bearingarms--2020-03-25--Confusion Reigns Over Gun Store Shutdown Orders

Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee has joined New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy in ordered his state ’ s gun stores to close , declaring them non-essential businesses that must shut down temporarily during the state ’ s declared emergency .
At MyNorthwest.com , Seattle talk show host Jason Rantz says the governor ’ s move is a major mistake .
During his address , Inslee noted that the media would remain open during the shutdown .
Of course , we provide necessary information to inform the public about the coronavirus pandemic .
But our speech is also constitutionally protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before taking a move that could silence us .
That principle should apply to gun shop owners .
Qualified customers who don ’ t currently own a gun can ’ t go to a gun shop for the next two weeks to legally purchase one and enjoy their rights as a citizen .
That is a problem .
The governor ’ s office noted in an email to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH that these closures are temporary and that goods can still be purchased online .
This is an important note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the board .
And , obviously , if you own a gun already , you face no restrictions beyond future purchases and transfers .
But keep in mind , Seattle Public Schools , prior to the closures , refused to offer digital classes out of equity concerns : Not everyone has internet or a laptop .
A digital-only option would keep kids from their right to an education .
Well , not everyone in the market for a gun has internet or a laptop , either .
To be fair to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is nefarious in its intent .
I simply think the unique purpose gun shops serve isn ’ t being considered .
If there were a more pro-gun governor , perhaps we would have a different classification .
Perhaps .
While every governor who has ordered gun stores to close is a Democrat , not every Democratic governor has ordered gun stores to close .
Connecticut ’ s Ned Lamont , Illinois ’ J.B. Pritzker , and Kentucky ’ s Andy Beshear have all mandated that gun stores should remain open , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolf revised his orders to specify that gun stores can remain in operation as long as they follow specific guidelines on social distancing .
That announcement came Tuesday afternoon , hours after local law enforcement in East Earl , Pennsylvania visited The Sportsman ’ s Shop and ordered them to close .
Jessica Keffer , the store ’ s marketing manager , revealed the news to customers in a post to the store ’ s Facebook page .
Jessica was able to join me on today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the store is officially back in operation , and says State Rep. Dan Zimmerman reached out to the East Earl police to let them know that the shop is allowed to operate under the governor ’ s emergency declaration .
Keffer says the conditions imposed by the governor aren ’ t ideal , but at least they can continue to serve their customer base via appointments .
The store is still receiving shipments of firearms and ammunition , though not as much as need , but Keffer says that ’ s the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country right now that is open for business .
In Los Angeles , meanwhile , Sheriff Alex Villanueva caused massive amounts of confusion , and probably increased panic as well , when he declared on Tuesday that he would be sending deputies out to gun stores in the county and telling them to lock up and shut down , citing any who remained open .
Then , Tuesday evening , Los Angeles County Counsel Mary Wickham released an opinion stating that firearms retailers were in fact essential and did not have to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off his order and stated that he would no longer attempt to shutter the stores , unless or until Gov .
Gavin Newsom specifically states that gun stores are considered non-essential businesses .
Townhall ’ s Julio Rosas is riding out the pandemic in Los Angeles , and he also joins me on today ’ s show to talk about Sheriff Villanueva ’ s order and the confusion that resulted .
My advice to any of these anti-gun politicians who believe that a state of emergency is the perfect time to enact sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquire firearms for self-defense : don ’ t do it .
You ’ ll be sued , but even if you find judges willing to uphold your unconstitutional power grab , you will pay a political price for preventing law-abiding residents from exercising their rights as American citizens to protect themselves and their loved ones during this perilous time .
As we point out in today ’ s armed citizen story , police may need to depend on armed citizens in the short-term , just as citizens may find their departments understaffed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down orders persist .
No one that I know is calling for more crime or civil unrest , but that doesn ’ t mean that either of those things are unthinkable when we try to look even a few weeks into the future .
It is entirely reasonable for Washington residents to want a firearm for their protection at the moment , and it ’ s completely unconscionable for Gov .
Inslee to try to deny them of their right to acquire one legally .
Don ’ t forget to subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arms ’ Cam & Co podcast on Apple Podcasts , and thanks as always for watching , listening , and spreading the word .
Tune in tomorrow when we ’ ll be speaking with Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation about several lawsuits the organization is involved in challenging the closure of gun stores .

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has joined New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in ordered his state’s gun stores to close, declaring them non-essential businesses that must shut down temporarily during the state’s declared emergency.
At MyNorthwest.com, Seattle talk show host Jason Rantz says the governor’s move is a major mistake.
During his address, Inslee noted that the media would remain open during the shutdown. Of course, we provide necessary information to inform the public about the coronavirus pandemic. But our speech is also constitutionally protected and there should be a high bar before taking a move that could silence us. That principle should apply to gun shop owners. Qualified customers who don’t currently own a gun can’t go to a gun shop for the next two weeks to legally purchase one and enjoy their rights as a citizen. That is a problem. The governor’s office noted in an email to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH that these closures are temporary and that goods can still be purchased online. This is an important note as the gun restrictions aren’t across the board. And, obviously, if you own a gun already, you face no restrictions beyond future purchases and transfers. But keep in mind, Seattle Public Schools, prior to the closures, refused to offer digital classes out of equity concerns: Not everyone has internet or a laptop. A digital-only option would keep kids from their right to an education. Well, not everyone in the market for a gun has internet or a laptop, either. To be fair to the governor, I don’t think this is nefarious in its intent. I simply think the unique purpose gun shops serve isn’t being considered. If there were a more pro-gun governor, perhaps we would have a different classification.
Perhaps. While every governor who has ordered gun stores to close is a Democrat, not every Democratic governor has ordered gun stores to close. Connecticut’s Ned Lamont, Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker, and Kentucky’s Andy Beshear have all mandated that gun stores should remain open, and on Tuesday afternoon Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf revised his orders to specify that gun stores can remain in operation as long as they follow specific guidelines on social distancing.
That announcement came Tuesday afternoon, hours after local law enforcement in East Earl, Pennsylvania visited The Sportsman’s Shop and ordered them to close. Jessica Keffer, the store’s marketing manager, revealed the news to customers in a post to the store’s Facebook page.
Jessica was able to join me on today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co to reveal the good news that the store is officially back in operation, and says State Rep. Dan Zimmerman reached out to the East Earl police to let them know that the shop is allowed to operate under the governor’s emergency declaration.
Keffer says the conditions imposed by the governor aren’t ideal, but at least they can continue to serve their customer base via appointments. The store is still receiving shipments of firearms and ammunition, though not as much as need, but Keffer says that’s the situation for virtually every gun store in the country right now that is open for business.
In Los Angeles, meanwhile, Sheriff Alex Villanueva caused massive amounts of confusion, and probably increased panic as well, when he declared on Tuesday that he would be sending deputies out to gun stores in the county and telling them to lock up and shut down, citing any who remained open. Then, Tuesday evening, Los Angeles County Counsel Mary Wickham released an opinion stating that firearms retailers were in fact essential and did not have to close. Late Tuesday evening, Villanueva backed off his order and stated that he would no longer attempt to shutter the stores, unless or until Gov. Gavin Newsom specifically states that gun stores are considered non-essential businesses.
Townhall’s Julio Rosas is riding out the pandemic in Los Angeles, and he also joins me on today’s show to talk about Sheriff Villanueva’s order and the confusion that resulted.
My advice to any of these anti-gun politicians who believe that a state of emergency is the perfect time to enact sweeping restrictions denying people the ability to legally acquire firearms for self-defense: don’t do it. You’ll be sued, but even if you find judges willing to uphold your unconstitutional power grab, you will pay a political price for preventing law-abiding residents from exercising their rights as American citizens to protect themselves and their loved ones during this perilous time.
As we point out in today’s armed citizen story, police may need to depend on armed citizens in the short-term, just as citizens may find their departments understaffed and perhaps overwhelmed as the coronavirus peaks and shut down orders persist. No one that I know is calling for more crime or civil unrest, but that doesn’t mean that either of those things are unthinkable when we try to look even a few weeks into the future. It is entirely reasonable for Washington residents to want a firearm for their protection at the moment, and it’s completely unconscionable for Gov. Inslee to try to deny them of their right to acquire one legally.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Townhall Media on YouTube or the Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co podcast on Apple Podcasts, and thanks as always for watching, listening, and spreading the word. Tune in tomorrow when we’ll be speaking with Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation about several lawsuits the organization is involved in challenging the closure of gun stores.


