bearingarms--2020-06-11--Northam Names Anti-Gun Activist To State Crime Commission

Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam checked off another item on his gun control to-do list this week with his announcement that longtime gun control activist Lori Haas will now sit on the state ’ s Crime Commission .
The 13-person commission is a designated “ criminal justice agency ” established by the state legislature to “ study , report , and make recommendations on all areas of public safety and protection , ” and Northam ’ s pick is a clear indication that he wants to use the body to help advance his anti-gun legislative agenda .
Despite the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a half-dozen gun control bills into law this year , the centerpiece of his anti-2A legislative package went down to defeat thanks to several Democrats in the state Senate who broke with party leadership and rejected a bill that would have banned commonly owned semi-automatic long guns , ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 12-rounds , and suppressors as well .
Northam has vowed to bring his gun ban back in the next legislative session , and he ’ ll likely try to use the Crime Commission to push lawmakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Haas is the Virginia State Director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and has been a voice for restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms since her daughter was injured in the Virginia Tech shooting back in 2007 .
Last year , Haas called the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement that swept across the state a “ fairy tale ” , and portrayed the widespread resistance to Northam ’ s gun control agenda as just the rantings of a few “ AR-15 toting white men.
” The handful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symbolic gestures are mostly rural , conservative areas .
They have been bombarded with Van Cleave and his followers , armed to the teeth demanding sanctuary from policies that are supported by 90 % of Virginia citizens .
Requiring universal background checks or establishing an Extreme Risk Protection Order in Virginia will do nothing to infringe on the rights of law-abiding , responsible gun owners in the Commonwealth .
All of the bills in the governor ’ s package presented this past summer have been upheld by courts across the country .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentioned last November grew in a matter of weeks to at least 90 of the state ’ s 95 counties , as well as dozens of towns and cities throughout Virginia .
In January of this year , more than 20,000 gun owners from across the state descended on the state capitol in Richmond to peacefully and forcefully lobby against Northam and Haas ’ gun control legislation , and while most of the bills eventually passed , many of them were watered-down in the process .
As for the court challenges to things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red-flag laws , we ’ ll see soon enough what the courts in Virginia have to say .
Already a judge in Lynchburg has declared that Gov .
Northam overstepped his constitutional bounds when he used an executive order to shut down indoor ranges in the state as part of his plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
In that case , the judge not only relied on the state ’ s emergency powers statute , but also referenced Virginia ’ s state constitution , which states in Article 1 , Section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several of Northam ’ s new gun laws will face a legal challenge when they take effect on July 1st , but with his moves to turn the state ’ s Crime Commission into a gun control group , the governor ’ s clearly signaling that he ’ s not finished with Virginia gun owners and their right to keep and bear arms .
I suspect before the next legislative session begins , the Crime Commission will issue a recommendation to lawmakers to approve a ban on commonly owned firearms and magazines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be pushing to defund law enforcement agencies across the state .

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam checked off another item on his gun control to-do list this week with his announcement that longtime gun control activist Lori Haas will now sit on the state’s Crime Commission. The 13-person commission is a designated “criminal justice agency” established by the state legislature to “study, report, and make recommendations on all areas of public safety and protection,” and Northam’s pick is a clear indication that he wants to use the body to help advance his anti-gun legislative agenda.
Despite the fact that Northam was able to sign more than a half-dozen gun control bills into law this year, the centerpiece of his anti-2A legislative package went down to defeat thanks to several Democrats in the state Senate who broke with party leadership and rejected a bill that would have banned commonly owned semi-automatic long guns, ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 12-rounds, and suppressors as well. Northam has vowed to bring his gun ban back in the next legislative session, and he’ll likely try to use the Crime Commission to push lawmakers to approve the legislation over the next several months.
Haas is the Virginia State Director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and has been a voice for restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms since her daughter was injured in the Virginia Tech shooting back in 2007. Last year, Haas called the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement that swept across the state a “fairy tale”, and portrayed the widespread resistance to Northam’s gun control agenda as just the rantings of a few “AR-15 toting white men.”
The handful of counties in Virginia that have passed these symbolic gestures are mostly rural, conservative areas. They have been bombarded with Van Cleave and his followers, armed to the teeth demanding sanctuary from policies that are supported by 90% of Virginia citizens. Requiring universal background checks or establishing an Extreme Risk Protection Order in Virginia will do nothing to infringe on the rights of law-abiding, responsible gun owners in the Commonwealth. All of the bills in the governor’s package presented this past summer have been upheld by courts across the country.
The “handful of counties” that Haas mentioned last November grew in a matter of weeks to at least 90 of the state’s 95 counties, as well as dozens of towns and cities throughout Virginia. In January of this year, more than 20,000 gun owners from across the state descended on the state capitol in Richmond to peacefully and forcefully lobby against Northam and Haas’ gun control legislation, and while most of the bills eventually passed, many of them were watered-down in the process.
As for the court challenges to things like “universal background checks” and red-flag laws, we’ll see soon enough what the courts in Virginia have to say. Already a judge in Lynchburg has declared that Gov. Northam overstepped his constitutional bounds when he used an executive order to shut down indoor ranges in the state as part of his plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In that case, the judge not only relied on the state’s emergency powers statute, but also referenced Virginia’s state constitution, which states in Article 1, Section 13:
That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
It’s likely that several of Northam’s new gun laws will face a legal challenge when they take effect on July 1st, but with his moves to turn the state’s Crime Commission into a gun control group, the governor’s clearly signaling that he’s not finished with Virginia gun owners and their right to keep and bear arms. I suspect before the next legislative session begins, the Crime Commission will issue a recommendation to lawmakers to approve a ban on commonly owned firearms and magazines, even while many Democrat lawmakers themselves will be pushing to defund law enforcement agencies across the state.


bearingarms--2020-06-11--Seattle Autonomous Zone Has First Case Police Brutality, Warlord

Antifa goons managed to take control of about six blocks of Seattle real estate .
They ’ ve declared it the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone , or CHAZ , as we wrote about yesterday .
As part of that process , the police pulled out of the area , leaving the area police station and leaving the neighborhood to the anarchists .
Of course , there ’ s been all kinds of hilarious issues within the CHAZ , such as the homeless they invited in having stolen all their food and ate it , leaving nothing for the CHAZ denizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cops , there ’ s no police brutality , right ?
You ’ d think , but you ’ d be wrong .
Earlier today Allahpundit wrote about the so-called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ( CHAZ ) which was set up in Seattle after police retreated from a few square blocks .
The denizens of this new experiment in police-free living were probably envisioning a utopia full of peace and community love .
Instead they got a new self-appointed police force led by a rapper named Raz Simone .
Early this morning someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows Simone and a group of people confronting a graffiti artist .
Things escalate and eventually the tagger is assaulted by someone in the group and has his phone taken away .
The video is about an hour long but here ’ s a summary created by someone in the Reddit thread : tl ; dw : Man was tagging over someone else ’ s art , Raz and group approach and separate him from crowd , chasing him for two blocks .
He begins to film them with his phone , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get it back and they attack him , kicking him in the head and breaking his glasses .
At one point , Raz threatens to shoot the man .
They then begin to gaslight him that it was all his fault .
Audio only for most of the end , because woman in Raz ’ crew filming puts the phone in her pocket while the stream continues .
So , just a couple of days into things and they already have a warlord .
Simone claims that everything god discussed and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tagger ’ s father wants Simone to mentor him .
God help that kid .
What happened , though , was predictable .
When there ’ s no government , all it takes is someone strong enough to step in and take control .
That person often becomes something of a warlord , like Raz Simone .
Oh , Simone can claim all was beautiful , but some of the highlights of the altercation included phrases like : • “ We are the police of this community now !
” • “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point physically was the best way to get our point across.
” • In response to the subject saying his glasses were broken during the assault , “ Yeah , we should have broken your face !
” • Don ’ t be making no threats n**** , I ’ ll blow your brains out ” Of course , the “ threat ” wasn ’ t clear anywhere in the video .
The transcriber believes it was in response to the tagger saying he wanted to leave within the next 15 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a statement .
However , what we ’ re seeing here will continue within the CHAZ .
In fact , it will likely get worse .
See , governments suck , but they exist because something will exist to govern a given group of people .
Where people agree to select a leader , all is well , but when folks get in their head they don ’ t need one , someone will rise up , usually the strongest will step in and take control .
Or , at least , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use violence to portray strength .
You know , someone like Raz Simone .
Either Simone will continue to enforce whatever rules he wants , or someone else will step in to try and stop him .
Then , violence will follow .
Either way , be glad you don ’ t live in that part of Seattle .

