they fell into a puddle on the street in front of the bar .
Gardner grabbed his gun and fired two shots , which caused one member to run away from Gardner .
As Gardner tries to stand , he ’ s attacked by Scurlock , who jumps on his back .
That ’ s when Gardner fired , killing the 22-year old .
I ’ m not cheering the death of James Scurlock .
I think it was a sad and senseless killing that didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t murder .
It was pretty clearly a case of self-defense , and it didn ’ t have to happen because Scurlock didn ’ t have to assault Jacob Gardner .
Street justice had already been served .
A shove had been met with a shove .
That incident was over , and then Gardner was assaulted after flashing his gun and warning them not to hurt his business .
They decided to hurt him instead , first knocking him to the ground and then , once he ’ d fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , when he was attempting to get up .
That ’ s when Scurlock leapt onto his back and began assaulting him , and only then , after repeatedly yelling for Scurlock to get off of him , did he fire the fatal shot .
I think it sucks that James Scurlock is dead .
I just don ’ t think it was murder .
You know the saying about grand juries and ham sandwiches , though .
Prosecutors are expected to get indictments whenever they want , and now that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury to look at the evidence , there ’ s going to be a lot of pressure to deliver an indictment , and we ’ ve already seen that the media is more interested in advancing a narrative that feeds unrest rather than simply reporting the facts that might bring some calming rationality to the supercharged situation .
Kleine said Wednesday afternoon that he ’ s “ not wavering ” in his conclusion that the shooting was self-defense , but added that he was “ not afraid of having a decision I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again , I understand the realities of the situation and why the decision was made to have a grand jury consider the evidence .
I just hope the same pressure that led to Kleine presenting the case to a grand jury won ’ t be felt by the grand jurors themselves to deliver an indictment .
Serving up a human sacrifice in order to stave off more looting and rioting by bringing a murder charge against Gardner would be an injustice based on the evidence that the county prosecutor laid out , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very real possibility .

A day after a county prosecutor in Omaha, Nebraska announced that a bar owner who shot and killed a protester who was attacking him wouldn’t face charges, the same official reversed course and says he’ll now be referring the case to a grand jury.
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Wednesday he will petition a grand jury to look at evidence in the James Scurlock case. Scurlock, an unarmed 22-year-old black man and protester, was shot and killed by Omaha bar owner Jake Gardner, early Saturday morning. Kleine said he believed Gardner, who is white, feared for his life when he shot Scurlock, who jumped on top of Gardner after the bar owner had already fired two shots.
Gardner had an expired concealed carry license, which makes his carrying a misdemeanor offense. That would be charged by the city attorney, as opposed to the county prosecutor. The grand jury will be looking at whether or not Gardner committed a crime when he shot James Scurlock, but Kleine laid out the evidence, or lack thereof, when he briefed reporters on Monday.
Scurlock and others could be seen speaking with the business owner in front of The Hive Saturday night after one of the members of the group had shoved the man’s father to the ground. The man, who Kleine initially did not name but later confirmed was Jake Gardner, is seen backing away from the group and Scurlock, asking them to leave him alone and not to damage his business. Gardner lifted his shirt to display a handgun in his waistband. The group attacked Gardner and they fell into a puddle on the street in front of the bar. Gardner grabbed his gun and fired two shots, which caused one member to run away from Gardner. Scurlock was seen tackling Gardner from behind while Gardner was trying to stand. Gardner later told police Scurlock had him in a chokehold and witnesses said they heard Gardner say “Get off me” several times. Gardner fired one shot which struck Scurlock in the collarbone. He died after being taken to Nebraska Medical Center. “The bar owner was interviewed with lawyers present. He said the first shot was a warning shot. He said Scurlock jumped on him and he was scared Scurlock was going to take his gun. He fired in self-defense. He was scared he would lose his life or severe bodily injury,” Kleine said. Gardner was in police custody from Saturday night to Sunday night at Omaha Police Headquarters. “He has shown he has a gun. He made it clear he was armed. He said when someone was on top of him that they said they were going to kill him,” Kleine said.
Shortly after Kleine’s announcement, Scurlock’s family began calling for a grand jury to decide whether Gardner should face charges. Honestly, I can’t blame them for that. I also don’t blame the Scurlock’s for how the media has framed the story, which I believe is designed to intentionally stoke tensions. Check out the CBS News story headlined “A White Bar Owner Shot and Killed a Black Protester. He Won’t Face Charges.”
During protests in Omaha, Nebraska over the weekend, a black activist was shot and killed by a white bar owner after a fight broke out. The county attorney said the shooter will not face charges because he was “defending himself.” James Scurlock, 22, was killed by Jacob Gardner, the owner of the Hive Bar and Gatsby Bar in Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood around midnight Saturday in the midst of protests against police brutality and George Floyd‘s death. The Douglas County Attorney’s Office determined Gardner acted in self-defense after interviewing the shooter and reviewing videos of the incident. “There was a consensus… that the actions of the shooter were justified,” County Attorney Don Kleine said during a briefing Monday. “There wasn’t any big disagreement about what happened here.” According to prosecutors, the incident followed an altercation involving Gardner’s father, who pushed several protesters when asking them to leave the bar.
CBS News doesn’t even mention the fact that Scurlock jumped on Gardner’s back until paragraph seven, and never mentions that Gardner says Scurlock had him in a chokehold. One thing the report does mention is that Gardner’s 68-year old dad did shove a protester when “asking” or telling him to leave the bar. That individual then turned around shoved Gardner’s father, pushing him down to the ground.
Again, I can understand personally why the family would want a grand jury to look at the case, and from a political/civil unrest perspective, it makes sense for a grand jury to look at the case. Still, there’s also a very real danger that in this charged environment, Gardner could face an indictment that’s based more on keeping calm in the streets rather than serving justice.Was Gardner’s father justified in originally pushing a protester? I don’t know, and if the city attorney wants to investigate to see if misdemeanor assault charges are warranted, I’d have no problem with that either. But that original shove isn’t what led to Scurlock’s death. Again, this is what happened after Gardner’s father shoved a protester and the protester shoved him back, knocking him to the ground.
Scurlock and others could be seen speaking with the business owner in front of The Hive Saturday night after one of the members of the group had shoved the man’s father to the ground. The man, who Kleine initially did not name but later confirmed was Jake Gardner, is seen backing away from the group and Scurlock, asking them to leave him alone and not to damage his business. Gardner lifted his shirt to display a handgun in his waistband. The group attacked Gardner and they fell into a puddle on the street in front of the bar. Gardner grabbed his gun and fired two shots, which caused one member to run away from Gardner.
As Gardner tries to stand, he’s attacked by Scurlock, who jumps on his back. That’s when Gardner fired, killing the 22-year old.
I’m not cheering the death of James Scurlock. I think it was a sad and senseless killing that didn’t have to happen, but it also wasn’t murder. It was pretty clearly a case of self-defense, and it didn’t have to happen because Scurlock didn’t have to assault Jacob Gardner. Street justice had already been served. A shove had been met with a shove. That incident was over, and then Gardner was assaulted after flashing his gun and warning them not to hurt his business. They decided to hurt him instead, first knocking him to the ground and then, once he’d fired two warning shots and his attackers ran away, when he was attempting to get up. That’s when Scurlock leapt onto his back and began assaulting him, and only then, after repeatedly yelling for Scurlock to get off of him, did he fire the fatal shot. I think it sucks that James Scurlock is dead. I just don’t think it was murder.
You know the saying about grand juries and ham sandwiches, though. Prosecutors are expected to get indictments whenever they want, and now that the county prosecutor says he wants a grand jury to look at the evidence, there’s going to be a lot of pressure to deliver an indictment, and we’ve already seen that the media is more interested in advancing a narrative that feeds unrest rather than simply reporting the facts that might bring some calming rationality to the supercharged situation.
Kleine said Wednesday afternoon that he’s “not wavering” in his conclusion that the shooting was self-defense, but added that he was “not afraid of having a decision I have made to be reviewed by others.” Again, I understand the realities of the situation and why the decision was made to have a grand jury consider the evidence. I just hope the same pressure that led to Kleine presenting the case to a grand jury won’t be felt by the grand jurors themselves to deliver an indictment. Serving up a human sacrifice in order to stave off more looting and rioting by bringing a murder charge against Gardner would be an injustice based on the evidence that the county prosecutor laid out, but for the moment it’s still a very real possibility.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Santa Rosa, FL Commission Candidate Has Warning For Looters