bearingarms--2020-03-25--Gun Store Fight To Stay Open A Nationwide Battle

As fears over COVID-19 continues to spread as fast or faster than the disease itself , many governments are looking to shut down various businesses in what they describe as an effort to contain the infection .
One group of businesses is determined to fight to remain open .
Those would be the gun stores , of course .
We ’ ve covered many examples of gun stores taking on that battle , with some fairly surprising victories .
However , our coverage has mostly focused on specific examples .
The truth is , this isn ’ t a localized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and federal officials to have gun stores be categorized as essential businesses that are allowed to remain open during the nationwide shutdowns meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Business has boomed for the industry in the past week , with long lines stretching outside gun stores across the country .
On March 16 , background checks were up 300 % compared with the same day last year , according to federal data shared with the National Shooting Sports Foundation , the firearms industry association .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high as in the same period in 2019 .
The rush for guns is colliding with orders from state and local governments to close up shop .
Several states that issued shutdown orders , including California , New Jersey , New York and Pennsylvania , didn ’ t include gun stores among the essential businesses that can stay open , such as grocery stores , pharmacies and gas stations .
Point of order ?
Pennsylvania changed its tune yesterday , declaring gun stores as essential .
The NSSF last week began to press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security , governors and local officials to classify gun and ammunition dealers and manufacturers as essential businesses that must remain open , said Lawrence Keane , the organization ’ s senior vice president for government and public affairs .
“ This is exactly when the Second Amendment right is most important , because people are concerned about the safety of their families , their property and their businesses , ” said Mr. Keane .
The truth of the matter is that gun stores are essential , especially as we face even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is bad enough , the treatment is also doing a number on the economy .
I ’ m not interested in debating whether the treatment–shutting down businesses temporarily , shelter-in-place orders , closing schools , etc–is the right call or not .
I am saying , though , that doing such a thing has a profound impact on our economic system .
Because of that , we can probably expect crime to rise , even under the best of circumstances .
People are going to need guns to defend themselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That makes gun stores essential businesses that should be exempt from lockdown orders like what many of us are currently living under .
Further , due to state laws in many places , people simply can ’ t buy firearms lawfully without a gun store open .
Someone has to carry out transfers in universal background states .
Since the right to keep and bear arms is an essential civil liberty , this fight matters .
What ’ s more , though , we ’ re seeing this fight resulting in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a good sign going foward .

As fears over COVID-19 continues to spread as fast or faster than the disease itself, many governments are looking to shut down various businesses in what they describe as an effort to contain the infection. One group of businesses is determined to fight to remain open.
Those would be the gun stores, of course.
We’ve covered many examples of gun stores taking on that battle, with some fairly surprising victories.
However, our coverage has mostly focused on specific examples. The truth is, this isn’t a localized fight.
The firearms industry is lobbying state and federal officials to have gun stores be categorized as essential businesses that are allowed to remain open during the nationwide shutdowns meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Business has boomed for the industry in the past week, with long lines stretching outside gun stores across the country. On March 16, background checks were up 300% compared with the same day last year, according to federal data shared with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry association. The total number of checks since Feb. 23 is twice as high as in the same period in 2019. The rush for guns is colliding with orders from state and local governments to close up shop. Several states that issued shutdown orders, including California, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, didn’t include gun stores among the essential businesses that can stay open, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations.
Point of order? Pennsylvania changed its tune yesterday, declaring gun stores as essential.
Moving on, though…
The NSSF last week began to press the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, governors and local officials to classify gun and ammunition dealers and manufacturers as essential businesses that must remain open, said Lawrence Keane, the organization’s senior vice president for government and public affairs. “This is exactly when the Second Amendment right is most important, because people are concerned about the safety of their families, their property and their businesses,” said Mr. Keane.
The truth of the matter is that gun stores are essential, especially as we face even more troubles coming down the road. While the virus is bad enough, the treatment is also doing a number on the economy. I’m not interested in debating whether the treatment–shutting down businesses temporarily, shelter-in-place orders, closing schools, etc–is the right call or not. I am saying, though, that doing such a thing has a profound impact on our economic system.
Because of that, we can probably expect crime to rise, even under the best of circumstances. People are going to need guns to defend themselves, despite what some idiots seem to think. That makes gun stores essential businesses that should be exempt from lockdown orders like what many of us are currently living under.
Further, due to state laws in many places, people simply can’t buy firearms lawfully without a gun store open. Someone has to carry out transfers in universal background states. Since the right to keep and bear arms is an essential civil liberty, this fight matters.
What’s more, though, we’re seeing this fight resulting in more wins than I expected. That’s a good sign going foward.


bearingarms--2020-03-25--Remington Offers NY Factory To State To Produce Medical Supplies

The CEO of Remington Arms says the company ’ s manufacturing facility in Ilion , New York could be used to make “ ventilators , surgical masks , hospital beds or any other products mission-critical to the war on coronavirus , ” and is offering to convert the factory if New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo requests the company ’ s help .
In a letter sent to Cuomo on Monday , Remington ’ s Ken Darcy told the governor that there ’ s 1-million square feet of manufacturing capacity that ’ s currently not being used by the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to enlist in wartime production.
” A Remington Arms official could not be reached Tuesday for further comment , including how the logistics of such an operation would work .
There was no immediate sense of whether the plant would be used for supply making as companies across the country have indicated they have space available .
“ This is in line with Remington to do something like this , ” Ilion Mayor Brian Lamica said Tuesday .
“ They have always been there to help.
” Lamica said the Ilion plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms , as it has also produced typewriters , sewing machines , bicycles and fire engines .
“ It ’ s absolutely fantastic that the CEO would do that and reach out and try to help , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s great , ” said John Piseck , executive director of the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency .
According to Piseck , Remington isn ’ t planning on retooling their factory to make masks , beds , or ventilators themselves , but rather is offering up use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or distribution of goods.
” Herkimer County Administrator James Wallace said he had talked with Remington Arms Plant Manager Joseph Panko .
“ They ’ re going through the process , ” he said , adding Remington has also requested a waiver to allow the plant to continue producing firearms for military and police use .
“ If they can utilize more of their space , that would be great .
We ’ ve heard of the tremendous need for PPE ( personal protective equipment ) .
The quicker they can get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Right now the National Shooting Sports Foundation is working with the Trump administration to make it clear that firearm and ammunition manufacturers are critical businesses for our defense industry and need to remain open .
If that happens , the Ilion plant likely won ’ t need a waiver from the state to keep producing firearms .
If the facility is going to continue to manufacture arms , it ’ s unclear what that might mean for the company ’ s offer to use the manufacturing space for medical supplies .
State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remington is great , and he told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle that he hopes the facility can remain open and production lines can keep rolling , whether the company is making pistols or PPE .
“ The Remington Arms workforce consists of dedicated , skilled men and women and I am working closely with the plant manager in Ilion to get them back on the job , ” he said in an email .
“ I have discussed this tremendous offer with company officials and pledged my support .
Anything we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a safe environment , while helping our state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic , has my full endorsement.
” We ’ ll see if Gov .
Cuomo takes the company up on their offer .
It would be great news for the hundreds of employees if they could get back to work , even if they don ’ t yet know what exactly they might be making .

The CEO of Remington Arms says the company’s manufacturing facility in Ilion, New York could be used to make “ventilators, surgical masks, hospital beds or any other products mission-critical to the war on coronavirus,” and is offering to convert the factory if New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo requests the company’s help.
In a letter sent to Cuomo on Monday, Remington’s Ken Darcy told the governor that there’s 1-million square feet of manufacturing capacity that’s currently not being used by the company, and says that “Remington is ready to enlist in wartime production.”
A Remington Arms official could not be reached Tuesday for further comment, including how the logistics of such an operation would work. There was no immediate sense of whether the plant would be used for supply making as companies across the country have indicated they have space available. “This is in line with Remington to do something like this,” Ilion Mayor Brian Lamica said Tuesday. “They have always been there to help.” Lamica said the Ilion plant has a history that goes beyond producing firearms, as it has also produced typewriters, sewing machines, bicycles and fire engines. “It’s absolutely fantastic that the CEO would do that and reach out and try to help,” he said. “I think it’s great,” said John Piseck, executive director of the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency.
According to Piseck, Remington isn’t planning on retooling their factory to make masks, beds, or ventilators themselves, but rather is offering up use of the facility for the “production or distribution of goods.”
Herkimer County Administrator James Wallace said he had talked with Remington Arms Plant Manager Joseph Panko. “They’re going through the process,” he said, adding Remington has also requested a waiver to allow the plant to continue producing firearms for military and police use. “If they can utilize more of their space, that would be great. We’ve heard of the tremendous need for PPE (personal protective equipment). The quicker they can get it, the better,” said Wallace.
Right now the National Shooting Sports Foundation is working with the Trump administration to make it clear that firearm and ammunition manufacturers are critical businesses for our defense industry and need to remain open. If that happens, the Ilion plant likely won’t need a waiver from the state to keep producing firearms. If the facility is going to continue to manufacture arms, it’s unclear what that might mean for the company’s offer to use the manufacturing space for medical supplies.
State Senator James Seward thinks the offer by Remington is great, and he told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle that he hopes the facility can remain open and production lines can keep rolling, whether the company is making pistols or PPE.
“The Remington Arms workforce consists of dedicated, skilled men and women and I am working closely with the plant manager in Ilion to get them back on the job,” he said in an email. “I have discussed this tremendous offer with company officials and pledged my support. Anything we can do to get people back to work in a safe environment, while helping our state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, has my full endorsement.”
We’ll see if Gov. Cuomo takes the company up on their offer. It would be great news for the hundreds of employees if they could get back to work, even if they don’t yet know what exactly they might be making.


bearingarms--2020-03-25--Politifact Determined To Cover Biden's Confiscation Desires