Antifa goons managed to take control of about six blocks of Seattle real estate. They’ve declared it the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, or CHAZ, as we wrote about yesterday.
As part of that process, the police pulled out of the area, leaving the area police station and leaving the neighborhood to the anarchists.
Of course, there’s been all kinds of hilarious issues within the CHAZ, such as the homeless they invited in having stolen all their food and ate it, leaving nothing for the CHAZ denizens to eat.
But, without any cops, there’s no police brutality, right?
You’d think, but you’d be wrong.
Earlier today Allahpundit wrote about the so-called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) which was set up in Seattle after police retreated from a few square blocks. The denizens of this new experiment in police-free living were probably envisioning a utopia full of peace and community love. Instead they got a new self-appointed police force led by a rapper named Raz Simone. Early this morning someone posted a video clip to Reddit which shows Simone and a group of people confronting a graffiti artist. Things escalate and eventually the tagger is assaulted by someone in the group and has his phone taken away. The video is about an hour long but here’s a summary created by someone in the Reddit thread: tl;dw: Man was tagging over someone else’s art, Raz and group approach and separate him from crowd, chasing him for two blocks. He begins to film them with his phone, they take it from him. He tries to get it back and they attack him, kicking him in the head and breaking his glasses. At one point, Raz threatens to shoot the man. They then begin to gaslight him that it was all his fault. Audio only for most of the end, because woman in Raz’ crew filming puts the phone in her pocket while the stream continues.
So, just a couple of days into things and they already have a warlord.
That’s just…special.
Simone claims that everything god discussed and that all is well. He even claims the tagger’s father wants Simone to mentor him. God help that kid.
What happened, though, was predictable. When there’s no government, all it takes is someone strong enough to step in and take control. That person often becomes something of a warlord, like Raz Simone.
Oh, Simone can claim all was beautiful, but some of the highlights of the altercation included phrases like:
“We are the police of this community now!”
“We got to the point where addressing the point physically was the best way to get our point across.”
In response to the subject saying his glasses were broken during the assault, “Yeah, we should have broken your face!”
Don’t be making no threats n****, I’ll blow your brains out”
Of course, the “threat” wasn’t clear anywhere in the video. The transcriber believes it was in response to the tagger saying he wanted to leave within the next 15 minutes.
Sorry, not a threat, just a statement.
However, what we’re seeing here will continue within the CHAZ. In fact, it will likely get worse.
See, governments suck, but they exist because something will exist to govern a given group of people. Where people agree to select a leader, all is well, but when folks get in their head they don’t need one, someone will rise up, usually the strongest will step in and take control. Or, at least, someone who isn’t afraid to use violence to portray strength.
You know, someone like Raz Simone.
Either Simone will continue to enforce whatever rules he wants, or someone else will step in to try and stop him. Then, violence will follow. Either way, be glad you don’t live in that part of Seattle.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--Pro-2A Bill Clears Ohio House Over Democrat Objections

Good news out of Ohio , where lawmakers on Thursday evening approved legislation dealing with the right-to-carry , sending the bill on to the state Senate for consideration .
HB 425 deals with a specific issue for those who have their concealed carry license : when are you supposed to inform an officer that you ’ re legally armed ?
Right now , the law says that CHL holders are supposed to “ promptly ” inform police that they ’ re lawfully carrying , but Second Amendment supporters say that language is vague and subjective .
Under the proposal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to law enforcement to ask whether the person they ’ re talking to is armed .
That seems like a pretty logical step to take , but Democrats in Columbus objected to the proposal during debate on Thursday , claiming the chance would people in danger .
Rep. Scott Wiggam , R-Wooster , said the word “ promptly ” is too vague because different officers have different interpretations of what that means .
“ This has intruded on the constitutional rights of too many Ohioans , ” Wiggam said .
Rep. Joe Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the time for a bill that potentially increases the tension between law enforcement and Ohioans .
“ This bill does not correct an unconstitutional policy , nor does it increase the safety of our citizens or peace officers , ” Miller said .
“ Now is the time to bring unity rather than division.
” Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes , D-Akron , said , “ As protesters continue to march across the country , there have been calls from law enforcement for communities to work alongside them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , HB 425 is not working with police .
In fact , it ’ s pushing through something that makes them less safe on the job while potentially putting even more black lives at risk.
” The grandstanding by Democrats on this issue is really pathetic , particularly given the fact that the bill will provide a clear standard for officers , rather than allowing a subjective determination as to whether or not they were “ promptly ” informed that someone was legally carrying .
This bill won ’ t increase any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may very well help to defuse or de-escalate situations involving concealed carry holders and law enforcement .
In fact , I think it ’ s fair to call this a police reform bill , given that the main thrust of the legislation is to reign in potential abuses by law enforcement .
You ’ d think that alone would be enough to garner some Democrat support for the measure , but unfortunately that wasn ’ t the case in the Ohio House .
Now that HB 425 is moving over to the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive the bipartisan support that it deserves , though I ’ m not holding my breath .
An issue that is receiving bipartisan support in the Buckeye State is the failure of the criminal justice system to actually prosecute career criminals who violate the state ’ s gun laws .
Buckeye Firearms Association executive director Chad Baus is out with a column today agreeing with Columbus Dispatch columnist Theodore Becker that gun control laws are “ pointless ” if they ’ re not actually enforced .
Becker ’ s column centers around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trafficking ring .
48-year old Christopher Conley is now facing a variety of federal charges , but Becker notes that Conley ’ s repeatedly been able to avoid consequences for his crimes over the years .
As Baus says in response : I ’ d love to see Democrats and Republicans work together on this issue in Columbus .
As long as we ’ re talking criminal justice reform , we should be talking about the staggering number of plea bargains that allows too many career criminals to skate with a slap on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and convictions .

Good news out of Ohio, where lawmakers on Thursday evening approved legislation dealing with the right-to-carry, sending the bill on to the state Senate for consideration. HB 425 deals with a specific issue for those who have their concealed carry license: when are you supposed to inform an officer that you’re legally armed?
Right now, the law says that CHL holders are supposed to “promptly” inform police that they’re lawfully carrying, but Second Amendment supporters say that language is vague and subjective. Under the proposal in HB 425, it would be up to law enforcement to ask whether the person they’re talking to is armed. That seems like a pretty logical step to take, but Democrats in Columbus objected to the proposal during debate on Thursday, claiming the chance would people in danger.
Rep. Scott Wiggam, R-Wooster, said the word “promptly” is too vague because different officers have different interpretations of what that means. “This has intruded on the constitutional rights of too many Ohioans,” Wiggam said. Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, responded by saying now is not the time for a bill that potentially increases the tension between law enforcement and Ohioans. “This bill does not correct an unconstitutional policy, nor does it increase the safety of our citizens or peace officers,” Miller said. “Now is the time to bring unity rather than division.” Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, D-Akron, said, “As protesters continue to march across the country, there have been calls from law enforcement for communities to work alongside them to bridge racial divides and rebuild together. However, HB 425 is not working with police. In fact, it’s pushing through something that makes them less safe on the job while potentially putting even more black lives at risk.”
The grandstanding by Democrats on this issue is really pathetic, particularly given the fact that the bill will provide a clear standard for officers, rather than allowing a subjective determination as to whether or not they were “promptly” informed that someone was legally carrying. This bill won’t increase any risk to police officers, and it may very well help to defuse or de-escalate situations involving concealed carry holders and law enforcement.
In fact, I think it’s fair to call this a police reform bill, given that the main thrust of the legislation is to reign in potential abuses by law enforcement. You’d think that alone would be enough to garner some Democrat support for the measure, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case in the Ohio House. Now that HB 425 is moving over to the state Senate, perhaps it will start to receive the bipartisan support that it deserves, though I’m not holding my breath.
An issue that is receiving bipartisan support in the Buckeye State is the failure of the criminal justice system to actually prosecute career criminals who violate the state’s gun laws. Buckeye Firearms Association executive director Chad Baus is out with a column today agreeing with Columbus Dispatch columnist Theodore Becker that gun control laws are “pointless” if they’re not actually enforced.
Becker’s column centers around the recent bust of a drug and gun trafficking ring. 48-year old Christopher Conley is now facing a variety of federal charges, but Becker notes that Conley’s repeatedly been able to avoid consequences for his crimes over the years.
Between 1992 and 2012, Conley was charged four times with carrying a concealed weapon without a license and the more serious charge of having a weapon under disability. The weapons-under-disability charge was dropped the first three times, in what appeared to be plea deals in exchange for guilty pleas to carrying a concealed weapon.
As Baus says in response:
Theodore Decker and the Columbus Dispatch seem to have finally stumbled on the truth – gun laws ARE pointless if not enforced. Hopefully they’ll bring this point up the next time they’re interviewing officials who refuse to enforce existing law, yet repeatedly claim the need for still MORE gun control laws.
I’d love to see Democrats and Republicans work together on this issue in Columbus. As long as we’re talking criminal justice reform, we should be talking about the staggering number of plea bargains that allows too many career criminals to skate with a slap on the wrist, even after multiple arrests and convictions.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--Irish Journalist's Murder Proves Ineffectiveness Of Gun Control