With days upon days of rioting throughout the United States , people are getting sick of it .
Especially since looters are committing physical acts of violence in pretty much every place they go .
It ’ s been difficult to keep up with what all has been going on , but the overview is simple .
Rioters are looting private businesses and destroying people ’ s homes .
But in Santa Rosa , Florida , one commission candidate has a stern warning for potential looters in his community .
One week after the death of George Floyd sparked protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Santa Rosa County Commission released a video saying looters aren ’ t welcome in the county and delivered the message : “ if you loot , we ’ ll shoot.
” James Calkins , who is running for the District 3 commission seat , posted the 25-second video to his campaign Facebook account on Monday afternoon .
In it , he wears a “ Make America Great Again ” hat while holding a shotgun as he addresses “ thugs ” and “ antifa ” and denounces riots and looting on behalf of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes to the looters , to the thugs , to antifa , y ’ all aren ’ t welcome in Santa Rosa County .
We believe in our Second Amendment right and we believe that if you loot , we ’ ll shoot , ” Calkins says in the video before he cocks the shotgun .
On Tuesday , he explained his motivation behind the video , which had been shared more than 275 times in less than 24 hours .
“ One thing I believe in is property rights and protecting property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foundations of our country , ” said Calkins , a Republican , in a phone interview .
“ I believe in property rights and our Second Amendment rights .
We fought real hard to make Santa Rosa County a Second Amendment sanctuary.
” Referring specifically to the “ If you loot , we ’ ll shoot ” phrase , Calkins said he doesn ’ t support Santa Rosa County gun owners shooting people unless a “ stand your ground ” situation arises .
“ I don ’ t support shooting somebody else and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Calkins said .
“ Basically , if somebody is proactively threatening or trying to harm somebody , that ’ s what our Second Amendment is for , for defending our lives and our property , basically.
” Calkins is getting some flak for his comment , unsurprisingly .
One commission argued that leaders should be trying to bring people together at a time like this , not issuing threats .
However , one thing has been very clear in all this mess and that ’ s how the rioters don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of us .
They ’ re much more content to burn , loot , and destroy .
In a case like that , fine words aren ’ t likely to sway much of anyone .
Instead , warnings that violence will be met with violence are more likely to have a much greater impact .
It ’ s no coincidence that as word circulates that people are buying guns , the violence begins to subside .
Calkins said what needed to be said , even if it ’ s not popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
They might even make you popular with certain crowds , but if George Floyd ’ s brother begging people to stop rioting over his brother ’ s death didn ’ t stop the rioting , just what is some politician going to say to make people stop ?
Well , warning them they ’ ll get a face of buckshot if they try and get froggy might just be the only thing that would make that happen .

With days upon days of rioting throughout the United States, people are getting sick of it. Especially since looters are committing physical acts of violence in pretty much every place they go. It’s been difficult to keep up with what all has been going on, but the overview is simple. Rioters are looting private businesses and destroying people’s homes.
It’s just that simple.
But in Santa Rosa, Florida, one commission candidate has a stern warning for potential looters in his community.
One week after the death of George Floyd sparked protests around the country, a candidate for the Santa Rosa County Commission released a video saying looters aren’t welcome in the county and delivered the message: “if you loot, we’ll shoot.” James Calkins, who is running for the District 3 commission seat, posted the 25-second video to his campaign Facebook account on Monday afternoon. In it, he wears a “Make America Great Again” hat while holding a shotgun as he addresses “thugs” and “antifa” and denounces riots and looting on behalf of Santa Rosa County. “This message goes to the looters, to the thugs, to antifa, y’all aren’t welcome in Santa Rosa County. We believe in our Second Amendment right and we believe that if you loot, we’ll shoot,” Calkins says in the video before he cocks the shotgun. On Tuesday, he explained his motivation behind the video, which had been shared more than 275 times in less than 24 hours. “One thing I believe in is property rights and protecting property rights. That is one of the foundations of our country,” said Calkins, a Republican, in a phone interview. “I believe in property rights and our Second Amendment rights. We fought real hard to make Santa Rosa County a Second Amendment sanctuary.” Referring specifically to the “If you loot, we’ll shoot” phrase, Calkins said he doesn’t support Santa Rosa County gun owners shooting people unless a “stand your ground” situation arises. “I don’t support shooting somebody else and taking the law into your own hands,” Calkins said. “Basically, if somebody is proactively threatening or trying to harm somebody, that’s what our Second Amendment is for, for defending our lives and our property, basically.”
Calkins is getting some flak for his comment, unsurprisingly. One commission argued that leaders should be trying to bring people together at a time like this, not issuing threats.
However, one thing has been very clear in all this mess and that’s how the rioters don’t want to be brought together with the rest of us. They’re much more content to burn, loot, and destroy. In a case like that, fine words aren’t likely to sway much of anyone.
Instead, warnings that violence will be met with violence are more likely to have a much greater impact. It’s no coincidence that as word circulates that people are buying guns, the violence begins to subside. Calkins said what needed to be said, even if it’s not popular.
Sure, eloquent words might sound good. They might even make you popular with certain crowds, but if George Floyd’s brother begging people to stop rioting over his brother’s death didn’t stop the rioting, just what is some politician going to say to make people stop?
Well, warning them they’ll get a face of buckshot if they try and get froggy might just be the only thing that would make that happen.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--All Four Louisiana Gun Bills Head To Governor