Former Vice President Joe Biden is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination right now .
He ’ s been there before but couldn ’ t hold onto it .
Now , though , the entire DNC is putting its weight behind him , so he just might this time around .
However , it ’ s not just the DNC backing the former vice president .
Allies in the media certainly seem to be doing yeoman ’ s work trying to provide cover for his many gaffes and other outright insane comments .
A prime example seems to be how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t interested in gun confiscation .
Another week , another dubious “ fact-check ” from the professional propagandists at Politifact .
This time the Poynter Institute project labeled a claim that Joe Biden has admitted to supporting gun confiscation as “ Pants on Fire , ” their most extreme rating for a supposed falsehood .
In their herculean effort to obscure Biden ’ s support for gun confiscation , the media outlet went out of its way to avoid discussion of the overwhelming evidence of the presidential candidate ’ s intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an article from Conservative-Daily titled , “ Watch : Biden Looks Into The Camera And Promises To Take Away Americans ’ Guns.
” As evidence , the Conservative-Daily article cited a viral video of Joe Biden and Robert Francis “ Beto ” O ’ Rourke , eating at Texas hamburger chain Whataburger .
During the video , Biden states “ This guy changed the face of what we ’ re dealing with regarding guns , assault weapons… and I just want to warn [ Beto ’ s wife ] that if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” By narrowly focusing on only Biden ’ s statement at the Whataburger , while avoiding all context , Politifact came to the conclusion that Biden was only expressing his intent to have O ’ Rourke be part of his administration and that the video did not show evidence of the former vice president ’ s desire to ban guns .
When looking at the totality of Biden ’ s comments on confiscation , this view is untenable .
Beto ’ s entire position was predicated on coming after AR-15s , AK-47s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was coming after our guns , and nothing Biden has said indicates any level of disagreement on that .
He ’ s made it very clear that Beto ’ s positions are guns are his and that ’ s why he wants him spearheading a Biden administration ’ s efforts on gun control .
Pretending that it means otherwise is nothing more than providing political cover for a preferred candidate .
Make no mistake .
If Joe Biden becomes president , particularly with a complicit Congress , your AR-15s and AK-47s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will do everything he can to spark a civil war , likely not even completely realizing what the hell he ’ s doing ( I don ’ t think he knows what he ’ s doing most of the time ) .
No amount of Politifact ’ s lies can change that .
It can ’ t even really hide it , either .
People can see plain as day what Biden wants out of this election .
That ’ s why it ’ s imperative that we simply don ’ t let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose and lose hard in November .
It ’ s the only way to preserve our nation .

Former Vice President Joe Biden is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination right now. He’s been there before but couldn’t hold onto it. Now, though, the entire DNC is putting its weight behind him, so he just might this time around.
However, it’s not just the DNC backing the former vice president. Allies in the media certainly seem to be doing yeoman’s work trying to provide cover for his many gaffes and other outright insane comments.
A prime example seems to be how Politifact wants to continue to pretend Biden isn’t interested in gun confiscation.
Another week, another dubious “fact-check” from the professional propagandists at Politifact. This time the Poynter Institute project labeled a claim that Joe Biden has admitted to supporting gun confiscation as “Pants on Fire,” their most extreme rating for a supposed falsehood. In their herculean effort to obscure Biden’s support for gun confiscation, the media outlet went out of its way to avoid discussion of the overwhelming evidence of the presidential candidate’s intent to take guns. Politifact took issue with an article from Conservative-Daily titled, “Watch: Biden Looks Into The Camera And Promises To Take Away Americans’ Guns.” As evidence, the Conservative-Daily article cited a viral video of Joe Biden and Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke, eating at Texas hamburger chain Whataburger. During the video, Biden states “This guy changed the face of what we’re dealing with regarding guns, assault weapons… and I just want to warn [Beto’s wife] that if I win I’m coming for him.” By narrowly focusing on only Biden’s statement at the Whataburger, while avoiding all context, Politifact came to the conclusion that Biden was only expressing his intent to have O’Rourke be part of his administration and that the video did not show evidence of the former vice president’s desire to ban guns. When looking at the totality of Biden’s comments on confiscation, this view is untenable.
Beto’s entire position was predicated on coming after AR-15s, AK-47s, and similar style weapons. He admitted that he was coming after our guns, and nothing Biden has said indicates any level of disagreement on that. He’s made it very clear that Beto’s positions are guns are his and that’s why he wants him spearheading a Biden administration’s efforts on gun control.
Pretending that it means otherwise is nothing more than providing political cover for a preferred candidate.
Make no mistake. If Joe Biden becomes president, particularly with a complicit Congress, your AR-15s and AK-47s are going to be outlawed. Biden will do everything he can to spark a civil war, likely not even completely realizing what the hell he’s doing (I don’t think he knows what he’s doing most of the time).
No amount of Politifact’s lies can change that. It can’t even really hide it, either. People can see plain as day what Biden wants out of this election. That’s why it’s imperative that we simply don’t let him have it. He needs to lose and lose hard in November. It’s the only way to preserve our nation.


bearingarms--2020-03-25--LA Sheriff Backtracks On Gun Store Closures After Outcry

After hours of pushback from residents , gun stores , Second Amendment organizations , and even the county attorney , Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva reversed course early Wednesday morning and now says his office is suspending attempts to force firearm retailers to lock their doors .
Villaneuva announced the move on social media , saying it will be up to Gov .
Gavin Newsom to determine what is , and isn ’ t , an essential business .
Villanueva claimed on Tuesday that while he was a Second Amendment supporter , the idea of all these new gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
Concerned about accidents involving firearms or a rise in homicide by these new gun owners , the sheriff said all gun stores must close .
One man ’ s opinion can ’ t supersede the Constitutional rights of 10-million people , and late Tuesday night gun owners and Second Amendment supporters got a boost from an unexpected source .
Los Angeles , the nation ’ s largest county with 10 million residents , enacted a stay-at-home order last week that required all nonessential businesses to close to slow the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an executive order from Gov .
Gavin Newsom — did not specifically mention gun shops , prompting the Los Angeles County counsel ’ s office to issue a statement late Tuesday saying it has “ opined that gun stores qualify as essential businesses.
” With that ruling , Villanueva backed off , and said he ’ s suspending enforcement of the non-essential business closures until he hears from the governor .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva told FOX 11 reporter Bill Melugin that county counsel Mary Wickham issued an opinion that gun stores can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor ’ s statewide executive order .
Sheriff Villanueva everything is now in “ limbo ” , and added he reached out to the Governor ’ s office to get clarification on how gun stores should be classified , but never got a response .
Up until the legal opinion , Villanueva said a majority of gun shops were complying with his order to close down .
The Sheriff maintained that he believes gun stores should not be open to the general public right now because he feels there are too many first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t know how to operate and they aren ’ t familiar with California ’ s strict laws .
Nobody ’ s buying a gun to shoot a virus .
They ’ re buying firearms , many for the first time in their lives , because they ’ re concerned about what happens when the LAPD or the LA County Sheriff ’ s Office have dozens or hundreds of officers and deputies quarantined or out sick with the coronavirus .
They ’ re concerned about a fraying of the public safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unreasonable fear , though I hope ultimately it is unwarranted .
Villanueva hasn ’ t seen the light , but he ’ s clearly felt the heat , and his suspension of the gun store closures is good news for Los Angelenos .
Cam Edwards has covered the 2nd Amendment for more than 15 years as a broadcast and online journalist , as well as the co-author of `` Heavy Lifting : Grow Up , Get a Job , Start a Family , and Other Manly Advice '' with Jim Geraghty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his family .
https : //bearingarms.com/author/camedwards/

After hours of pushback from residents, gun stores, Second Amendment organizations, and even the county attorney, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva reversed course early Wednesday morning and now says his office is suspending attempts to force firearm retailers to lock their doors.
Villaneuva announced the move on social media, saying it will be up to Gov. Gavin Newsom to determine what is, and isn’t, an essential business.
LA County Sheriff’s Dept. Enforcement efforts to close non-essential businesses have been suspended. CA Gov. Gavin Newsom to determine what qualifies as a non-essential business. Please click to view story https://t.co/HrRD8VKcUG — Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) March 25, 2020
Villanueva claimed on Tuesday that while he was a Second Amendment supporter, the idea of all these new gun owners cooped up in their homes bothered him. Concerned about accidents involving firearms or a rise in homicide by these new gun owners, the sheriff said all gun stores must close.
One man’s opinion can’t supersede the Constitutional rights of 10-million people, and late Tuesday night gun owners and Second Amendment supporters got a boost from an unexpected source.
Los Angeles, the nation’s largest county with 10 million residents, enacted a stay-at-home order last week that required all nonessential businesses to close to slow the spread of the virus. The county order — and an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom — did not specifically mention gun shops, prompting the Los Angeles County counsel’s office to issue a statement late Tuesday saying it has “opined that gun stores qualify as essential businesses.”
With that ruling, Villanueva backed off, and said he’s suspending enforcement of the non-essential business closures until he hears from the governor.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva told FOX 11 reporter Bill Melugin that county counsel Mary Wickham issued an opinion that gun stores can be classified as essential businesses under the Governor’s statewide executive order. Sheriff Villanueva everything is now in “limbo”, and added he reached out to the Governor’s office to get clarification on how gun stores should be classified, but never got a response. Up until the legal opinion, Villanueva said a majority of gun shops were complying with his order to close down. The Sheriff maintained that he believes gun stores should not be open to the general public right now because he feels there are too many first time buyers making panic purchases of guns they don’t know how to operate and they aren’t familiar with California’s strict laws. “You can’t shoot a virus,” Villanueva said.
Nobody’s buying a gun to shoot a virus. They’re buying firearms, many for the first time in their lives, because they’re concerned about what happens when the LAPD or the LA County Sheriff’s Office have dozens or hundreds of officers and deputies quarantined or out sick with the coronavirus. They’re concerned about a fraying of the public safety net, and it’s not an unreasonable fear, though I hope ultimately it is unwarranted.
Villanueva hasn’t seen the light, but he’s clearly felt the heat, and his suspension of the gun store closures is good news for Los Angelenos.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--GA Judge Hit With Lawsuit Over Suspension Of Carry License Applications

The Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition have filed a federal lawsuit against Cherokee County , Georgia and Probate Court Judge Keith Wood over the decision to not accept concealed carry applications while the coronavirus pandemic is taking place .
The suit was filed on behalf of Lisa Walters , whose husband Mark Walters might be familiar to readers as the host of Armed American Radio .
Unlike many states , even open carry in Georgia requires a “ weapons license , ” which means that if license applications aren ’ t being processed or even accepted , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walters to be able to legally bear arms for self-defense during the pandemic .
If someone is found to be carrying a firearm without a license , they ’ ll not only likely face charges , but if convicted they ’ re ineligible to receive a license for at least five years .
According to the lawsuit , Judge Wood announced back on March 14th that his office would not accept any new carry license applications until May 13th , allegedly based on comments by the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaration , however , is only advisory in nature , and doesn ’ t mention anything about suspending applications for a Georgia Weapons license .
Nevertheless , Defendant Judge Wood ’ s CPO claims the processing of carry licenses is a “ NON-ESSENTIAL ” matter , and declares that such applications “ WILL NOT be accepted during the period covered by the judicial emergency .
Because of the State of Georgia ’ s general ban against the carrying of loaded , operable handguns outside the home or vehicles… from the moment the Cherokee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law-abiding citizens not prohibited from possessing firearms and , but for the Cherokee County Defendants ’ GWL program closure , otherwise entirely eligible to obtain a GWL—like and including Plaintiff Walters and all similarly situated individuals—have been and continue to be denied any chance to lawfully carry such a weapon in public , anywhere outside the limited confines of their homes , cars , and workplaces , for self defense or for any other lawful purposes .
This attorneys for SAF and FPC argue that this prohibition , temporary though it might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walters ’ right to bear arms in self-defense , as well as a violation of her 14th Amendment right to due process under the law .
Interestingly , the lawsuit doesn ’ t just challenge Judge Wood ’ s decision not to accept carry applications , but it also challenges the notion that Georgia residents need to possess a weapons license in order to bear arms in the first place .
Even if the judge in this case doesn ’ t want to address the larger issue of Georgia ’ s carry laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue of the suspension of license applications .
I suspect the judge will err on the side of a narrow ruling , but we ’ ll see what happens when the judge issues their opinion on the request for a preliminary injunction that would allow for the resumption of GWL applications .

The Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition have filed a federal lawsuit against Cherokee County, Georgia and Probate Court Judge Keith Wood over the decision to not accept concealed carry applications while the coronavirus pandemic is taking place. The suit was filed on behalf of Lisa Walters, whose husband Mark Walters might be familiar to readers as the host of Armed American Radio.
Unlike many states, even open carry in Georgia requires a “weapons license,” which means that if license applications aren’t being processed or even accepted, there’s no way for individuals like Walters to be able to legally bear arms for self-defense during the pandemic. If someone is found to be carrying a firearm without a license, they’ll not only likely face charges, but if convicted they’re ineligible to receive a license for at least five years.
According to the lawsuit, Judge Wood announced back on March 14th that his office would not accept any new carry license applications until May 13th, allegedly based on comments by the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court declaring a statewide judicial emergency. That declaration, however, is only advisory in nature, and doesn’t mention anything about suspending applications for a Georgia Weapons license.
Nevertheless, Defendant Judge Wood’s CPO claims the processing of carry licenses is a “NON-ESSENTIAL” matter, and declares that such applications “WILL NOT be accepted during the period covered by the judicial emergency. Because of the State of Georgia’s general ban against the carrying of loaded, operable handguns outside the home or vehicles… from the moment the Cherokee County Defendants’ CPO order issued, law-abiding citizens not prohibited from possessing firearms and, but for the Cherokee County Defendants’ GWL program closure, otherwise entirely eligible to obtain a GWL—like and including Plaintiff Walters and all similarly situated individuals—have been and continue to be denied any chance to lawfully carry such a weapon in public, anywhere outside the limited confines of their homes, cars, and workplaces, for self defense or for any other lawful purposes.
This attorneys for SAF and FPC argue that this prohibition, temporary though it might be, nevertheless is an infringement on Lisa Walters’ right to bear arms in self-defense, as well as a violation of her 14th Amendment right to due process under the law.
Interestingly, the lawsuit doesn’t just challenge Judge Wood’s decision not to accept carry applications, but it also challenges the notion that Georgia residents need to possess a weapons license in order to bear arms in the first place. Even if the judge in this case doesn’t want to address the larger issue of Georgia’s carry laws, they could still rule specifically on the issue of the suspension of license applications. I suspect the judge will err on the side of a narrow ruling, but we’ll see what happens when the judge issues their opinion on the request for a preliminary injunction that would allow for the resumption of GWL applications.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--Two Tennessee Teens Prove How Worthless Gun Control Is

Ever since Parkland , there ’ s been a push to deny law-abiding adults under the age of 21 their Second Amendment rights .
Just because the shooter was under 21 , it doesn ’ t mean everyone under 21 is a menace to society .
More importantly , though , most of those who are menaces have ways to get firearms already .
Take a couple of teens in Tennessee , as an example .
It seems both of these allegedly naughty boys were busted and each was accused of a separate crime .
Thomas , Jr. was charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 12 shots from the sunroof of a BMW sedan as the car traveled on Elizabeth Road on March 26 .
The shots scared people on the street and prompted them to run for safety .
The 17-year-old is facing an attempted murder charge for opening fire on a female resident of Eastboro Drive who caught him stealing the wheels from her son ’ s car .
Fingerprint evidence led to identification of the 17-year-old .
The pair are also under investigation for possibly taking part in other firearm-related crimes .
And , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bet they are .
Hell , just having the guns was illegal enough .
Take a look at their “ collection.
” Let ’ s be honest , some of you reading this don ’ t have as many handguns as these two kids did , and they couldn ’ t purchase them legally .
The lever-action and the shotgun ?
Sure .
In theory , the 18-year-old could have legally purchased those .
The AK , though , is properly classified as a pistol , which means it ’ s only legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy .
Same for the five semi-autos and two revolvers .
That ’ s eight firearms that neither of these two could have obtained legally , yet were found in their possession .
Why , it ’ s like gun control does jack squat to take guns out of the hands of criminals and only affects law-abiding citizens .
Of course , we all know that to be the case .
It ’ s what we ’ ve seen time and time again .
These two most likely obtained their firearms through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or bought them off the black market .
No law was going to stop them and we all know it .
Criminals , by definition , do not obey the law .
They only do so when it ’ s advantageous for them to do so , such as following the speed limit so as to not attract police attention .
They ’ re not going to suddenly become altar boys simply because you pass a slew of new gun control laws .
Instead , they ’ ll still get guns and still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those new gun laws , the law-abiding citizens will be at a disadvantage .
Gun control doesn ’ t work .
What will it take to make some people see that ?