While the anti-gun activists will routinely claim that gun control works , they ’ re often guilty of having to manipulate data to reach that conclusion .
After all , it ’ s not like crime suddenly goes away just because people don ’ t have guns , now does it ?
The worst of the worst still get firearms easily enough .
In fact , the worse they are , the easier it seems for them to get guns .
Take the murder of an Irish journalist that took place last year .
She was shot while covering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make of the gun used in the killing .
A gun found by police during searches in Londonderry last weekend has been identified as the weapon used to murder journalist Lyra McKee .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) confirmed the development after initial tests and an examination of the weapon , a Hammerli X-Esse pistol .
Ms McKee , 29 , was shot during trouble in the city ’ s Creggan area in 2019 .
The PSNI said Thursday ’ s announcement was “ a significant moment for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The full forensic examination of the weapon will take some time to conclude .
The gun , along with a bomb , was found during planned police searches in the Ballymagroarty area of Derry .
Now , I ’ m pretty sure that part of Ireland has some strict laws about guns .
After all , they ’ re technically part of Great Britain , so they ’ re governed by similar laws and we all know how those work for law-abiding citizens .
Yet the New Irish Republican Army , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a .22 lr handgun and use it to assassinate a journalist .
If gun laws are so great , then just how did that happen ?
Of course , honest anti-gunners will admit that you ’ re never going to stop the flow of guns to criminal hands .
Where we differ , though , is that they think that inhibiting law-abiding citizens from buying guns themselves is a worthy path to follow .
While it ’ s unlikely that Lyra McKee would have been armed herself , someone else might have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was killed .
Then again , we might not have .
After all , guns have become so demonized that many won ’ t carry one even if they can .
Still , the gun laws in Northern Ireland did McKee absolutely no good .
A New IRA thug was able to end her life in an instant despite all the myriad of laws on the books in that region .
None of them did a damn thing to protect her .
That ’ s the problem , though .
They never do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by making sure they have unarmed prey on which to feed .
It makes it so they can act with impunity knowing that none of the good people they threaten have the means to fight back .
It ’ s the world they prefer .
And damned if our own breed of anti-gunners aren ’ t working to make it so we ’ ll all end up as vulnerable as Lyra McKee .
If they get their way , it could be any one of us shot dead in the streets .

While the anti-gun activists will routinely claim that gun control works, they’re often guilty of having to manipulate data to reach that conclusion. After all, it’s not like crime suddenly goes away just because people don’t have guns, now does it?
The worst of the worst still get firearms easily enough. In fact, the worse they are, the easier it seems for them to get guns.
Take the murder of an Irish journalist that took place last year. She was shot while covering a story and police just recently released the make of the gun used in the killing.
A gun found by police during searches in Londonderry last weekend has been identified as the weapon used to murder journalist Lyra McKee. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed the development after initial tests and an examination of the weapon, a Hammerli X-Esse pistol. Ms McKee, 29, was shot during trouble in the city’s Creggan area in 2019. The PSNI said Thursday’s announcement was “a significant moment for the investigation” into the New IRA murder. The full forensic examination of the weapon will take some time to conclude. The gun, along with a bomb, was found during planned police searches in the Ballymagroarty area of Derry.
Now, I’m pretty sure that part of Ireland has some strict laws about guns. After all, they’re technically part of Great Britain, so they’re governed by similar laws and we all know how those work for law-abiding citizens.
Yet the New Irish Republican Army, a terrorist group, was able to obtain a .22 lr handgun and use it to assassinate a journalist.
If gun laws are so great, then just how did that happen?
Of course, honest anti-gunners will admit that you’re never going to stop the flow of guns to criminal hands. Where we differ, though, is that they think that inhibiting law-abiding citizens from buying guns themselves is a worthy path to follow.
It’s not.
While it’s unlikely that Lyra McKee would have been armed herself, someone else might have been and been able to react before she was killed. Then again, we might not have. After all, guns have become so demonized that many won’t carry one even if they can.
Still, the gun laws in Northern Ireland did McKee absolutely no good. A New IRA thug was able to end her life in an instant despite all the myriad of laws on the books in that region. None of them did a damn thing to protect her.
That’s the problem, though. They never do.
Instead, they help the criminals by making sure they have unarmed prey on which to feed. It makes it so they can act with impunity knowing that none of the good people they threaten have the means to fight back. It’s the world they prefer.
And damned if our own breed of anti-gunners aren’t working to make it so we’ll all end up as vulnerable as Lyra McKee. If they get their way, it could be any one of us shot dead in the streets.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--Gun Owners Plan Protest Against New Local Laws In D.C. Suburb

It ’ s supposed to be a beautiful day in Alexandria , Virginia on Saturday .
The streets of the Old Town section of the city just across the river from Washington , D.C. will likely be crowded with folks soaking in the sun and dining outside at one of the many small restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood , but the biggest crowd of all could be outside of the Alexandria City Hall .
That ’ s where gun owners are expected to gather to protest a new local ordinance that could get final approval by the city council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citizens Defense League says the protest on Saturday afternoon is designed not only to let city council members in Alexandria know of the disapproval of the new ordinance , but to also send a message to other localities around the state that may be considering adding local gun control measures of their own .
The organization encouraged gun owners from outside Alexandria to come into the area to support the protest .
“ If passed , this ordinance would take effect on Wednesday , July 1 , and would make criminals out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a street that abuts a permitted event , or walking through any one of a myriad of public parks , or to go in City Hall to pay their taxes !
” the VCDL said .
“ As gun owners , we need to stand together and fight gun control as a team .
Gun owners should come to protests , even if they are in different localities .
Fairfax , Falls Church , Prince William , Arlington , and Loudoun gun owners need to support Alexandria gun owners and vice versa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us , is an attack on all of us !
” As it stands now , the proposed ordinance would make it a misdemeanor crime to carry a lawfully possessed firearm on city property or in government buildings , as well as at permitted public events and even nearby streets .
For years , Virginia ’ s firearm preemption laws has left it up to the state legislature to regulate firearms , but after Democrats took control of the General Assembly in last November ’ s elections , they sent a bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Gov .
Ralph Northam ’ s desk , where he eagerly put pen to paper .
The VCDL says Saturday ’ s protest is focused entirely on the new ordinance proposed by the Alexandria City Council , and they ’ re hoping for a civil gathering in the deep-blue city .
“ We are there to protest one thing and one thing only : City Council ’ s proposed ordinance to strip us of our right to self-defense , ” the VCDL said .
“ Do NOT be goaded by any bystanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stay on point .
I have notified the police department that we will be there to peacefully protest.
” If , as expected , the city council does approve their new ordinance , it ’ s likely that Alexandria will be the first city sued after Virginia ’ s new gun control laws take effect on July 1st .
Unfortunately , I doubt they ’ ll be the last , as politicians in other northern Virginia locales like Falls Church and Fairfax County have already signaled that they ’ re ready to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are virtually identical to what ’ s being considered in Alexandria .
I won ’ t be able to make the drive up to Alexandria , unfortunately , but I ’ m hoping there ’ s a strong turnout .
It likely won ’ t sway the city council members poised to enact their new gun control law , but a good showing on behalf of Second Amendment supporters could very well have an impact on other local politicians around the state , particularly in places that aren ’ t as deeply entrenched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. suburbs of northern Virginia .