While riots grip most of the news cycle , there ’ s still governing to do elsewhere .
Most lawmakers can ’ t really do anything about the riots except make a speech and possibly inflame the situation even worse than it already is .
For many , it ’ s probably best they just keep their head down and do their jobs .
In Louisiana , it looks like they ’ re doing just that .
After all , they just sent four pro-gun bills to the governor ’ s desk .
With most of the focus being on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Louisiana ’ s budget , and tort reform , it may have been easy to forget that there were actually four gun bills seeking passage in the shortened Legislative Session .
But , they all made it through – most with super majority vote of both chambers – and are headed to Governor John Bel Edwards ’ desk for his signature .
“ All four are strong pro-gun rights bills that strengthen Louisiana citizens ’ Second Amendment rights , ” says Chairman of the House Republican Delegation and competitive shooting champion Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bills protect our freedom in times of uncertainty and emergency , including during the current Covid-19 outbreak.
” • House Bill 781 , sponsored by Rep. Blake Miguez , establishes that firearms and ammunition manufacturers , distributors , wholesalers , suppliers , and retailers are “ Essential Businesses ” that shall not be prohibited from conducting business during a declared disaster or emergency .
HB 781 further prevents law-abiding gun owners ’ rights from being infringed during proclaimed curfews .
• House Bill 140 , sponsored by Rep. Blake Miguez , prevents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prohibit the possession of a firearm .
Preemption legislation is designed to stop municipalities from creating a patchwork of different laws that turn a law-abiding citizen into a criminal for simply crossing a jurisdictional line .
• House Bill 746 , sponsored by Rep. Ray Garofalo , allows those who lawfully possess a firearm to carry concealed for self-defense during a mandatory evacuation under a declared state of emergency or disaster .
• House Bill 334 , sponsored by Reps. Bryan Fontenot , Blake Miguez and Charles Owen , authorizes a concealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handgun in a church , synagogue , mosque , or other similar place of worship .
With most passing with a supermajority , it likely won ’ t matter whether the governor vetos them or not .
However , Edwards is generally described as a fairly rare species , the pro-gun Democrat .
There ’ s a chance he ’ d sign all four regardless of how much of an edge they had .
Yet now , it seems likely he ’ ll do it anyway , just because no one wants their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s good news for Louisianans .
All of these laws make it just a bit safer for them to go about their lives , even if they don ’ t carry themselves .
After all , armed citizens are like herd immunity for crime .
The more who carry , the safer those who don ’ t carry actually are .
We ’ ll have to wait and see to make sure the governor signs these bills , of course , because he is a Democrat and who knows what kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Still , it looks promising for folks in Louisiana .

While riots grip most of the news cycle, there’s still governing to do elsewhere. Most lawmakers can’t really do anything about the riots except make a speech and possibly inflame the situation even worse than it already is. For many, it’s probably best they just keep their head down and do their jobs.
In Louisiana, it looks like they’re doing just that.
After all, they just sent four pro-gun bills to the governor’s desk.
With most of the focus being on COVID-19’s impact on small businesses, Louisiana’s budget, and tort reform, it may have been easy to forget that there were actually four gun bills seeking passage in the shortened Legislative Session. But, they all made it through – most with super majority vote of both chambers – and are headed to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk for his signature. “All four are strong pro-gun rights bills that strengthen Louisiana citizens’ Second Amendment rights,” says Chairman of the House Republican Delegation and competitive shooting champion Rep. Blake Miguez (R-Erath). “The bills protect our freedom in times of uncertainty and emergency, including during the current Covid-19 outbreak.” House Bill 781, sponsored by Rep. Blake Miguez, establishes that firearms and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers, and retailers are “Essential Businesses” that shall not be prohibited from conducting business during a declared disaster or emergency. HB 781 further prevents law-abiding gun owners’ rights from being infringed during proclaimed curfews.
House Bill 140, sponsored by Rep. Blake Miguez, prevents local authorities and municipalities from imposing restrictions to prohibit the possession of a firearm. Preemption legislation is designed to stop municipalities from creating a patchwork of different laws that turn a law-abiding citizen into a criminal for simply crossing a jurisdictional line.
House Bill 746, sponsored by Rep. Ray Garofalo, allows those who lawfully possess a firearm to carry concealed for self-defense during a mandatory evacuation under a declared state of emergency or disaster.
House Bill 334, sponsored by Reps. Bryan Fontenot, Blake Miguez and Charles Owen, authorizes a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a concealed handgun in a church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship.
With most passing with a supermajority, it likely won’t matter whether the governor vetos them or not.
However, Edwards is generally described as a fairly rare species, the pro-gun Democrat. There’s a chance he’d sign all four regardless of how much of an edge they had. Yet now, it seems likely he’ll do it anyway, just because no one wants their veto overridden by the legislature.
That’s good news for Louisianans. All of these laws make it just a bit safer for them to go about their lives, even if they don’t carry themselves. After all, armed citizens are like herd immunity for crime. The more who carry, the safer those who don’t carry actually are.
We’ll have to wait and see to make sure the governor signs these bills, of course, because he is a Democrat and who knows what kind of thinking he may undergo right about now. Still, it looks promising for folks in Louisiana.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Black Guns Matter During Civil Unrest