Ever since Parkland, there’s been a push to deny law-abiding adults under the age of 21 their Second Amendment rights. Just because the shooter was under 21, it doesn’t mean everyone under 21 is a menace to society.
More importantly, though, most of those who are menaces have ways to get firearms already.
Take a couple of teens in Tennessee, as an example.
Metro Nashville Police have arrested two teens, 18 and 17 years of age, for separate gun crimes Wednesday afternoon. Police say the teens were found inside a home on Enchanted Circle. The teens were also found with a large stash of weapons in their possession. In total, police found seven guns and ammunition at the home. Two semi-automatic pistols recovered from the attic were listed as stolen.
It seems both of these allegedly naughty boys were busted and each was accused of a separate crime.
Officers arrested 18-year-old Anthony D. Thomas, Jr. and an unidentified 17-year-old Wednesday. Thomas, Jr. was charged with felony aggravated assault for firing 10 to 12 shots from the sunroof of a BMW sedan as the car traveled on Elizabeth Road on March 26. The shots scared people on the street and prompted them to run for safety. The 17-year-old is facing an attempted murder charge for opening fire on a female resident of Eastboro Drive who caught him stealing the wheels from her son’s car. Fingerprint evidence led to identification of the 17-year-old.
The pair are also under investigation for possibly taking part in other firearm-related crimes.
And, really, it’s a safe bet they are. Hell, just having the guns was illegal enough. Take a look at their “collection.”
BREAKING: West Precinct detectives this afternoon arrested 2 teens, 18 & 17, for separate gun crimes. They had a stash of weapons inside the Enchanted Circle home where they were found. The 17 yr old is facing an att murder charge. The 18 yr old is charged in a shooting from 3/26 pic.twitter.com/G3xVcKU5vy — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 15, 2020
Let’s be honest, some of you reading this don’t have as many handguns as these two kids did, and they couldn’t purchase them legally. The lever-action and the shotgun? Sure. In theory, the 18-year-old could have legally purchased those.
The AK, though, is properly classified as a pistol, which means it’s only legal for those over the age of 21 to buy. Same for the five semi-autos and two revolvers. That’s eight firearms that neither of these two could have obtained legally, yet were found in their possession.
Why, it’s like gun control does jack squat to take guns out of the hands of criminals and only affects law-abiding citizens.
Of course, we all know that to be the case. It’s what we’ve seen time and time again. These two most likely obtained their firearms through illegal means. They either stole them or bought them off the black market. No law was going to stop them and we all know it.
Criminals, by definition, do not obey the law. They only do so when it’s advantageous for them to do so, such as following the speed limit so as to not attract police attention.
They’re not going to suddenly become altar boys simply because you pass a slew of new gun control laws. Instead, they’ll still get guns and still hurt people. Only now, with all those new gun laws, the law-abiding citizens will be at a disadvantage.
Gun control doesn’t work. What will it take to make some people see that?


bearingarms--2020-04-16--NM Sheriff Supports Defiant Gun Stores Open Despite Gov's Order

Last week , several Second Amendment organizations , gun stores , and individual New Mexico residents filed a federal lawsuit challenging Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham ’ s stay-at-home order , which does not consider gun stores to be essential businesses that are allowed to remain open .
Even before a federal judge has issued a ruling on the request for a temporary injunction blocking the governor ’ s order from remaining in effect , however , some gun shops in the state are opening their doors and defying the governor .
The CEO of an Albuquerque gun store and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide order closing nonessential businesses is defending the legality of the move , putting the shop at apparent odds with law enforcement and the Governor ’ s Office .
Calibers , which operates three Albuquerque locations , including a gun safe store , reopened using a curbside model this week as of Wednesday .
CEO Ryan Burt said the store ’ s operations are legal because it is following Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham ’ s mandate regarding social distancing and limiting gatherings to five or fewer people .
Cibola County Sheriff Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co , and says he ’ s backing the shops that are either re-opening their doors or never closed them to begin with , including two gun shops in his county .
You won ’ t see Cibola County deputies citing any gun shops in the country for continuing their operations , because Mace says those stores are essential .
“ People absolutely need to be able to purchase firearms to protect their families , to protect their property , to protect their livelihood , whatever it may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going around doesn ’ t change anything , ” Mace vehemently stated .
“ In fact , when you ’ re talking about releasing inmates from custody , you ’ re introducing that criminal element back into the community and they ’ re going to do whatever they can to survive.
” Sheriff Mace emphatically stated that our right to keep and bear arms doesn ’ t disappear in a state of emergency , and beyond the desire from many residents to purchase a gun for self-defense , those rural residents may need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also available at the gun shops ) to help feed their families by hunting and fishing .
While there haven ’ t been many positive tests for the coronavirus in Cibola County , Sheriff Mace says the county has been deeply affected by the economic slowdown , and today deputies were delivering pallets of food to the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation in the western part of the county .
Mace also says its business as usual at the Cibola County jail , and no inmates have been released early as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check out the entire interview with Sheriff Tony Mace above , and stick around even more stories , including a Pennsylvania man on probation for a 2016 shooting who ’ s now behind bars for spitting in the face of a grocery store employee , an Arkansas man who held a pair of burglars at bay until police arrived , and a Columbus , Ohio police officer who went above and beyond to help the victim of a financial scam .

Last week, several Second Amendment organizations, gun stores, and individual New Mexico residents filed a federal lawsuit challenging Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s stay-at-home order, which does not consider gun stores to be essential businesses that are allowed to remain open. Even before a federal judge has issued a ruling on the request for a temporary injunction blocking the governor’s order from remaining in effect, however, some gun shops in the state are opening their doors and defying the governor.
The CEO of an Albuquerque gun store and shooting range that has reopened amid a statewide order closing nonessential businesses is defending the legality of the move, putting the shop at apparent odds with law enforcement and the Governor’s Office. Calibers, which operates three Albuquerque locations, including a gun safe store, reopened using a curbside model this week as of Wednesday. CEO Ryan Burt said the store’s operations are legal because it is following Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s mandate regarding social distancing and limiting gatherings to five or fewer people.
Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace joins me on today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co, and says he’s backing the shops that are either re-opening their doors or never closed them to begin with, including two gun shops in his county. You won’t see Cibola County deputies citing any gun shops in the country for continuing their operations, because Mace says those stores are essential.
“People absolutely need to be able to purchase firearms to protect their families, to protect their property, to protect their livelihood, whatever it may be. Just because the virus is going around doesn’t change anything,” Mace vehemently stated. “In fact, when you’re talking about releasing inmates from custody, you’re introducing that criminal element back into the community and they’re going to do whatever they can to survive.”
Sheriff Mace emphatically stated that our right to keep and bear arms doesn’t disappear in a state of emergency, and beyond the desire from many residents to purchase a gun for self-defense, those rural residents may need to purchase ammunition and fishing tackle (also available at the gun shops) to help feed their families by hunting and fishing.
While there haven’t been many positive tests for the coronavirus in Cibola County, Sheriff Mace says the county has been deeply affected by the economic slowdown, and today deputies were delivering pallets of food to the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation in the western part of the county. Mace also says its business as usual at the Cibola County jail, and no inmates have been released early as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be sure to check out the entire interview with Sheriff Tony Mace above, and stick around even more stories, including a Pennsylvania man on probation for a 2016 shooting who’s now behind bars for spitting in the face of a grocery store employee, an Arkansas man who held a pair of burglars at bay until police arrived, and a Columbus, Ohio police officer who went above and beyond to help the victim of a financial scam.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--Suicide Hotline Sees Drastic Increase In Call Volume

With everyone sitting at home , having binge-watched everything they cared to by now and pretty tired of debating whether Carole Baskin murdered her husband or not–everyone knows that she did–folks are starting to get sick of it .
Stuck inside all day , never seeing anyone but your family if you have one , and your only outside contact is via social media , it wears on a person .
Locking down so much of the country may have been the only alternative , but there are side effects to that decision .
In fact , it seems the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that right now .
Jobs disappearing , businesses shutting down , and separation from friends and family due to COVID-19 have placed an uncomfortable , emotional strain on people .
Some describe feelings of unmanageable stress , isolation sadness and thoughts of being trapped or powerless .
With that , Former Congressman Patrick J Kennedy says calls at suicide hotlines have increased by 800 percent as resources shift to COVID-19 relief .
The mental health advocate sounded the alarm at a Metro Nashville news conference , raising the question – Will the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s next major crisis ?
“ The tragedy of COVID is it exacerbates this already prevalent mental health and addiction crisis .
No one doubts that mental health and addiction is real , ” Kennedy commented .
“ Every single American has been faced with a mental health issue in this COVID crisis , themselves , not just a family member , but themselves.
” His short answer : yes .
Kennedy believes mental illness and addiction crises are right underneath the COVID-19 emergency , not waiting to creep out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people dying .
Whether they ’ re dying of the COVID or whether they ’ re dying of overdose , it ’ s still a death and there ’ s not one that ’ s worse than the other because both deaths rob families and a loved one , and they ought to be paid attention to , ” Kennedy said .
He ’ s not necessarily wrong .
A death is a death .
Does it really matter that much if your loved one is dead because of the disease , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of things , it probably wouldn ’ t matter that much to me .
Where the debate falls is whether more people will die from suicides due to the quarantine than from COVID-19 .
Honestly , I don ’ t know and I ’ m not going to speculate on it .
I just don ’ t have enough data to make an informed decision either way .
What I do know , however , is that this problem shouldn ’ t be dismissed or discounted .
We can ’ t afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this , especially in the firearm community .
The truth is , any spike in suicides with a firearm will be attributed to the recent spike in gun sales rather than folks being locked up in their homes all day .
So what can you do ?
First , call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 .
That should probably be your first stop if you ’ re feeling suicidal .
If you ’ re not there but are feeling depressed , then you need to take steps .
First , your depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since , let ’ s face it , you ’ re not out in the sun anymore .
If you can , go outside and work in the yard or hell , just sit on the porch .
Breath some fresh air .
Many places still permit you to take a walk and enjoy nature , just so long as you continue to engage in social distancing .
But first and foremost , talk to someone .
Don ’ t suffer alone because you ’ re not alone .
A lot of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get it .
Talk to someone and get help .