It’s supposed to be a beautiful day in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday. The streets of the Old Town section of the city just across the river from Washington, D.C. will likely be crowded with folks soaking in the sun and dining outside at one of the many small restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood, but the biggest crowd of all could be outside of the Alexandria City Hall. That’s where gun owners are expected to gather to protest a new local ordinance that could get final approval by the city council in the coming days.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League says the protest on Saturday afternoon is designed not only to let city council members in Alexandria know of the disapproval of the new ordinance, but to also send a message to other localities around the state that may be considering adding local gun control measures of their own.
The organization encouraged gun owners from outside Alexandria to come into the area to support the protest. “If passed, this ordinance would take effect on Wednesday, July 1, and would make criminals out of peaceful gun owners for merely being on a street that abuts a permitted event, or walking through any one of a myriad of public parks, or to go in City Hall to pay their taxes!” the VCDL said. “As gun owners, we need to stand together and fight gun control as a team. Gun owners should come to protests, even if they are in different localities. Fairfax, Falls Church, Prince William, Arlington, and Loudoun gun owners need to support Alexandria gun owners and vice versa. An attack on the gun-rights of any of us, is an attack on all of us!”
As it stands now, the proposed ordinance would make it a misdemeanor crime to carry a lawfully possessed firearm on city property or in government buildings, as well as at permitted public events and even nearby streets. For years, Virginia’s firearm preemption laws has left it up to the state legislature to regulate firearms, but after Democrats took control of the General Assembly in last November’s elections, they sent a bill weakening the state’s preemption laws to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk, where he eagerly put pen to paper.
The VCDL says Saturday’s protest is focused entirely on the new ordinance proposed by the Alexandria City Council, and they’re hoping for a civil gathering in the deep-blue city.
“We are there to protest one thing and one thing only: City Council’s proposed ordinance to strip us of our right to self-defense,” the VCDL said. “Do NOT be goaded by any bystanders into addressing any ANY other issues. Stay on point. I have notified the police department that we will be there to peacefully protest.”
If, as expected, the city council does approve their new ordinance, it’s likely that Alexandria will be the first city sued after Virginia’s new gun control laws take effect on July 1st. Unfortunately, I doubt they’ll be the last, as politicians in other northern Virginia locales like Falls Church and Fairfax County have already signaled that they’re ready to move ahead with ordinances of their own that are virtually identical to what’s being considered in Alexandria.
I won’t be able to make the drive up to Alexandria, unfortunately, but I’m hoping there’s a strong turnout. It likely won’t sway the city council members poised to enact their new gun control law, but a good showing on behalf of Second Amendment supporters could very well have an impact on other local politicians around the state, particularly in places that aren’t as deeply entrenched in Democrat politics as Alexandria and the D.C. suburbs of northern Virginia.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--Pro-2A Sheriff Announces Run For NY Governor

We ’ re still a couple of years away from New York ’ s next gubernatorial election , but Lewis County Sheriff Michael P. Carpinelli is already throwing his hat into the ring .
On Thursday , the upstate sheriff announced that he ’ s running for the Republican nomination in 2022 with a couple of swipes at current governor Andrew Cuomo .
Back in February , Sheriff Carpinelli joined me on Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co. to talk about a proposed ordinance in Lewis County that would prohibit county funds from being used to enforce New York gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one who suggested the ordinance , he did back the proposal and said he was willing to risk being removed from office by Gov .
Cuomo over the issue .
As the sheriff told me , while he took an oath of office to execute the laws of New York , he believes that when those laws conflict with the U.S. Constitution he is duty bound to follow the higher law .
The sheriff has been an outspoken advocate of the right to keep and bear arms long before the Second Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York .
Back in 2015 , after the shootings in San Bernardino , California , Carpinelli publicly urged residents to exercise their Second Amendment rights to protect themselves and their community .
As the debate over guns intensifies , Carpinelli said now is an essential time for gun owners to protect their Second Amendment right .
“ When you exercise your right and your privileges , you maintain them .
When you don ’ t , at times , we tend to lose them , ” he explained .
On Facebook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s opinion rages on .
A lot of people agreed with the Sheriff .
But other Lewis County residents said they don ’ t trust all gun owners are responsible .
One commenter wrote , “ This is not the Wild West.
” Another wrote , “ What would be the sense of having any police force if everyone is now going to be encouraged to be armed ?
” Carpinelli said he doesn ’ t understand that logic .
“ We encourage our youth when they turn 18 to go out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that every kid that gets their license runs their car into a school building or a parade ?
No.
” he argued .
So I think it ’ s ridiculous for people to say that if you give someone the right to have a gun or a license to have it they ’ ll go out and do crazy things.
” Carpinelli also said most licensed gun owners are responsible citizens who follow , not break , the law .
The first step in Carpinelli ’ s campaign is gathering some 15,000 signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed on the ballot in the Republican primary .
Given his support for the Second Amendment , it shouldn ’ t be too difficult for the sheriff to meet that threshold , particularly in upstate New York where Gov .
Cuomo ’ s SAFE Act is still wildly unpopular .
There will undoubtably be more candidates announcing their own run for the Republican nod in the months ahead , but it ’ s great to know there ’ s going to be at least one strong advocate for the Second Amendment in the @ @

We’re still a couple of years away from New York’s next gubernatorial election, but Lewis County Sheriff Michael P. Carpinelli is already throwing his hat into the ring. On Thursday, the upstate sheriff announced that he’s running for the Republican nomination in 2022 with a couple of swipes at current governor Andrew Cuomo.
Back in February, Sheriff Carpinelli joined me on Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co. to talk about a proposed ordinance in Lewis County that would prohibit county funds from being used to enforce New York gun laws. While Carpinelli wasn’t the one who suggested the ordinance, he did back the proposal and said he was willing to risk being removed from office by Gov. Cuomo over the issue. As the sheriff told me, while he took an oath of office to execute the laws of New York, he believes that when those laws conflict with the U.S. Constitution he is duty bound to follow the higher law.
The sheriff has been an outspoken advocate of the right to keep and bear arms long before the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement began to take hold in New York. Back in 2015, after the shootings in San Bernardino, California, Carpinelli publicly urged residents to exercise their Second Amendment rights to protect themselves and their community.
As the debate over guns intensifies, Carpinelli said now is an essential time for gun owners to protect their Second Amendment right. “When you exercise your right and your privileges, you maintain them. When you don’t, at times, we tend to lose them,” he explained. On Facebook, the debate in response to Carpinellis’s opinion rages on. A lot of people agreed with the Sheriff. But other Lewis County residents said they don’t trust all gun owners are responsible. One commenter wrote, “This is not the Wild West.” Another wrote, “What would be the sense of having any police force if everyone is now going to be encouraged to be armed?” Carpinelli said he doesn’t understand that logic. “We encourage our youth when they turn 18 to go out and get driver licenses. Does that mean that every kid that gets their license runs their car into a school building or a parade? No.” he argued. So I think it’s ridiculous for people to say that if you give someone the right to have a gun or a license to have it they’ll go out and do crazy things.” Carpinelli also said most licensed gun owners are responsible citizens who follow, not break, the law.
The first step in Carpinelli’s campaign is gathering some 15,000 signatures from voters in order to officially be placed on the ballot in the Republican primary. Given his support for the Second Amendment, it shouldn’t be too difficult for the sheriff to meet that threshold, particularly in upstate New York where Gov. Cuomo’s SAFE Act is still wildly unpopular. There will undoubtably be more candidates announcing their own run for the Republican nod in the months ahead, but it’s great to know there’s going to be at least one strong advocate for the Second Amendment in the race.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--NRA Annual Meeting Rescheduled