Black Guns Matter During Civil Unrest

Black Guns Matter found Maj Toure has been a busy man over the past few days , and I ’ m glad that he could take a few minutes to talk with me for today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co about the recent unrest , riots , looting taking place amidst massive protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
In fact , over the weekend , Maj was in Minneapolis and held a free gun safety class at the shrine set up in honor of George Floyd .
Toure was also in Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class on the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre , when large portions of the city ’ s black businesses and neighborhoods were destroyed and hundreds were injured .
Maj was back in Philly this morning , and we had a great conversation about what ’ s happening in the United States at the moment , starting with the idea that I think is held by most Americans : support for at least the idea of non-violent protests , but rejecting the destruction and looting that ’ s been taking place alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pretty common sense position to hold , in my opinion , but as Maj points out , there ’ s no shortage of forces in this country , including many media outlets , who seem intent on turning this into a black vs. white issue , a blue vs. red issue , or a right vs. left issue .
Toure says the issue is really freedom vs. tyranny .
It ’ s a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation , as is generally the case when I spend time with Maj .
I encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above .
Also on today ’ s program , we have the story of an armed store owner in Chicago who managed to cuff and detain a looter in his business , a Virginia man just released from jail who ’ s now back behind bars after firing at Chesterfield officers , and a community that came together to identify a man caught on tape tossing a Molotov cocktail at Spokane , Washington police officers .
Cam Edwards has covered the 2nd Amendment for more than 15 years as a broadcast and online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` Heavy Lifting : Grow Up , Get a Job , Start a Family , and Other Manly Advice '' with Jim Geraghty .
He lives outside of Farmville , Virginia with his family .
https : //bearingarms.com/author/camedwards/

Black Guns Matter founder Maj Toure has been a busy man over the past few days, and I’m glad that he could take a few minutes to talk with me for today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co about the recent unrest, riots, looting taking place amidst massive protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In fact, over the weekend, Maj was in Minneapolis and held a free gun safety class at the shrine set up in honor of George Floyd. Toure was also in Tulsa, Oklahoma putting on another gun safety class on the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, when large portions of the city’s black businesses and neighborhoods were destroyed and hundreds were injured.
Maj was back in Philly this morning, and we had a great conversation about what’s happening in the United States at the moment, starting with the idea that I think is held by most Americans: support for at least the idea of non-violent protests, but rejecting the destruction and looting that’s been taking place alongside the legitimate demonstrations. That’s a pretty common sense position to hold, in my opinion, but as Maj points out, there’s no shortage of forces in this country, including many media outlets, who seem intent on turning this into a black vs. white issue, a blue vs. red issue, or a right vs. left issue. Toure says the issue is really freedom vs. tyranny.
It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation, as is generally the case when I spend time with Maj. I encourage you to check out the entire interview above.
Also on today’s program, we have the story of an armed store owner in Chicago who managed to cuff and detain a looter in his business, a Virginia man just released from jail who’s now back behind bars after firing at Chesterfield officers, and a community that came together to identify a man caught on tape tossing a Molotov cocktail at Spokane, Washington police officers.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--More Gun Stores Targeted As Cities Rioted

When there ’ s a riot going on , the police have to be focused on just a few things .
Number one is to make sure the government itself is safe .
That includes their own personal safety .
After that , they focus on the riot itself .
Other crimes often take a back seat for the time being for what should be obvious reasons .
Unfortunately , this makes it easier for some to get away with other crimes .
Especially when it comes to gun store burglaries .
As noted on Tuesday , gun stores were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the various cities .
Well , those particular gun stores weren ’ t the only ones targeted .
First , we have this one in Dallas : Investigators need your help finding out who stole dozens of firearms at the DFW Gun Range and Training Center early Sunday morning .
A $ 10,000 reward is being offered for any tips that could lead to the arrest of three men who of ransacked the place .
The thieves took 46 firearms .
They broke in about 1:30 Tuesday morning , while the rioting was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criminals at least seized on the opportunity the riots presented to break in and steal numerous guns .
And that ’ s actually the best-case scenario .
The worst case is that these were looters who wanted to arm themselves against police and National Guard troops that may try to quell the rioting .
And it wasn ’ t the only gun store in Texas hit , either .
Thirty-two guns were stolen out of a Pflugerville gun range , and just a few minutes later thieves attempted to break into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not believed the cases are linked and the ATF is getting involved in locating those stolen guns .
Security cameras captured the moment a suspect pulls out a gun from his hoodie and points it at Central Texas Gun Works .
“ The last thing I want to do is have any of my guns on the streets of Austin , Travis County , Texas and used illegally , ” said owner Michael Cargill .
While thieves came up empty-handed in this case , just a few minutes earlier a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 32 guns were stolen from Red ’ s Indoor Range on West Pecan Street .
The ATF is now getting involved to locate the firearms .
Between the thefts we talked about on Tuesday and these , somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 guns are on the streets in criminal hands , all at least in part due to the rioting that took place in various cities .
With luck , these are criminals looking to cash in on the situation and little else .
If so , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught easily enough , hopefully before any of these guns end up in the hands of people likely to use them for criminal acts .
The question is , are we that fortunate ?
At this point , it ’ s impossible to say .
I can ’ t help but fear that this is for some more nefarious purpose .
Then again , it ’ s also possible the last few days have pegged my paranoid meter .
Let ’ s all hope that ’ s the case .

When there’s a riot going on, the police have to be focused on just a few things. Number one is to make sure the government itself is safe. That includes their own personal safety. After that, they focus on the riot itself. Other crimes often take a back seat for the time being for what should be obvious reasons.
Unfortunately, this makes it easier for some to get away with other crimes. Especially when it comes to gun store burglaries.
As noted on Tuesday, gun stores were hit by criminals while looters rampaged throughout the various cities.
Well, those particular gun stores weren’t the only ones targeted.
First, we have this one in Dallas:
Investigators need your help finding out who stole dozens of firearms at the DFW Gun Range and Training Center early Sunday morning. A $10,000 reward is being offered for any tips that could lead to the arrest of three men who of ransacked the place.
The thieves took 46 firearms. They broke in about 1:30 Tuesday morning, while the rioting was still continuing.
In other words, the criminals at least seized on the opportunity the riots presented to break in and steal numerous guns.
And that’s actually the best-case scenario. The worst case is that these were looters who wanted to arm themselves against police and National Guard troops that may try to quell the rioting.
And it wasn’t the only gun store in Texas hit, either.
Thirty-two guns were stolen out of a Pflugerville gun range, and just a few minutes later thieves attempted to break into a south Austin gun shop. Right now it’s not believed the cases are linked and the ATF is getting involved in locating those stolen guns. Security cameras captured the moment a suspect pulls out a gun from his hoodie and points it at Central Texas Gun Works. “The last thing I want to do is have any of my guns on the streets of Austin, Travis County, Texas and used illegally,” said owner Michael Cargill. … While thieves came up empty-handed in this case, just a few minutes earlier a gun range in Pflugerville was broken into. A total of 32 guns were stolen from Red’s Indoor Range on West Pecan Street. The ATF is now getting involved to locate the firearms.
Between the thefts we talked about on Tuesday and these, somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 guns are on the streets in criminal hands, all at least in part due to the rioting that took place in various cities.
With luck, these are criminals looking to cash in on the situation and little else. If so, they’ll likely screw up and be caught easily enough, hopefully before any of these guns end up in the hands of people likely to use them for criminal acts.
The question is, are we that fortunate? At this point, it’s impossible to say. I can’t help but fear that this is for some more nefarious purpose.
Then again, it’s also possible the last few days have pegged my paranoid meter. Let’s all hope that’s the case.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--British MP Demand Halt Of Riot Gear Exports To U.S.