With everyone sitting at home, having binge-watched everything they cared to by now and pretty tired of debating whether Carole Baskin murdered her husband or not–everyone knows that she did–folks are starting to get sick of it. Stuck inside all day, never seeing anyone but your family if you have one, and your only outside contact is via social media, it wears on a person.
Locking down so much of the country may have been the only alternative, but there are side effects to that decision. In fact, it seems the suicide hotline is dealing with a lot of that right now.
Jobs disappearing, businesses shutting down, and separation from friends and family due to COVID-19 have placed an uncomfortable, emotional strain on people. Some describe feelings of unmanageable stress, isolation sadness and thoughts of being trapped or powerless. With that, Former Congressman Patrick J Kennedy says calls at suicide hotlines have increased by 800 percent as resources shift to COVID-19 relief. The mental health advocate sounded the alarm at a Metro Nashville news conference, raising the question – Will the silent killer of mental illness be our country’s next major crisis? “The tragedy of COVID is it exacerbates this already prevalent mental health and addiction crisis. No one doubts that mental health and addiction is real,” Kennedy commented. “Every single American has been faced with a mental health issue in this COVID crisis, themselves, not just a family member, but themselves.” His short answer: yes. Kennedy believes mental illness and addiction crises are right underneath the COVID-19 emergency, not waiting to creep out. “We ought to be concerned about people dying. Whether they’re dying of the COVID or whether they’re dying of overdose, it’s still a death and there’s not one that’s worse than the other because both deaths rob families and a loved one, and they ought to be paid attention to,” Kennedy said.
He’s not necessarily wrong. A death is a death. Does it really matter that much if your loved one is dead because of the disease, or the lockdown? In the grand scheme of things, it probably wouldn’t matter that much to me.
Where the debate falls is whether more people will die from suicides due to the quarantine than from COVID-19.
Honestly, I don’t know and I’m not going to speculate on it. I just don’t have enough data to make an informed decision either way. What I do know, however, is that this problem shouldn’t be dismissed or discounted. We can’t afford to just pretend that no one is dealing with this, especially in the firearm community.
The truth is, any spike in suicides with a firearm will be attributed to the recent spike in gun sales rather than folks being locked up in their homes all day.
So what can you do?
First, call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. That should probably be your first stop if you’re feeling suicidal.
If you’re not there but are feeling depressed, then you need to take steps. First, your depression might stem from a vitamin D deficiency since, let’s face it, you’re not out in the sun anymore. If you can, go outside and work in the yard or hell, just sit on the porch. Breath some fresh air. Many places still permit you to take a walk and enjoy nature, just so long as you continue to engage in social distancing.
But first and foremost, talk to someone. Don’t suffer alone because you’re not alone. A lot of us are suffering through this too, so we get it. Talk to someone and get help.
Don’t become a statistic.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--Federal Judge Orders Release Of Accused Drug Dealer Due To COVID-19 Fears

The idea of releasing potentially dangerous people from jail because of fears over a virus is bound to be a touchy subject .
On one hand , I get the position officials are in on this .
If people die in prison because it ’ s impossible to maintain social distancing or anything else , there will likely be hell to pay .
However , as we ’ ve seen in New York and Florida , it ’ s not always the best idea either .
Now , a federal judge has jumped into the stupid by ordering the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s good that it ’ s not just an outright release or anything , but still , this is someone who was previously considered a risk to the public .
Enough so that he wasn ’ t to be released .
Then , all that changed and he ’ s perfectly safe on the streets again .
Oh , I know there ’ s a due process argument to be made .
He hasn ’ t been convicted and he ’ s innocent until proven guilty and all that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month ago when he was locked up .
It wasn ’ t when the judge denied the earlier motion for him to be released .
The difference is that now , COVID-19 is in the Maryland prison system and having a grand old time , apparently .
Because Boone suffers from asthma , he is at risk .
I get that .
As the father of an asthmatic son , believe me , I get it .
But on the same token , if he ’ s a danger to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust that he ’ ll stay with his mother and be a good boy ?
I mean , he seems to have failed in that matter spectacularly at that so far in his 50 years of life .
We ’ ll have to hope this one doesn ’ t come back to bite officials in the posterior when it ’ s all said and done .

The idea of releasing potentially dangerous people from jail because of fears over a virus is bound to be a touchy subject. On one hand, I get the position officials are in on this. If people die in prison because it’s impossible to maintain social distancing or anything else, there will likely be hell to pay.
However, as we’ve seen in New York and Florida, it’s not always the best idea either.
Now, a federal judge has jumped into the stupid by ordering the release of an accused drug dealer.
A federal judge on Wednesday granted the emergency release of a 50-year-old Baltimore man who was arrested last month on gun and drug charges, according to court documents. Derrick Boone first appeared in court on March 12, and a detention hearing was held four days later. At the hearing his lawyers argued that he should be released pending trial because of a pre-existing medical condition that put him at risk for contracting COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the new coronavirus. Boone suffers from asthma and high blood pressure, court documents say. A federal judge denied his request at the time, agreeing with prosecutors that he “poses a risk to the safety of other persons in the community.” The court did invite Boone to file a motion for reconsideration. At the time, there were no reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the state’s jails and prisons, court documents say. But on Wednesday prosecutors and defense attorneys reached an agreement to release him to the custody of his mother, with conditions sharply curtailing his movement. He also must check in regularly with court officials. … Boone was indicted on eight charges last month stemming from a Dec. 19, 2019, incident, including possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of firearm by a prohibited person, according to court documents.
Now, it’s good that it’s not just an outright release or anything, but still, this is someone who was previously considered a risk to the public. Enough so that he wasn’t to be released.
Then, all that changed and he’s perfectly safe on the streets again.
Oh, I know there’s a due process argument to be made. He hasn’t been convicted and he’s innocent until proven guilty and all that. Yet that wasn’t a concern a month ago when he was locked up. It wasn’t when the judge denied the earlier motion for him to be released.
The difference is that now, COVID-19 is in the Maryland prison system and having a grand old time, apparently. Because Boone suffers from asthma, he is at risk. I get that. As the father of an asthmatic son, believe me, I get it.
But on the same token, if he’s a danger to the public as a whole, can we really trust that he’ll stay with his mother and be a good boy? I mean, he seems to have failed in that matter spectacularly at that so far in his 50 years of life.
We’ll have to hope this one doesn’t come back to bite officials in the posterior when it’s all said and done.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--Concealed Carry Holder Claims Self-Defense In Philly Bus Shooting

A 24-year old concealed carry holder in Philadelphia says he was forced to shoot three teenagers in self-defense after they attacked him on a city bus early Thursday morning .
Police responded to reports of the shooting on the SEPTA bus in northeast Philadelphia and found three individuals , aged 15 , 16 , and 17 with gunshot wounds to their legs .
The trio were transported to a local hospital , where they ’ re expected to recover .
Meanwhile , the concealed carry holder who fired the shots remained on scene and cooperated with police , telling officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he sat at the back of the bus .
Police are still working to determine what led to the altercation and shooting .
Investigators said the three teens approached a 24-year-old man who was sitting in the back of the bus .
For some reason , they got into a physical altercation , and during that time police said the victim ended up shooting each of the teens… Police said the 24-year-old shooter was transported to the Northeast Detective Division for further investigation .
A weapon was recovered .
Investigators also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and showed officers those credentials .
Officers said they found three spent shell casings on the bus .
“ There were about three other people on the bus at the time who were not involved .
Those three individuals were transported to Northeast Detectives as witnesses .
The 35-year-old bus driver was not injured and not involved .
He was driving the bus when it happened , ” according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small .
Unlike some cities , Philadelphia doesn ’ t prohibit lawful concealed carry on public transportation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal on SEPTA trains and buses as long as the individual is licensed to carry a firearm .
So far , the 24-year old isn ’ t facing any charges in connection with the shooting , though the investigation does continue .
In a separate incident , Philadelphia police recently announced the arrest of a 21-year old man on murder charges following a fatal shooting on a SEPTA train on March 30th .
21-year old Tahmir Banks is accused of shooting 41-year old Nicholas Troxell in the head while on the subway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police say that Banks was one of a group of four or five people on the train when the shooting occurred , but so far his is the only arrest in the murder .
Cam Edwards has covered the 2nd Amendment for more than 15 years as a broadcast and online journalist , as well as the co-author of `` Heavy Lifting : Grow Up , Get a Job , Start a Family , and Other Manly Advice '' with Jim Geraghty .
He lives outside of Farmville , Virginia with his family @ @ @ @