NRA Annual Meeting Rescheduled

Among the many events interrupted by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns was the National Rifle Association ’ s annual meeting .
The meeting tends to be a big event in the firearms world , probably only rivaled by the SHOT Show in Las Vegas .
And , of course , it didn ’ t happen .
For a lot of people , that was something of a bummer .
Not just because of the NRA aspects , but because the meeting tends to attract high-profile speakers , including President Trump .
And , again , it didn ’ t happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happen when it was originally scheduled to happen .
It seems that it will take place , though , albeit in an abbreviated form .
The National Rifle Association canceled its largest gathering of the year at the start of the coronavirus outbreak , but the organization said it will move forward with a limited members ’ meeting scheduled for September .
The gun-rights group said the meeting will now be held on Saturday , September 5 , at the Springfield Expo Center in Springfield , Missouri .
The news comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April conference scheduled to take place in Nashville , Tennessee , due to coronavirus stay-at-home orders .
The Springfield event appears to be scaled back as it is scheduled to take place over the course of a single Saturday , rather than the three-day event that typically draws tens of thousands of gun enthusiasts , retailers , and manufacturers .
The NRA said the meeting where members provide feedback to the organization ’ s leadership would begin at 9 a.m. on the September 5 .
However , officials weren ’ t able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events taking place beyond that meeting .
Traditionally , the members ’ meeting is part of the NRA ’ s greater Annual Meeting , which includes a large exhibit floor featuring the gun industry ’ s latest offerings as well as speeches from politicians and the group ’ s leadership .
The meeting has drawn up to 80,000 attendees in recent years .
The NRA has long used its Annual Meeting as a fundraising vehicle .
While the group reported a rebound in donations and contributions in 2018 , it has been forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
A reduced convention may contribute to the financial struggles facing the group in the lead up to the 2020 election .
As it stands , there doesn ’ t appear to be any confirmed vendors for the convention center , which may suggest that there won ’ t be much beyond the essential meetings .
That ’ s not likely to help improve the financial situation for the NRA .
However , this is also likely all they could manage under the circumstances .
An event the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparation , efforts that don ’ t necessarily lend themselves to relocation .
Especially since vendors may or may not be able to adjust to the new schedule .
The last thing the NRA needs is to hold a party and no one be able to come .
Instead , an abbreviated schedule and a focus on the business end of the organization may well be the right move .
While it ’ s unlikely to help the organization financially due to reduced fundraising efforts , it ’ s not all about that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It should be interesting to see how the event shakes out as the date gets closer .

Among the many events interrupted by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns was the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting. The meeting tends to be a big event in the firearms world, probably only rivaled by the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. And, of course, it didn’t happen.
For a lot of people, that was something of a bummer. Not just because of the NRA aspects, but because the meeting tends to attract high-profile speakers, including President Trump.
And, again, it didn’t happen.
At least, it didn’t happen when it was originally scheduled to happen. It seems that it will take place, though, albeit in an abbreviated form.
The National Rifle Association canceled its largest gathering of the year at the start of the coronavirus outbreak, but the organization said it will move forward with a limited members’ meeting scheduled for September. The gun-rights group said the meeting will now be held on Saturday, September 5, at the Springfield Expo Center in Springfield, Missouri. The news comes after the NRA was forced to cancel its April conference scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, due to coronavirus stay-at-home orders. The Springfield event appears to be scaled back as it is scheduled to take place over the course of a single Saturday, rather than the three-day event that typically draws tens of thousands of gun enthusiasts, retailers, and manufacturers. The NRA said the meeting where members provide feedback to the organization’s leadership would begin at 9 a.m. on the September 5. However, officials weren’t able to confirm whether or not there would be events taking place beyond that meeting. Traditionally, the members’ meeting is part of the NRA’s greater Annual Meeting, which includes a large exhibit floor featuring the gun industry’s latest offerings as well as speeches from politicians and the group’s leadership. The meeting has drawn up to 80,000 attendees in recent years. The NRA has long used its Annual Meeting as a fundraising vehicle. While the group reported a rebound in donations and contributions in 2018, it has been forced to furlough and lay off staff amidst the coronavirus pandemic. A reduced convention may contribute to the financial struggles facing the group in the lead up to the 2020 election.
As it stands, there doesn’t appear to be any confirmed vendors for the convention center, which may suggest that there won’t be much beyond the essential meetings.
That’s not likely to help improve the financial situation for the NRA.
However, this is also likely all they could manage under the circumstances. An event the size of the typical annual meeting takes months of preparation, efforts that don’t necessarily lend themselves to relocation. Especially since vendors may or may not be able to adjust to the new schedule.
The last thing the NRA needs is to hold a party and no one be able to come.
Instead, an abbreviated schedule and a focus on the business end of the organization may well be the right move. While it’s unlikely to help the organization financially due to reduced fundraising efforts, it’s not all about that, even for a cash-strapped NRA.
It should be interesting to see how the event shakes out as the date gets closer.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--Cops Called After Teacher Spies BB Gun In Kid's Bedroom During Virtual Class

Police in Baltimore County , Maryland paid a visit to Courtney Lancaster ’ s home the other day after getting a call from the school resource officer at Seneca Elementary , where Lancaster ’ s 11-year old son is in fifth grade .
He ’ s been attending school online since March without incident , but apparently an eagle-eyed teacher saw something in the child ’ s bedroom that required a police response : a BB gun .
“ So , I answered the door .
The police officer was , he was very nice .
He explained to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with my son ’ s school , ” Courtney told Project Baltimore .
“ And then explained to me that he was here to search for weapons , in my home .
And I consented to let him in .
And then I , unfortunately , stood there and watched police officers enter my 11-year-old son ’ s bedroom.
” Courtney was told someone had seen the guns in her son ’ s bedroom during a Google Meet class on his laptop .
According to emails Courtney later exchanged with a school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the online class .
The principal of Seneca Elementary was notified .
Courtney says she was told the school safety officer then called police .
“ I felt violated as a parent , for my child , who ’ s standing there with police officers in his room , just to see the fear on his face , ” she said .
After a few minutes , officers left Lancaster ’ s home without incident , but this never should have happened in the first place , and Lancaster is understandably ticked off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacting her before they called the cops .
Since that day , she has written school administrators , the superintendent and the school board , demanding answers .
She says the principal initially compared bringing a weapon to a virtual class to bringing a gun to school .
She was also told she could not see the screenshot of her son ’ s bedroom , because it ’ s not part of his student record .
“ It ’ s absolutely scary to think about , ” Courtney said .
“ Who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have viewing your children and subsequently taking these screenshots that can be sent anywhere or used for any purpose ?
” I don ’ t know where to even begin with this .
The kid didn ’ t “ bring a weapon ” to his virtual class .
He has several BB guns hanging on the wall of his bedroom .
Even if the teacher who spotted the BB guns thought that they were real firearms , the first call should have been to mom , not police .
Instead , even now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment with a mixture of disdain and outright dismissal .
Lancaster says she understand the safety concerns , but still wonders how far the school district plans on taking things .
What happens if her son attends his virtual class in the kitchen , with a sharp knife visible in the background ?
Will the police pay her another visit ?
I live in a rural school district where many families don ’ t have the bandwidth or computers necessary for their kids to attend class online , so I hadn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power and invasions of privacy like this until I read Lancaster ’ s story .
Frankly , I ’ m not sure I ’ ve ever actually been relieved to have to rely on satellite-based Internet until now , but I ’ m relieved that , of all the things my kids will have to deal with growing up in this day and age , having the police called because a teacher spotted a BB gun on their bedroom wall isn ’ t one of them .
If I had no choice but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think I ’ d be disabling their camera before class started .
In a pinch , I might invest in one of those green screens that attaches to the back of a chair to block the prying eyes of teachers or principals who might be tempted to use class time to engage in a bit of domestic surveillance .
Either way , I ’ d do everything possible to prevent my child ’ s educators from invading my privacy under the guise of public education .