Despite our nation ’ s initial rocky relationship with England , things changed during the 20th Century and the nation that we defeated to win our independence has become one of our closest allies .
While there are profound differences between the two nations , particularly when it comes to our view of gun rights , England has always been a country we could count on to have our back .
After all , we had theirs in two world wars .
Yet a Labour Minister of Parlament wants to throw all that into the woodchipper by demanding the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
Labour ’ s Emily Thornberry has demanded the suspension by the UK government of riot control equipment exports to the United States amid violent police responses to American protesters .
Writing to her opposite number Liz Truss , the Shadow International Trade Secretary said that law enforcement in the US has used “ excessive force in response to these protests ” since the murder of George Floyd .
Noting that it is UK policy to “ refuse licences for the export of arms and equipment that might be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that exports to the US are now “ an obvious matter of concern ” .
Labour has called on the government to publish a list of all current export licences to the US of riot control projectiles and equipment and to suspend all existing licences until their use has been determined .
Thornberry said : “ The British public deserve to know how arms exported by this country are being used across the world , and the American public deserve the right to protest peacefully without the threat of violent repression.
” They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loud .
What they don ’ t have a right to do is destroy and loot private property in the riots that have gripped our nation .
Is Thornberry actually arguing that police here in the United States shouldn ’ t push back when riots commence ?
Seriously ?
Now , there ’ s the issue of practicality .
Will this actually happen and , if it does , will it have much of an impact ?
Honestly , I can ’ t say definitively either way .
The Labour Party doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England right now , so it ’ s not like Thornberry has the pull to make this happen , but the nation ’ s government works very differently from the United States and I haven ’ t really cared enough to get into how it works .
After all , their crap usually doesn ’ t have much pull on this side of the Atlantic .
As for whether this would create an issue , though , I ’ m not sure it would .
We have a lot of resources here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the slack .
Further , the U.S. is a huge market .
If the Brits don ’ t want to sell to us , someone else will , so even if we don ’ t have domestic producers , we ’ ll still likely be able to get what our officers need .
The problem is , there will be a lot of us who will remember this the next time England ends up in a tough spot .
It ’ s something we ’ ll have to wait and see on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson isn ’ t likely to play that particular game , which makes Labour no different than our own Democrats who scream and stomp their feet when they can ’ t get their way .
Regardless , Thornberry would do well to understand the reality on the ground before she pontificates from London about just what ’ s going on here in the U.S. After all , there have been peaceful protests and no one got hurt .
There have also been riots and those are when the police are going to @ @ @ @ @ @

Despite our nation’s initial rocky relationship with England, things changed during the 20th Century and the nation that we defeated to win our independence has become one of our closest allies. While there are profound differences between the two nations, particularly when it comes to our view of gun rights, England has always been a country we could count on to have our back. After all, we had theirs in two world wars.
Yet a Labour Minister of Parlament wants to throw all that into the woodchipper by demanding the British government halt exports of riot gear to the United States.
Labour’s Emily Thornberry has demanded the suspension by the UK government of riot control equipment exports to the United States amid violent police responses to American protesters. Writing to her opposite number Liz Truss, the Shadow International Trade Secretary said that law enforcement in the US has used “excessive force in response to these protests” since the murder of George Floyd. Noting that it is UK policy to “refuse licences for the export of arms and equipment that might be used for internal repression”, Thornberry concluded that exports to the US are now “an obvious matter of concern”. Labour has called on the government to publish a list of all current export licences to the US of riot control projectiles and equipment and to suspend all existing licences until their use has been determined. Thornberry said: “The British public deserve to know how arms exported by this country are being used across the world, and the American public deserve the right to protest peacefully without the threat of violent repression.”
They have that right, for crying out loud.
What they don’t have a right to do is destroy and loot private property in the riots that have gripped our nation. Is Thornberry actually arguing that police here in the United States shouldn’t push back when riots commence? Seriously?
Now, there’s the issue of practicality. Will this actually happen and, if it does, will it have much of an impact?
Honestly, I can’t say definitively either way. The Labour Party doesn’t actually hold that much power in England right now, so it’s not like Thornberry has the pull to make this happen, but the nation’s government works very differently from the United States and I haven’t really cared enough to get into how it works. After all, their crap usually doesn’t have much pull on this side of the Atlantic.
As for whether this would create an issue, though, I’m not sure it would. We have a lot of resources here in the U.S. that could likely pick up the slack. Further, the U.S. is a huge market. If the Brits don’t want to sell to us, someone else will, so even if we don’t have domestic producers, we’ll still likely be able to get what our officers need.
The problem is, there will be a lot of us who will remember this the next time England ends up in a tough spot.
It’s something we’ll have to wait and see on, but my gut says that Prime Minister Boris Johnson isn’t likely to play that particular game, which makes Labour no different than our own Democrats who scream and stomp their feet when they can’t get their way.
Regardless, Thornberry would do well to understand the reality on the ground before she pontificates from London about just what’s going on here in the U.S. After all, there have been peaceful protests and no one got hurt. There have also been riots and those are when the police are going to come in no matter what.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Felon Busted With Guns On The Way To Salt Lake City Protest

A pair of Utah men are behind bars after police found numerous weapons and social media posts threatening violence against officers .
Authorities in West Valley , Utah say 27-year olds Yuri Silva and Christian Hernandez were pulled over on their way to a protest in Salt Lake City , and cops found several firearms in their vehicle , including what the Deseret News describes as an Uzi with a suppressor .
In the home of Yuri Neves Silva , 27 , of West Valley City , more weapons were found and seized .
Information about a potential motive was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two were headed to the protests to cause trouble .
“ We had every reason to believe that ’ s what they intended to do , ” Vainuku said .
Silva had posted “ multiple threats of violence against police , specifically Salt Lake City police and West Valley City police ” over social media and “ encouraged others to take up arms against police as well , and had reportedly listed the names and addresses of specific officers to be targeted , ” she said .
Silva was arrested for investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Silva was making multiple posts about harming police officers and was seen in one picture holding a gun , according to a police affidavit .
Silva ’ s not a prohibited person , but the same can ’ t be said for his buddy .
Christian Hernandez is now facing felon in possession and drug charges after marijuana was found in the vehicle along with the firearms .
As for Silva ’ s alleged threats , they seem to be pretty specific in their intent .
“ In one video posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video showing himself mocking the Salt Lake City curfew , stating , ‘ Hands up don ’ t shoot , ’ ” while also threatening to kill police officers , the affidavit states .
“ The suspect also made comments knowing officers were trying to follow his Facebook page and he directed officers to stay at home to protect their families , otherwise ‘ we will have no choice but to affiliate you with your … colleagues and their actions.
’ “ The suspect also mentions a police officer who resides in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put that cop car in the garage real quick play boi , ’ ” according to the affidavit .
According to police , Silva denies that he had any actual intent to harm police officers , but admitted that he hoped his social media posts would incite others to violence .
That excuse may have been more believable if Silva and Hernandez hadn ’ t had multiple firearms with them on their way to what was supposed to be a peaceful protest .
Thankfully , things seem to be calming down in Salt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Protests on Tuesday were loud but lawful for the most part .
One person was arrested at the state capitol after protests continued long past the curfew imposed by the mayor , but that was it .
If Silva and Hernandez hadn ’ t been apprehended , however , who knows how bad things would have gotten .
The legitimate protesters may have issues with police , but they should be praising officers for their actions in thwarting what very well could have turned a peaceful protest into a bloodbath .