A 24-year old concealed carry holder in Philadelphia says he was forced to shoot three teenagers in self-defense after they attacked him on a city bus early Thursday morning.
Police responded to reports of the shooting on the SEPTA bus in northeast Philadelphia and found three individuals, aged 15, 16, and 17 with gunshot wounds to their legs. The trio were transported to a local hospital, where they’re expected to recover.
Meanwhile, the concealed carry holder who fired the shots remained on scene and cooperated with police, telling officers that he was attacked by the three as he sat at the back of the bus.
Police are still working to determine what led to the altercation and shooting. Investigators said the three teens approached a 24-year-old man who was sitting in the back of the bus. For some reason, they got into a physical altercation, and during that time police said the victim ended up shooting each of the teens… Police said the 24-year-old shooter was transported to the Northeast Detective Division for further investigation. A weapon was recovered. Investigators also said the man had a concealed carry permit and showed officers those credentials. Officers said they found three spent shell casings on the bus. “There were about three other people on the bus at the time who were not involved. Those three individuals were transported to Northeast Detectives as witnesses. The 35-year-old bus driver was not injured and not involved. He was driving the bus when it happened,” according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.
Unlike some cities, Philadelphia doesn’t prohibit lawful concealed carry on public transportation. In fact, open carry is also legal on SEPTA trains and buses as long as the individual is licensed to carry a firearm. So far, the 24-year old isn’t facing any charges in connection with the shooting, though the investigation does continue.
In a separate incident, Philadelphia police recently announced the arrest of a 21-year old man on murder charges following a fatal shooting on a SEPTA train on March 30th. 21-year old Tahmir Banks is accused of shooting 41-year old Nicholas Troxell in the head while on the subway, and then leaving him to die. Police say that Banks was one of a group of four or five people on the train when the shooting occurred, but so far his is the only arrest in the murder.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--West Virginia AG Pushes Sheriffs On Concealed Carry

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrissey is advising sheriffs in the state that they need to continue accepting and processing concealed carry applications , even if their offices are taking steps to limit exposure to the coronavirus .
The AG says one way departments can keep staff safe while continuing to ensure residents can exercise their right to carry is to simply accept applications by mail instead of requiring applicants to appear in person .
Morrisey sent a letter to sheriffs for all 55 counties in the state to provide information on how to process applications for and renewals of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency .
“ Nothing in state code requires applicants for concealed handgun licenses to show up in person , ” Attorney General Morrisey said .
“ While we want our residents to be safe and practice good social distancing , we also want to ensure they can still exercise their right to keep and bear arms.
” Applications may be accepted by mail or could be collected through a dropbox outside the sheriff ’ s office .
West Virginia is a constitutional carry state , which means that legal gun owners can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents who may work or shop in neighboring states like Virginia or Ohio , a concealed carry license is still necessary if they want to carry across the border .
In the letter sent to sheriffs , Morrissey points out that if their offices don ’ t continue to process concealed carry applications in a timely manner , it could pose a threat to reciprocity agreements with other states .
The issues raised in this letter are very timely because any failure to live up to the terms of our existing reciprocity agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other states .
We can not allow that to happen , and that means continuing to comply with our statutory responsibilities .
We are in the midst of an unprecedented situation with unique challenges for everyone .
I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your service – and that of your entire department – to the people of both your county and to the State of West Virginia during these trying days .
Morrissey also told sheriffs that while they can accept applications by mail , the issuance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to the sheriff ’ s office so applicants can be photographed .
The Attorney General is recommending that sheriffs schedule appointments for anyone needing a photo in order to minimize in-person contacts and the number of individuals inside the office at any one time .
At least one county has already begun accepting applications by mail , even before Morrissey ’ s letter was sent .
On Monday , the Monongalia County Sheriff ’ s Department announced the change to their policies , and it shouldn ’ t be long before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same .
It ’ s great to see Morrissey being so proactive in ensuring that the rights of West Virginia residents aren ’ t denied during the current coronavirus crisis , and I hope other attorneys general across the country follow suit .

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrissey is advising sheriffs in the state that they need to continue accepting and processing concealed carry applications, even if their offices are taking steps to limit exposure to the coronavirus.
The AG says one way departments can keep staff safe while continuing to ensure residents can exercise their right to carry is to simply accept applications by mail instead of requiring applicants to appear in person.
Morrisey sent a letter to sheriffs for all 55 counties in the state to provide information on how to process applications for and renewals of concealed handgun licenses during the ongoing state of emergency. “Nothing in state code requires applicants for concealed handgun licenses to show up in person,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “While we want our residents to be safe and practice good social distancing, we also want to ensure they can still exercise their right to keep and bear arms.” Applications may be accepted by mail or could be collected through a dropbox outside the sheriff’s office.
West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, which means that legal gun owners can carry without a license, but for residents who may work or shop in neighboring states like Virginia or Ohio, a concealed carry license is still necessary if they want to carry across the border.
In the letter sent to sheriffs, Morrissey points out that if their offices don’t continue to process concealed carry applications in a timely manner, it could pose a threat to reciprocity agreements with other states.
The issues raised in this letter are very timely because any failure to live up to the terms of our existing reciprocity agreements may cause West Virginia to lose recognition with other states. We cannot allow that to happen, and that means continuing to comply with our statutory responsibilities. We are in the midst of an unprecedented situation with unique challenges for everyone. I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for your service – and that of your entire department – to the people of both your county and to the State of West Virginia during these trying days.
Morrissey also told sheriffs that while they can accept applications by mail, the issuance of concealed carry licenses will still require a trip to the sheriff’s office so applicants can be photographed. The Attorney General is recommending that sheriffs schedule appointments for anyone needing a photo in order to minimize in-person contacts and the number of individuals inside the office at any one time.
At least one county has already begun accepting applications by mail, even before Morrissey’s letter was sent. On Monday, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department announced the change to their policies, and it shouldn’t be long before the other 54 sheriffs in the state do the same.
It’s great to see Morrissey being so proactive in ensuring that the rights of West Virginia residents aren’t denied during the current coronavirus crisis, and I hope other attorneys general across the country follow suit.


bearingarms--2020-04-16--Bogus Study Claims Guns Used In Suicide More Than Self-Defense

If someone were to ask you , in all sincerity , why you have guns , what would you say ?
For a lot of us , we might have a number of reasons .
We might say because it ’ s our right as Americans to own them .
Maybe we use them for hunting or competition .
Regardless , I suspect self-defense as a significant factor for the vast majority of us .
After all , if you need a gun , harsh language just isn ’ t going to cut it .
Yet anti-gunners routinely try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that claiming self-defense isn ’ t a valid reason won ’ t play with the American public , so they routinely try to undermine the concern itself .
They try to convince people that somehow , the risks outweigh the benefits .
That ’ s why we ’ ve seen horrible studies that try to make that claim .
Over at The Trace , they ’ re pushing yet another one .
I don ’ t know how many times we need to explain it to these people , but “ justifiable homicides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a gun .
Saying it does , as this study apparently tries to do , assumes that every time a firearm is deployed in a self-defense situation , a bad guy dies .
Now , don ’ t get me wrong , I consider this the best-case scenario as it not only takes a scumbag off the streets permanently , but it saves the taxpayers time and money .
However , that ’ s not really the majority of cases .
In fact , a large majority of the time , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attacker without a shot being fired .
Some consider this the best-case scenario , and they ’ re probably not wrong .
After all , there ’ s no psychological impact from taking a human life or legal wrangling that might be required after a defensive shooting .
So how can we tell that the study ’ s claim is bogus ?
Oh , that ’ s easy .
According to the American Foundation For Suicide Preventing , there are , on average 129 suicides per day .
That ’ s 47,085 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in particular , just suicides in total .
The AFSP notes that more than half of that number used a firearm , so over 23,500 .
Meanwhile , the CDC apparently admits that there ’ s at least 1 million defensive gun uses annually .
Now , for a little first-grade math : Again , the problem is using justifiable homicides as a proxy for defensive gun uses .
You simply can ’ t do that because , as previously noted , far too many defensive gun uses never involve a shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , I think some of these researchers know that .
They know it and still use it as a proxy because they know the numbers will be far , far lower than something like 1 million and therefore undermine the very nature of what they ’ re trying to accomplish .
Sorry , but I ’ m not going to just give them a pass on that one .
It ’ s a bogus study and if the people at The Trace had a lick of intellectual integrity , they wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely relevant .