Police in Baltimore County, Maryland paid a visit to Courtney Lancaster’s home the other day after getting a call from the school resource officer at Seneca Elementary, where Lancaster’s 11-year old son is in fifth grade. He’s been attending school online since March without incident, but apparently an eagle-eyed teacher saw something in the child’s bedroom that required a police response: a BB gun.
“So, I answered the door. The police officer was, he was very nice. He explained to me that he was coming to address an issue with my son’s school,” Courtney told Project Baltimore. “And then explained to me that he was here to search for weapons, in my home. And I consented to let him in. And then I, unfortunately, stood there and watched police officers enter my 11-year-old son’s bedroom.” Courtney was told someone had seen the guns in her son’s bedroom during a Google Meet class on his laptop. According to emails Courtney later exchanged with a school administrator, a screenshot was taken during the online class. The principal of Seneca Elementary was notified. Courtney says she was told the school safety officer then called police. “I felt violated as a parent, for my child, who’s standing there with police officers in his room, just to see the fear on his face,” she said.
After a few minutes, officers left Lancaster’s home without incident, but this never should have happened in the first place, and Lancaster is understandably ticked off at the school district for not even contacting her before they called the cops.
Since that day, she has written school administrators, the superintendent and the school board, demanding answers. She says the principal initially compared bringing a weapon to a virtual class to bringing a gun to school. She was also told she could not see the screenshot of her son’s bedroom, because it’s not part of his student record. “It’s absolutely scary to think about,” Courtney said. “Who are on these calls? Who do we have viewing your children and subsequently taking these screenshots that can be sent anywhere or used for any purpose?”
I don’t know where to even begin with this. The kid didn’t “bring a weapon” to his virtual class. He has several BB guns hanging on the wall of his bedroom. Even if the teacher who spotted the BB guns thought that they were real firearms, the first call should have been to mom, not police. Instead, even now the district is responding to media requests for comment with a mixture of disdain and outright dismissal.
Project Baltimore reached out to Baltimore County Schools requesting an interview. We received this statement, “Our longstanding policy is to not debate individual circumstances through the media. There are multiple ways for families to share concerns with us. In general terms, the safety of students and staff is our chief concern, whether we are meeting in classrooms or via continuity of learning.”
Lancaster says she understand the safety concerns, but still wonders how far the school district plans on taking things. What happens if her son attends his virtual class in the kitchen, with a sharp knife visible in the background? Will the police pay her another visit?
I live in a rural school district where many families don’t have the bandwidth or computers necessary for their kids to attend class online, so I hadn’t given much thought to abuses of power and invasions of privacy like this until I read Lancaster’s story. Frankly, I’m not sure I’ve ever actually been relieved to have to rely on satellite-based Internet until now, but I’m relieved that, of all the things my kids will have to deal with growing up in this day and age, having the police called because a teacher spotted a BB gun on their bedroom wall isn’t one of them.
If I had no choice but to send my kid to virtual school, I think I’d be disabling their camera before class started. In a pinch, I might invest in one of those green screens that attaches to the back of a chair to block the prying eyes of teachers or principals who might be tempted to use class time to engage in a bit of domestic surveillance. Either way, I’d do everything possible to prevent my child’s educators from invading my privacy under the guise of public education.


bearingarms--2020-06-12--Liberal Writer Thinks Defense Of Liberty Is A Myth

Many of us in the Second Amendment crowd see the right to keep and bear arms as something of a linchpin .
It ’ s the right that is necessary in order to protect each and every other right .
Without it , rights become privileges .
Take freedom of speech .
While some may want to limit what we can and can ’ t say , they ’ re not likely to get very much traction here .
Yet in nations that don ’ t respect the right to keep and bear arms , they have .
While correlation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really do believe people trying to police what you say would have a much harder time if you can offer up armed resistance .
However , some people don ’ t see it that way .
In each instance , armed protesters used the Second Amendment to undermine democracy and individual rights .
Democratically elected bodies in Virginia and Michigan were effectively threatened if they choose to act on measures — gun control and an extension of lockdown orders — that had wide public support .
When citizens descend on a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any commitment to democratic debate .
While gun control advocates point out that 36,000 Americans are killed by guns each year , it is also essential to consider how guns threaten First Amendment rights and the will of democratic majorities .
The idea that a right to bear arms is necessary to protect oneself from a tyrannical government implies that violence would , at some point , be justified .
The contrast between the anti-lockdown protests and the Black Lives Matter protests demonstrates the limits of the Second Amendment to check government tyranny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters were able to challenge largely popular public health measures by intimidating state officials .
In other words , some people are so terrified of people with guns that they may opt to not speak .
Now , I get that argument .
It ’ s another aspect of why it ’ s probably not a great idea to make every protest an armed protest .
This argument is bound to come up and yeah , some who might wish to engage in debate may opt not to because of the presence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes so far .
After all , it was people like the writer who have argued that guns and those who have them represent some kind of clear threat to good order in and of itself .
In fact , she does so in the above post by claiming simply protesting while armed constitutes a direct threat .
Yet , if it did , why has there been no violence against Virginia lawmakers who passed gun control laws despite the protestors ?
Where is that violence that was promised ?
Or , maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minds of people already skittish about firearms and what they represent ?
The writer goes on to claim some racist history for the Second Amendment , something Cam has already addressed that particular nonsense .
Yes , from the same post .
That ’ s right , there was so much stupid in one post it required both of us to debunk it .
Cam ’ s post is very good , so go read that and come back here .
The truth of the matter is that the First Amendment was enshrined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , but the Second was placed there to protect the first .
Scofield can engage in whatever mental gymnastics she wants to portray armed protests as literal threats of violence , but what she can ’ t do , though , is point to any examples of them being followed through on .
Not a one .
That ’ s because the Second Amendment isn ’ t the antithesis of the First , but a compatriot to it .

Many of us in the Second Amendment crowd see the right to keep and bear arms as something of a linchpin. It’s the right that is necessary in order to protect each and every other right.
Without it, rights become privileges.
Take freedom of speech. While some may want to limit what we can and can’t say, they’re not likely to get very much traction here. Yet in nations that don’t respect the right to keep and bear arms, they have. While correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation, I really do believe people trying to police what you say would have a much harder time if you can offer up armed resistance.
However, some people don’t see it that way.
In each instance, armed protesters used the Second Amendment to undermine democracy and individual rights. Democratically elected bodies in Virginia and Michigan were effectively threatened if they choose to act on measures — gun control and an extension of lockdown orders — that had wide public support. When citizens descend on a state capital brandishing guns, they effectively end any commitment to democratic debate. While gun control advocates point out that 36,000 Americans are killed by guns each year, it is also essential to consider how guns threaten First Amendment rights and the will of democratic majorities. The idea that a right to bear arms is necessary to protect oneself from a tyrannical government implies that violence would, at some point, be justified. The contrast between the anti-lockdown protests and the Black Lives Matter protests demonstrates the limits of the Second Amendment to check government tyranny. Mostly white, heavily armed, protesters were able to challenge largely popular public health measures by intimidating state officials.
In other words, some people are so terrified of people with guns that they may opt to not speak.
Now, I get that argument. It’s another aspect of why it’s probably not a great idea to make every protest an armed protest. This argument is bound to come up and yeah, some who might wish to engage in debate may opt not to because of the presence of weapons.
But that argument also only goes so far.
After all, it was people like the writer who have argued that guns and those who have them represent some kind of clear threat to good order in and of itself. In fact, she does so in the above post by claiming simply protesting while armed constitutes a direct threat.
Yet, if it did, why has there been no violence against Virginia lawmakers who passed gun control laws despite the protestors? Where is that violence that was promised?
Or, maybe, the threat only existed in the minds of people already skittish about firearms and what they represent?
The writer goes on to claim some racist history for the Second Amendment, something Cam has already addressed that particular nonsense. Yes, from the same post. That’s right, there was so much stupid in one post it required both of us to debunk it. Cam’s post is very good, so go read that and come back here.
Back? Great.
The truth of the matter is that the First Amendment was enshrined first because it was considered the most important, but the Second was placed there to protect the first.
Scofield can engage in whatever mental gymnastics she wants to portray armed protests as literal threats of violence, but what she can’t do, though, is point to any examples of them being followed through on. Not a one.
That’s because the Second Amendment isn’t the antithesis of the First, but a compatriot to it.


bearingarms--2020-06-13--California Assembly Advances Awful "Fix" To Microstamping Law