A pair of Utah men are behind bars after police found numerous weapons and social media posts threatening violence against officers. Authorities in West Valley, Utah say 27-year olds Yuri Silva and Christian Hernandez were pulled over on their way to a protest in Salt Lake City, and cops found several firearms in their vehicle, including what the Deseret News describes as an Uzi with a suppressor.
In the home of Yuri Neves Silva, 27, of West Valley City, more weapons were found and seized. Information about a potential motive was not immediately available, but police believe the two were headed to the protests to cause trouble. “We had every reason to believe that’s what they intended to do,” Vainuku said. Silva had posted “multiple threats of violence against police, specifically Salt Lake City police and West Valley City police” over social media and “encouraged others to take up arms against police as well, and had reportedly listed the names and addresses of specific officers to be targeted,” she said. Silva was arrested for investigation of making a terroristic threat. Police say Silva was making multiple posts about harming police officers and was seen in one picture holding a gun, according to a police affidavit.
Silva’s not a prohibited person, but the same can’t be said for his buddy. Christian Hernandez is now facing felon in possession and drug charges after marijuana was found in the vehicle along with the firearms.
As for Silva’s alleged threats, they seem to be pretty specific in their intent.
“In one video posted on (Sunday), the suspect made a video showing himself mocking the Salt Lake City curfew, stating, ‘Hands up don’t shoot,’” while also threatening to kill police officers, the affidavit states. “The suspect also made comments knowing officers were trying to follow his Facebook page and he directed officers to stay at home to protect their families, otherwise ‘we will have no choice but to affiliate you with your … colleagues and their actions.’ “The suspect also mentions a police officer who resides in his neighborhood and comments, ‘You put that cop car in the garage real quick play boi,’” according to the affidavit.
According to police, Silva denies that he had any actual intent to harm police officers, but admitted that he hoped his social media posts would incite others to violence. That excuse may have been more believable if Silva and Hernandez hadn’t had multiple firearms with them on their way to what was supposed to be a peaceful protest.
Thankfully, things seem to be calming down in Salt Lake City after a weekend of violence. Protests on Tuesday were loud but lawful for the most part. One person was arrested at the state capitol after protests continued long past the curfew imposed by the mayor, but that was it. If Silva and Hernandez hadn’t been apprehended, however, who knows how bad things would have gotten. The legitimate protesters may have issues with police, but they should be praising officers for their actions in thwarting what very well could have turned a peaceful protest into a bloodbath.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Gun Sales Spiking Yet Again Amid Riots

Gun Sales Spiking Yet Again Amid Riots

As noted earlier this week , it seems that gun sales hit yet another record as people remained concerned about COVID-19 as well as the coming economic crisis .
We ’ ve watched month after month as gun sales have continued to grow .
People were worried and for damn good reason .
Now , though , they ’ re downright terrified .
After all , how many cities can you have burning before people get scared ?
As a result , it seems even more people are going out and buying guns .
Several gun stores in Central Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ammo sales Monday in reaction to Sunday night ’ s vandalism following a day of peaceful protests in downtown Birmingham .
“ Everyone is making ammo runs , ” said Alabama Guns and Outdoors Owner Russell England about sales Monday , a response , he says , to “ ( the ) current state of the world.
” The store ’ s business was already booming , first from coronavirus , and again since nationwide protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 .
But you might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s Alabama .
It ’ s not like Alabama is an anti-gun location in the first place.
” Only , it ’ s not just Alabama .
Now , can you find two places more different politically than Alabama and Burbank or Long Island ?
Not without leaving the United States , at least , and yet we see long lines looking to buy guns .
Why is that ?
Well , it ’ s hard to explain , but the simplified version is that these riots shattered the worldview for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or , at least , Second Amendment agnostic .
Before , they bought into the idea that gun control would somehow restrain criminal behavior .
They thought that gun control worked .
Now , though , they have seen how much havoc can be created by groups of people who have no respect for the law .
People have lost their homes , their businesses , everything .
Lives have been shattered .
Lives have been lost .
And people have been watching it all in HD .
Honestly , is it any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores in such diverse locations ?
If I didn ’ t have any guns , I ’ d sure as hell be buying right about now too .
While the media reports that things were quieter Tuesday night , no one can possibly know if that will hold or if that was the calm before the storm .
As such , I hope more people buy guns .
Of course , they ’ ll run right into the draconian restrictions that exist in many of these places that will likely keep them disarmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California .
Regardless , though , it ’ s also likely that many of these people will likely view gun control differently moving forward .
Unrest like that tends to clarify the mind just a bit .
For that , I welcome them to this side of the fence .
I don ’ t care what color they are , they ’ re welcome to learn and train and become advocates for the very Second Amendment they just took advantage of .
Of course , not everyone wants to advocate , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only ask they remember this come November and think about which party would prefer they still be disarmed .