If someone were to ask you, in all sincerity, why you have guns, what would you say?
For a lot of us, we might have a number of reasons. We might say because it’s our right as Americans to own them. Maybe we use them for hunting or competition. Regardless, I suspect self-defense as a significant factor for the vast majority of us. After all, if you need a gun, harsh language just isn’t going to cut it.
Yet anti-gunners routinely try to undermine the self-defense argument. They know that claiming self-defense isn’t a valid reason won’t play with the American public, so they routinely try to undermine the concern itself. They try to convince people that somehow, the risks outweigh the benefits. That’s why we’ve seen horrible studies that try to make that claim.
Over at The Trace, they’re pushing yet another one.
Guns are marketed for self-defense but more often used in suicide, a new study shows. Researchers at the University of Washington studied nearly 650 gun deaths that occurred in homes in the Seattle area during a seven-year span. Their takeaway: for every justifiable homicide, there were 44 suicides, seven criminal homicides, and one unintentional death. The findings appear in JAMA Internal Medicine. Bookmark it: “Will a Gun Keep Your Family Safe? Here’s What the Evidence Says”
*sigh*
I don’t know how many times we need to explain it to these people, but “justifiable homicides” is not the totality of self-defense with a gun. Saying it does, as this study apparently tries to do, assumes that every time a firearm is deployed in a self-defense situation, a bad guy dies.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I consider this the best-case scenario as it not only takes a scumbag off the streets permanently, but it saves the taxpayers time and money. However, that’s not really the majority of cases.
In fact, a large majority of the time, people deploy a firearm and they scare off the attacker without a shot being fired. Some consider this the best-case scenario, and they’re probably not wrong. After all, there’s no psychological impact from taking a human life or legal wrangling that might be required after a defensive shooting.
So how can we tell that the study’s claim is bogus? Oh, that’s easy.
According to the American Foundation For Suicide Preventing, there are, on average 129 suicides per day. That’s 47,085 suicides per year. Not gun suicides, in particular, just suicides in total. The AFSP notes that more than half of that number used a firearm, so over 23,500.
Meanwhile, the CDC apparently admits that there’s at least 1 million defensive gun uses annually.
Now, for a little first-grade math:
1 million > 23,500
Again, the problem is using justifiable homicides as a proxy for defensive gun uses. You simply can’t do that because, as previously noted, far too many defensive gun uses never involve a shot being fired in the first place. However, I think some of these researchers know that. They know it and still use it as a proxy because they know the numbers will be far, far lower than something like 1 million and therefore undermine the very nature of what they’re trying to accomplish.
Sorry, but I’m not going to just give them a pass on that one. It’s a bogus study and if the people at The Trace had a lick of intellectual integrity, they wouldn’t have held the study up as remotely relevant.


bearingarms--2020-04-17--Teen Ordered to Delete Instagram Post About Virus Or Face Arrest

It ’ s not just our Second Amendment rights that are being threatened in the name of protecting the public from the coronavirus .
Our First Amendment rights are coming under attack as well , and one Wisconsin family is fighting back against the unconstitutional overreach of their local authorities .
On today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co we get into the details of a new lawsuit filed with the assistance of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty against Marquette County , Wisconsin Sheriff Joseph Konrath and a deputy over their demand that a teenager delete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face arrest .
Rick and Angela Cohoon ’ s teen daughter Amyiah developed a severe respiratory illness in March after a spring break trip to Florida .
After one visit to a local hospital , her symptoms worsened and she ended up at a hospital in Madison .
Amyiah tested negative for COVID-19 in Madison , but doctors told her that she likely had the virus but had missed the testing window .
Amyiah posted updates to Instagram about this experience , including a post after she returned from the hospital that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on March 27 , a Marquette County Patrol Sergeant was dispatched to the Cohoon ’ s home to demand the Instagram posts be removed or face arrest for disorderly conduct .
The Instagram posts were removed after the threat from law enforcement .
According to the lawsuit , Amyiah ’ s local school superintendent somehow stumbled across her Instagram post and alerted the county sheriff , demanding that he send a deputy over to her home to tell her to delete what she had written .
Amazingly , rather than tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff did dispatch a deputy , and once there , he made it clear that the sheriff meant business .
During the evening on March 27 , Defendant Patrol Sergeant Cameron Klump from the Marquette County Sheriff ’ s office came to the Cohoons ’ home .
Amyiah answered the door , and Sergeant Klump said he needed to speak with her father .
After Mr. Cohoon came outside , Sergeant Klump explained that the school “ superintendent ” had complained to Defendant Sheriff Joseph Konrath about one of Amyiah ’ s Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a screenshot of Amyiah ’ s third Instagram post .
Sergeant Klump stated that he had direct orders from Sheriff Konrath to demand that Amyiah delete this post , and , if she did not , to cite Amyiah and/or her parents for disorderly conduct and to “ start taking people to jail.
” Klump stated that the sheriff wanted the post removed because there were no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Marquette County at the time .
Too bad for the sheriff that Amyiah Cohoon has the freedom of speech , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus without an official positive test result .
The sheriff may have been intending to quell any panic over word of a coronavirus case , but instead he generated a lot of opposition and violated Cohoon ’ s constitutional rights in the process .
The sheriff isn ’ t backing down , however , and has said that the Instagram post was the equivalent of shouting “ fire !
” in a crowded movie theater .
Cohoon ’ s attorneys point out that no one from the school district contacted their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness , or what she ’ d been told by doctors .
Instead , they went straight to the police , but not before accusing the student of falsely claiming to have the coronavirus for attention .
Administrator Meicher ’ s update stated that , “ It was brought to my attention today that there was a rumor floating out there that one of our students contracted Covid-19 while on the band trip to Florida two weeks ago .
Let me assure you there is NO truth to this .
This was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source of the rumor has been addressed .
This rumor had caught the attention of our Public Health Department and she was involved in putting a stop to this nonsense .
In times like this , the last thing we need out there is misinformation .
I asked her to prepare a short statement for the purpose of this update .
I ’ ve pasted it below.
” Although this statement does not name Amyiah or the Cohoons , most of Amyiah ’ s teachers and classmates would have been aware that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them saw Amyiah ’ s Instagram posts .
The suit is asking for “ nominal damages , ” which indicates that the Cohoons aren ’ t trying to get rich off of the abuse of their constitutional rights .
Frankly , I wish they would have asked for some serious coin , if for no other reason than to send a message to other elected officials and unelected bureaucrats that even in a state of emergency , our constitutional rights remain .

It’s not just our Second Amendment rights that are being threatened in the name of protecting the public from the coronavirus. Our First Amendment rights are coming under attack as well, and one Wisconsin family is fighting back against the unconstitutional overreach of their local authorities.
On today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co we get into the details of a new lawsuit filed with the assistance of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty against Marquette County, Wisconsin Sheriff Joseph Konrath and a deputy over their demand that a teenager delete an Instagram post about the coronavirus or face arrest.
Rick and Angela Cohoon’s teen daughter Amyiah developed a severe respiratory illness in March after a spring break trip to Florida. After one visit to a local hospital, her symptoms worsened and she ended up at a hospital in Madison. Amyiah tested negative for COVID-19 in Madison, but doctors told her that she likely had the virus but had missed the testing window. Amyiah posted updates to Instagram about this experience, including a post after she returned from the hospital that she had “beaten the coronavirus.” Then, on March 27, a Marquette County Patrol Sergeant was dispatched to the Cohoon’s home to demand the Instagram posts be removed or face arrest for disorderly conduct. The Instagram posts were removed after the threat from law enforcement.
According to the lawsuit, Amyiah’s local school superintendent somehow stumbled across her Instagram post and alerted the county sheriff, demanding that he send a deputy over to her home to tell her to delete what she had written. Amazingly, rather than tell the superintendent to go pound sand, the sheriff did dispatch a deputy, and once there, he made it clear that the sheriff meant business.
During the evening on March 27, Defendant Patrol Sergeant Cameron Klump from the Marquette County Sheriff’s office came to the Cohoons’ home. Amyiah answered the door, and Sergeant Klump said he needed to speak with her father. After Mr. Cohoon came outside, Sergeant Klump explained that the school “superintendent” had complained to Defendant Sheriff Joseph Konrath about one of Amyiah’s Instagram posts. Sergeant Klump showed Mr. Cohoon a screenshot of Amyiah’s third Instagram post. Sergeant Klump stated that he had direct orders from Sheriff Konrath to demand that Amyiah delete this post, and, if she did not, to cite Amyiah and/or her parents for disorderly conduct and to “start taking people to jail.”
Klump stated that the sheriff wanted the post removed because there were no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Marquette County at the time. Too bad for the sheriff that Amyiah Cohoon has the freedom of speech, even to say that she was recovering from the coronavirus without an official positive test result. The sheriff may have been intending to quell any panic over word of a coronavirus case, but instead he generated a lot of opposition and violated Cohoon’s constitutional rights in the process.
The sheriff isn’t backing down , however, and has said that the Instagram post was the equivalent of shouting “fire!” in a crowded movie theater.
No one was threatened with arrest, and an “aggressive defense” is planned, said Samuel Hall, attorney for the sheriff and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department. Hall said the girl’s messages “caused distress and panic within the school system and law enforcement acted at the request of school health officials in a good faith effort to avoid unfounded panic.”
Cohoon’s attorneys point out that no one from the school district contacted their family to ask about Amyiah’s illness, or what she’d been told by doctors. Instead, they went straight to the police, but not before accusing the student of falsely claiming to have the coronavirus for attention.
Administrator Meicher’s update stated that, “It was brought to my attention today that there was a rumor floating out there that one of our students contracted Covid-19 while on the band trip to Florida two weeks ago. Let me assure you there is NO truth to this. This was a foolish means to get attention and the source of the rumor has been addressed. This rumor had caught the attention of our Public Health Department and she was involved in putting a stop to this nonsense. In times like this, the last thing we need out there is misinformation. I asked her to prepare a short statement for the purpose of this update. I’ve pasted it below.” Although this statement does not name Amyiah or the Cohoons, most of Amyiah’s teachers and classmates would have been aware that it was about her, given that many of them saw Amyiah’s Instagram posts.
The suit is asking for “nominal damages,” which indicates that the Cohoons aren’t trying to get rich off of the abuse of their constitutional rights. Frankly, I wish they would have asked for some serious coin, if for no other reason than to send a message to other elected officials and unelected bureaucrats that even in a state of emergency, our constitutional rights remain.