For the past seven years , no new model of handgun has been available for sale in the state of California , thanks to the state ’ s bizarre microstamping law ( which could soon be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court ) and its byzantine Roster of Certified Handguns that only allows new models to be sold if they come equipped with “ microstamping ” technology .
The biggest problem is that the microstamping mandate simply can ’ t be met , in part because it requires a unique identifying code to be stamped on each shell casing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired .
It ’ s simply not technologically feasible , yet the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law even though it amounts to a slow-motion gun ban .
See , not only have no new models of handguns been made available for sale in California since the microstamping law took effect , handguns that have been available for sale have been pulled from the Roster of Certified Handguns if manufacturers make even the slightest design change .
California ’ s Department of Justice considers any chance , no matter how small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handgun , and therefore the microstamping requirements apply .
Some anti-gun lawmakers are concerned about what the Supreme Court has to say about the microstamping law , and they ’ re pushing to change it , though I suspect gun owners won ’ t be happy with the supposed “ fix.
” This week , the California State Assembly approved AB 2847 , which would tweak the law in a couple of ways .
Here ’ s how NRA-ILA describes the bill : AB 2847 , sponsored by Assembly Member David Chiu ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handguns to be certified for sale by requiring a microstamp in one place on the interior of the handgun ( current law requires two imprinting locations ) .
The bill also requires the removal of three certified handguns from the roster for each new handgun added. It should be noted that no new semi-automatic handguns have been added to the handgun roster since microstamping was certified in 2013 .
This legislation is nothing more than a means to reduce the options you have to protect yourself and your family .
By removing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations , lawmakers are hoping to also remove the objection that the law is impossible to comply with .
After all , why not just put a microstamp on the firing pin of the handgun ?
Problem solved , right ?
Maybe , but that creates several problems of its own .
Firing pins wear out , and some gun owners may even choose to replace factory firing pins with those made by independent companies .
It ’ s a matter of minutes to replace a firing pin , but for criminals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file down the microstamp on the pin itself .
In other words , the law is still going to impact legal gun owners while ignoring violent criminals .
A new law requiring “ precursor parts ” like unfinished frames and receivers to go through a background check takes effect this year , and while firing pins aren ’ t currently included in the law , they could be easily added , and likely will .
That still doesn ’ t change the fact that there are legitimate reasons to swap out a firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microstamping technology useless .
How does California propose to deal with that reality ?
Are they going to make it illegal to replace a firing pin ?
Are they going to try to require people register their new firing pin with the State ?
It ’ s completely impractical and unrealistic to think that this will accomplish anything worthwhile .
In addition to the problems with the microstamping technology , AB2847 would gut the number of handguns available for sale in the state of California by requiring three models of handguns approved for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every new microstamped model .
Theoretically , anti-gun activists could set up Bloomberg Arms and launch a slew of microstamped handguns that no one would buy , but would remove dozens of models of popular handguns from the inventory of gun stores in the state .
The intent of this legislation isn ’ t to help police solve crimes , or to reduce the number of shootings in the state .
It ’ s about reducing the number of guns in the hands of legal gun owners , in the hopes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trickle down effect on California ’ s criminals .
Given the current anti-gun supermajority in Sacramento , it ’ s also likely to be signed into law later this year , though it still needs the approval of the state Senate .

For the past seven years, no new model of handgun has been available for sale in the state of California, thanks to the state’s bizarre microstamping law (which could soon be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court) and its byzantine Roster of Certified Handguns that only allows new models to be sold if they come equipped with “microstamping” technology. The biggest problem is that the microstamping mandate simply can’t be met, in part because it requires a unique identifying code to be stamped on each shell casing in two locations as the gun is fired. It’s simply not technologically feasible, yet the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law even though it amounts to a slow-motion gun ban.
See, not only have no new models of handguns been made available for sale in California since the microstamping law took effect, handguns that have been available for sale have been pulled from the Roster of Certified Handguns if manufacturers make even the slightest design change. California’s Department of Justice considers any chance, no matter how small, to be a new model of handgun, and therefore the microstamping requirements apply.
Some anti-gun lawmakers are concerned about what the Supreme Court has to say about the microstamping law, and they’re pushing to change it, though I suspect gun owners won’t be happy with the supposed “fix.” This week, the California State Assembly approved AB 2847, which would tweak the law in a couple of ways. Here’s how NRA-ILA describes the bill:
AB 2847, sponsored by Assembly Member David Chiu (D-17), revises the criteria for handguns to be certified for sale by requiring a microstamp in one place on the interior of the handgun (current law requires two imprinting locations). The bill also requires the removal of three certified handguns from the roster for each new handgun added. It should be noted that no new semi-automatic handguns have been added to the handgun roster since microstamping was certified in 2013. This legislation is nothing more than a means to reduce the options you have to protect yourself and your family.
By removing the requirement that handguns must have two imprinting locations, lawmakers are hoping to also remove the objection that the law is impossible to comply with. After all, why not just put a microstamp on the firing pin of the handgun? Problem solved, right?
Maybe, but that creates several problems of its own. Firing pins wear out, and some gun owners may even choose to replace factory firing pins with those made by independent companies. It’s a matter of minutes to replace a firing pin, but for criminals, it would be even faster to simply file down the microstamp on the pin itself. In other words, the law is still going to impact legal gun owners while ignoring violent criminals.
A new law requiring “precursor parts” like unfinished frames and receivers to go through a background check takes effect this year, and while firing pins aren’t currently included in the law, they could be easily added, and likely will. That still doesn’t change the fact that there are legitimate reasons to swap out a firing pin, though it would render the microstamping technology useless. How does California propose to deal with that reality? Are they going to make it illegal to replace a firing pin? Are they going to try to require people register their new firing pin with the State? It’s completely impractical and unrealistic to think that this will accomplish anything worthwhile.
In addition to the problems with the microstamping technology, AB2847 would gut the number of handguns available for sale in the state of California by requiring three models of handguns approved for sale be removed from the handgun roster for every new microstamped model. Theoretically, anti-gun activists could set up Bloomberg Arms and launch a slew of microstamped handguns that no one would buy, but would remove dozens of models of popular handguns from the inventory of gun stores in the state.
The intent of this legislation isn’t to help police solve crimes, or to reduce the number of shootings in the state. It’s about reducing the number of guns in the hands of legal gun owners, in the hopes that there’ll be some sort of trickle down effect on California’s criminals. Given the current anti-gun supermajority in Sacramento, it’s also likely to be signed into law later this year, though it still needs the approval of the state Senate.


bearingarms--2020-06-13--Johns Hopkins Report On Baltimore Homicides Is Bad News For Gun Control Fans

If gun control worked , Baltimore , Maryland should be one of the safest cities in the country .
Maryland requires applicants for a concealed carry license to show “ good cause , ” and self-defense isn ’ t considered a valid reason , so there are only a handful of city residents legally allowed to carry a firearm .
Residents of the state are required to obtain a Handgun Qualification License before legally owning a pistol , and all firearms must be registered with the state .
Despite all those gun control laws , Baltimore remains one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and homicide rates this year are on pace to once again reach a record high .
Now the Michael Bloomberg-funded Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research is out with a new report on crime trends in the city and how to reduce the number of shootings on the streets , and their suggestions may surprise gun owners and gun control advocates alike .
For years , Michael Bloomberg was a vocal supporter of “ stop-and-frisk ” policies that allowed police to stop individuals and frisk them for weapons with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bloomberg publicly changed his mind about the policy shortly before he announced his run for president , but questions remain about the sincerity of his apologies for stopping and frisking 5-million New Yorkers , many of them young minority men , over the 12 years he served as mayor .
Stop-and-frisk causes more problems than it solves , according to the new report from the Johns Hopkins researchers , who say that even in high crime neighborhoods where residents are concerned about the illegal carrying of firearms , stop-and-frisk policies “ elicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public safety.
” Considering the fact that stop-and-frisk is probably the easiest ( if not the most constitutional ) way to enforce laws against illegal gun possession , magazine bans , and other gun control laws , this finding strikes a blow to the traditional gun control enforcement model .
The Johns Hopkins researchers go even further , however , and say that their research shows that simply arresting more people for illegally possessing guns had no impact on Baltimore ’ s homicide rate .
The researchers say that sending detectives with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ violent hotspots ” was far more effective , with a 13-percent reduction in homicides and a 19-percent drop in the number of nonfatal shootings .
In other words , even busting people who may be illegally carrying a firearm for self-defense does nothing to actually address violent crime .
You have to focus on the relatively few people in any given community who are proactively and prolifically committing acts of violence .
This is more bad news for gun control advocates , because it suggests that even broad enforcement of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an impact on violent crime .
Gun licensing laws , gun and magazine bans , and the like are worthless at preventing violent crime , but they ’ re great for putting young black and brown men behind bars for non-violent possessory offenses and saddling them with a felony record for years to come .
The Johns Hopkins report makes several recommendations , including focusing enforcement efforts on the most violent and prolific offenders , but it doesn ’ t call for any new gun control laws .
That ’ s another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun control movement .
Still , the researchers are no fans of gun ownership , and the report fails to issue one recommendation that could make a big difference in Baltimore : the re-establishment of a culture of lawful gun ownership .
If one of the biggest concerns that residents have is the illegal carrying of firearms , then why not recognize the fact that Americans actually have the right to legally bear arms .
The adoption of “ shall-issue ” concealed carry laws ( I ’ d love to see constitutional carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to be realistic here ) , along with proactive efforts by the Baltimore Police Department to offer gun safety and training classes for city residents , would result in more legal gun owners in the city .
Heck , start a citywide campaign to “ Shoot Paper , Not People ” and encourage the development of marksmanship skills .
Baltimore has a violence problem , and the researchers at Johns Hopkins have acknowledged , however reluctantly , that the city can ’ t arrest its way out of the situation .
Focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it needs to be coupled with an embrace of the Second Amendment rights of residents and the fostering of a culture of legal and responsible gun ownership .