As noted earlier this week, it seems that gun sales hit yet another record as people remained concerned about COVID-19 as well as the coming economic crisis. We’ve watched month after month as gun sales have continued to grow.
People were worried and for damn good reason.
Now, though, they’re downright terrified. After all, how many cities can you have burning before people get scared? As a result, it seems even more people are going out and buying guns.
Several gun stores in Central Alabama say they saw a jump in firearm and ammo sales Monday in reaction to Sunday night’s vandalism following a day of peaceful protests in downtown Birmingham. “Everyone is making ammo runs,” said Alabama Guns and Outdoors Owner Russell England about sales Monday, a response, he says, to “(the) current state of the world.” The store’s business was already booming, first from coronavirus, and again since nationwide protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
But you might be saying, “Sure, but that’s Alabama. It’s not like Alabama is an anti-gun location in the first place.”
Only, it’s not just Alabama.
It’s also Burbank, California:
Wow there are really long lines outside all the gun stores in #Burbank. Please be careful out there. Seems like people are preparing for more violence. pic.twitter.com/tx1tvNzuRl — Ed Larson (@Eddietunes_) June 2, 2020
It’s also Long Island, New York:
Line up for a gun shop in Long Island right now. +50 people and over a 2 hour wait. pic.twitter.com/SOVAfoc3Gk — Clarion Project (@clarionproject) June 2, 2020
Now, can you find two places more different politically than Alabama and Burbank or Long Island? Not without leaving the United States, at least, and yet we see long lines looking to buy guns. Why is that?
Well, it’s hard to explain, but the simplified version is that these riots shattered the worldview for many that allowed them to be anti-gun or, at least, Second Amendment agnostic. Before, they bought into the idea that gun control would somehow restrain criminal behavior. They thought that gun control worked.
Now, though, they have seen how much havoc can be created by groups of people who have no respect for the law. People have lost their homes, their businesses, everything. Lives have been shattered. Lives have been lost.
And people have been watching it all in HD.
Honestly, is it any wonder that people are flocking to gun stores in such diverse locations? If I didn’t have any guns, I’d sure as hell be buying right about now too.
While the media reports that things were quieter Tuesday night, no one can possibly know if that will hold or if that was the calm before the storm. As such, I hope more people buy guns. Of course, they’ll run right into the draconian restrictions that exist in many of these places that will likely keep them disarmed for a period of time, especially in California.
Regardless, though, it’s also likely that many of these people will likely view gun control differently moving forward. Unrest like that tends to clarify the mind just a bit. For that, I welcome them to this side of the fence. I don’t care what color they are, they’re welcome to learn and train and become advocates for the very Second Amendment they just took advantage of.
Of course, not everyone wants to advocate, and that’s fine too. I only ask they remember this come November and think about which party would prefer they still be disarmed.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Florida City Bans Gun Sales, Carrying With Emergency Declaration

The mayor of West Palm Beach , Florida has instituted a state of emergency after several nights of violent protests , including riots on Sunday evening that resulted in the arrest of five people .
That ’ s not an unreasonable thing to do , but some of the details in the order absolutely are unreasonable , including Mayor Keith James ’ proclamation that firearm and ammunition sales are forbidden in the city while the order is in effect .
According to James ’ proclamation , not only are gun and ammunition sales now verboten , but the lawful carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Is this legal ?
According to the Florida statutes , the answer is yes .
In fact , according to the statutes , those prohibitions automatically kick in once a state of emergency has been declared because of rioting and unrest .
Whenever the public official declares that a state of emergency exists , pursuant to s. 870.043 , the following acts shall be prohibited during the period of said emergency throughout the jurisdiction : The sale of , or offer to sell , with or without consideration , any ammunition or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or description .
The intentional display , after the emergency is declared , by or in any store or shop of any ammunition or gun or other firearm of any size or description .
The intentional possession in a public place of a firearm by any person , except a duly authorized law enforcement official or person in military service acting in the official performance of her or his duty .
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the seizure , taking , or confiscation of firearms that are lawfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a criminal act .
Note that the statute says that gun and ammo sales , as well as carrying a firearm in public shall be prohibited , not may be prohibited .
It may very well be that Mayor James is happy that his emergency order comes with these restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms ( he ’ s previously complained about not being able to implement local gun control laws thanks to the state ’ s preemption statute ) , but it sounds like even if he were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have had a choice once he declared a state of emergency because of the riots .
The order is set to expire at 9 p.m. Wednesday evening , though it could be renewed for another 72 hours if the West Palm Beach City Council votes to extend the order .
While a court challenge to the language in the Florida statutes is possible , it ’ s highly unlikely that a hearing would take place before the order expires .
Instead , Florida gun owners and Second Amendment supporters should start talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statutes that requires the ban on gun and ammo sales and the lawful carrying of firearms .
When riots and civil unrest break out , Americans want to protect themselves .
There ’ ve been long lines of customers reported at gun stores across the country over the past couple of days , and I ’ m sure there are plenty of residents in West Palm Beach who would like to purchase a firearm for self-defense right now .
To deprive them of that ability at a moment when their Second Amendment rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me , if not unconstitutional .
Rioters and looters are already breaking in to gun stores in nearby Miami , so clearly they ’ re not going to be thwarted by a simple proclamation .
It ’ s the law-abiding residents of West Palm Beach ( and potentially other cities as well ) who are bearing the brunt of this ban , and legislators need to fix this flaw in the state statutes as soon as possible .
It ’ s unconscionable that Americans seeking some ability to protect themselves during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defenseless by the State .

The mayor of West Palm Beach, Florida has instituted a state of emergency after several nights of violent protests, including riots on Sunday evening that resulted in the arrest of five people. That’s not an unreasonable thing to do, but some of the details in the order absolutely are unreasonable, including Mayor Keith James’ proclamation that firearm and ammunition sales are forbidden in the city while the order is in effect.
https://www.scribd.com/document/463844515/Declaration-of-Emergency
According to James’ proclamation, not only are gun and ammunition sales now verboten, but the lawful carrying of firearms in public is also prohibited.
Is this legal? According to the Florida statutes, the answer is yes. In fact, according to the statutes, those prohibitions automatically kick in once a state of emergency has been declared because of rioting and unrest.
Whenever the public official declares that a state of emergency exists, pursuant to s. 870.043, the following acts shall be prohibited during the period of said emergency throughout the jurisdiction: (1) The sale of, or offer to sell, with or without consideration, any ammunition or gun or other firearm of any size or description. (2) The intentional display, after the emergency is declared, by or in any store or shop of any ammunition or gun or other firearm of any size or description. (3) The intentional possession in a public place of a firearm by any person, except a duly authorized law enforcement official or person in military service acting in the official performance of her or his duty. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the seizure, taking, or confiscation of firearms that are lawfully possessed, unless a person is engaged in a criminal act.
Note that the statute says that gun and ammo sales, as well as carrying a firearm in public shall be prohibited, not may be prohibited. It may very well be that Mayor James is happy that his emergency order comes with these restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms (he’s previously complained about not being able to implement local gun control laws thanks to the state’s preemption statute), but it sounds like even if he were a Second Amendment stalwart he wouldn’t have had a choice once he declared a state of emergency because of the riots.
The order is set to expire at 9 p.m. Wednesday evening, though it could be renewed for another 72 hours if the West Palm Beach City Council votes to extend the order. While a court challenge to the language in the Florida statutes is possible, it’s highly unlikely that a hearing would take place before the order expires.
Instead, Florida gun owners and Second Amendment supporters should start talking to legislators about the language of the statutes that requires the ban on gun and ammo sales and the lawful carrying of firearms. When riots and civil unrest break out, Americans want to protect themselves. There’ve been long lines of customers reported at gun stores across the country over the past couple of days, and I’m sure there are plenty of residents in West Palm Beach who would like to purchase a firearm for self-defense right now. To deprive them of that ability at a moment when their Second Amendment rights are more important than ever seems unwise to me, if not unconstitutional.
Rioters and looters are already breaking in to gun stores in nearby Miami, so clearly they’re not going to be thwarted by a simple proclamation. It’s the law-abiding residents of West Palm Beach (and potentially other cities as well) who are bearing the brunt of this ban, and legislators need to fix this flaw in the state statutes as soon as possible. It’s unconscionable that Americans seeking some ability to protect themselves during a state of emergency can be left disarmed and defenseless by the State.


bearingarms--2020-06-03--Leftist Media Pretends There Is No Threat Of Violence As Riots Continue

After a week of rioting , it would be hard for anyone to look at what happened and believe that there ’ s no threat to be had from rioters .
This is especially true as information spread that rioters might be considering moving to the suburbs .
Plenty of people had reason to be concerned , especially since riots seemed to be happening everywhere .
While things appear to be settling down in some places , at least for now , no one knew that was likely .
However , it seems the leftist media–and I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends left–has decided any warnings of violence are completely baseless .
In a story titled , “ Virginia Sen. Amanda Chase Foments Fear Among Gun-Owners , Baselessly Warns of ‘ Antifa ’ Threat , ” the leftist site Right-Wing Watch reported : Republican Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase uploaded a video to Facebook yesterday in which she tells gun owners to be “ on alert ” for the potential presence of anti-fascist activists in their area .
In a live broadcast on her official Facebook page , Chase told viewers that anti-fascist activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were potentially going to fan out to “ targets ” in the greater Richmond area .
She told viewers—specifically gun owners—to be “ on alert ” in their communities .
“ If you are a Second Amendment supporter—someone who carries—just pay close attention to what ’ s going on .
Protect your family , ” Chase said .
“ Be cognizant of what ’ s going on around you.
” Chase went on to say that any anti-fascists who attempted “ hijack ” rallies happening in the greater Richmond area were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise ” because “ there are a number of people from the 2A [ Second Amendment ] community who have been activated who are on active alert.
” Probably a poor choice of words–after all , the Second Amendment community isn ’ t nearly organized enough to have anyone “ activated ” –but what the leftist site failed to note is that the concerns weren ’ t exactly baseless .
There was a lot of talk about just that happening and Antifa had already wrecked numerous American cities with outright lawlessness .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of issues Chase has had in the past , committing a strawman fallacy where they attack the speaker and not the message .
That ’ s probably because they can ’ t attack the message .
They had no evidence that Antifa wasn ’ t likely to spread out .
We still don ’ t know that they won ’ t .
Just because the media is reporting that the violence is dying down doesn ’ t mean it won ’ t flare back up .
No one knows what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence might spread isn ’ t exactly a radical concept .
It ’ s just a concept that Right-Wing Watch is uncomfortable with .
At the top of their website , they state : To our readers : Right Wing Watch , a project for People For the American Way , is run by a dedicated staff driven to shed light on the activities of right-wing political organizations .
As a non-profit working hard every day to expose the Far-Right ’ s extreme and intolerant agenda , our main source of support is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you use Right Wing Watch , please consider making a contribution to support this content .
No one on the right is looting and burning down cities .
Yet warning that they might spread out and hit the suburbs is extreme and intolerant ?
Well…my days of not taking Far-Right Watch seriously are coming to a middle .

After a week of rioting, it would be hard for anyone to look at what happened and believe that there’s no threat to be had from rioters. This is especially true as information spread that rioters might be considering moving to the suburbs. Plenty of people had reason to be concerned, especially since riots seemed to be happening everywhere.
While things appear to be settling down in some places, at least for now, no one knew that was likely.
However, it seems the leftist media–and I’m not talking about the mainstream media that also trends left–has decided any warnings of violence are completely baseless. In a story titled, “Virginia Sen. Amanda Chase Foments Fear Among Gun-Owners, Baselessly Warns of ‘Antifa’ Threat,” the leftist site Right-Wing Watch reported:
Republican Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase uploaded a video to Facebook yesterday in which she tells gun owners to be “on alert” for the potential presence of anti-fascist activists in their area. In a live broadcast on her official Facebook page, Chase told viewers that anti-fascist activists were present in Richmond, Virginia, and were potentially going to fan out to “targets” in the greater Richmond area. She told viewers—specifically gun owners—to be “on alert” in their communities. “If you are a Second Amendment supporter—someone who carries—just pay close attention to what’s going on. Protect your family,” Chase said. “Be cognizant of what’s going on around you.” Chase went on to say that any anti-fascists who attempted “hijack” rallies happening in the greater Richmond area were “going to be in for a real surprise” because “there are a number of people from the 2A [Second Amendment] community who have been activated who are on active alert.”
Probably a poor choice of words–after all, the Second Amendment community isn’t nearly organized enough to have anyone “activated”–but what the leftist site failed to note is that the concerns weren’t exactly baseless. There was a lot of talk about just that happening and Antifa had already wrecked numerous American cities with outright lawlessness.
The site then goes on to run a list of issues Chase has had in the past, committing a strawman fallacy where they attack the speaker and not the message.
That’s probably because they can’t attack the message. They had no evidence that Antifa wasn’t likely to spread out. We still don’t know that they won’t. Just because the media is reporting that the violence is dying down doesn’t mean it won’t flare back up. No one knows what’s next, so Chase saying that the violence might spread isn’t exactly a radical concept.
It’s just a concept that Right-Wing Watch is uncomfortable with.
At the top of their website, they state:
To our readers: Right Wing Watch, a project for People For the American Way, is run by a dedicated staff driven to shed light on the activities of right-wing political organizations. As a non-profit working hard every day to expose the Far-Right’s extreme and intolerant agenda, our main source of support is donations from readers like you. If you use Right Wing Watch, please consider making a contribution to support this content.
The “Far-Right’s extreme and intolerant agenda?”
No one on the right is looting and burning down cities. Yet warning that they might spread out and hit the suburbs is extreme and intolerant?
Well…my days of not taking Far-Right Watch seriously are coming to a middle.