If gun control worked, Baltimore, Maryland should be one of the safest cities in the country. Maryland requires applicants for a concealed carry license to show “good cause,” and self-defense isn’t considered a valid reason, so there are only a handful of city residents legally allowed to carry a firearm. Residents of the state are required to obtain a Handgun Qualification License before legally owning a pistol, and all firearms must be registered with the state.
Despite all those gun control laws, Baltimore remains one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, and homicide rates this year are on pace to once again reach a record high. Now the Michael Bloomberg-funded Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research is out with a new report on crime trends in the city and how to reduce the number of shootings on the streets, and their suggestions may surprise gun owners and gun control advocates alike.
For years, Michael Bloomberg was a vocal supporter of “stop-and-frisk” policies that allowed police to stop individuals and frisk them for weapons with no probable cause of any crime being committed. Bloomberg publicly changed his mind about the policy shortly before he announced his run for president, but questions remain about the sincerity of his apologies for stopping and frisking 5-million New Yorkers, many of them young minority men, over the 12 years he served as mayor.
Stop-and-frisk causes more problems than it solves, according to the new report from the Johns Hopkins researchers, who say that even in high crime neighborhoods where residents are concerned about the illegal carrying of firearms, stop-and-frisk policies “elicit fear and distrust and are inconducive to public safety.” Considering the fact that stop-and-frisk is probably the easiest (if not the most constitutional) way to enforce laws against illegal gun possession, magazine bans, and other gun control laws, this finding strikes a blow to the traditional gun control enforcement model.
The Johns Hopkins researchers go even further, however, and say that their research shows that simply arresting more people for illegally possessing guns had no impact on Baltimore’s homicide rate.
Our findings from prior research studies of Baltimore demonstrate mixed effects of proactive gun law enforcement strategies, which is similar to findings from other U.S. cities. In our 2018 study involving analysis of monthly trends in homicides and nonfatal shootings across police patrol posts in Baltimore between 2004 and 2017, a 1-month lag in arrests for weapons violations was unrelated to shootings within a post after controlling for other factors.
The researchers say that sending detectives with the city’s Violent Crime Impact Section to “violent hotspots” was far more effective, with a 13-percent reduction in homicides and a 19-percent drop in the number of nonfatal shootings. In other words, even busting people who may be illegally carrying a firearm for self-defense does nothing to actually address violent crime. You have to focus on the relatively few people in any given community who are proactively and prolifically committing acts of violence.
This is more bad news for gun control advocates, because it suggests that even broad enforcement of their favored gun control laws won’t have an impact on violent crime. Gun licensing laws, gun and magazine bans, and the like are worthless at preventing violent crime, but they’re great for putting young black and brown men behind bars for non-violent possessory offenses and saddling them with a felony record for years to come.
The Johns Hopkins report makes several recommendations, including focusing enforcement efforts on the most violent and prolific offenders, but it doesn’t call for any new gun control laws. That’s another surprise, and another blow to the gun control movement.
Still, the researchers are no fans of gun ownership, and the report fails to issue one recommendation that could make a big difference in Baltimore: the re-establishment of a culture of lawful gun ownership. If one of the biggest concerns that residents have is the illegal carrying of firearms, then why not recognize the fact that Americans actually have the right to legally bear arms. The adoption of “shall-issue” concealed carry laws (I’d love to see constitutional carry in Maryland, but I’m trying to be realistic here), along with proactive efforts by the Baltimore Police Department to offer gun safety and training classes for city residents, would result in more legal gun owners in the city. Heck, start a citywide campaign to “Shoot Paper, Not People” and encourage the development of marksmanship skills.
Baltimore has a violence problem, and the researchers at Johns Hopkins have acknowledged, however reluctantly, that the city can’t arrest its way out of the situation. Focused deterrence on violent criminals is great, but it needs to be coupled with an embrace of the Second Amendment rights of residents and the fostering of a culture of legal and responsible gun ownership.


bearingarms--2020-06-13--Interest in CCW Classes Soars, But Why Is Anyone Shocked?

Let ’ s be honest here , 2020 has been the strangest year almost any of us have seen in our lifetimes .
We went from talk of World War III to Australia being on fire to a pandemic to riots all over the country .
Hell , we even have a part of Seattle that thinks it ’ s succeeded from the United States ( as a Southerner , allow me to tell them just how bad an idea that is .
Believe me , I ’ m from Georgia .
We know ) .
The one bright spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side , is the massive boost we ’ ve seen given to the firearm industry .
Now , it seems more and more people are looking for concealed carry classes where they ’ re required .
CCW students training with Northern Firearms Instruction at the Redding Gun Club Sunday said people don ’ t feel safe right now .
First-time gun owners Kimmy Pullen and Dwight Husted are taking their concealed carry class as a couple .
“ We could kind of see the direction things are going and it ’ s getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to protect our family better , ” Husted said .
CCW Instructor Ted Ogilvie said it ’ s his job to help them be responsible gun owners and provide the proper tools for them to utilize their Second Amendment safely .
They want the ability to protect themselves and that ’ s a very important right that we have got to support .
Lidie said recently he has been helping several first-timers when it comes to picking out the right pistol and getting certified .
The FBI also reports handgun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The jump has resulted in several popular pistols on back-order , leading to an even longer waiting period for some buyers than the usual 10-days in California .
Honestly , though , is anyone surprised ?
This is California , and we ’ re seeing more people seeking out concealed carry permits .
This is the most anti-gun state in the country , and even they ’ re seeing spikes , so you can imagine what it ’ s like virtually everywhere else .
Pullen and Husted may only represent one couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their reasoning is downright universal .
Right now , we have loads of uncertainty .
We just don ’ t know if the riots we ’ ve seen recently are going to flare back up–and since I ’ ve been told that referring to riots is somehow racist , note that I ’ m not talking about peaceful protests that aren ’ t a damn problem for anyone–nor do we know what else may be coming down the pipe .
All we know is that things are bad and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much better .
Because of that , I have no doubt that millions of Americans are getting their carry permits , where required , and will be carrying their firearms as a way to mitigate the risk of simply going about their lives .
As a result , we may well find our country actually becomes safer over the next several months .
Meanwhile , I think the gun grabbers may have a bit tougher time than they expect when they push for gun control this next time around .

Let’s be honest here, 2020 has been the strangest year almost any of us have seen in our lifetimes. We went from talk of World War III to Australia being on fire to a pandemic to riots all over the country. Hell, we even have a part of Seattle that thinks it’s succeeded from the United States (as a Southerner, allow me to tell them just how bad an idea that is. Believe me, I’m from Georgia. We know).
The one bright spot, at least for the gun rights side, is the massive boost we’ve seen given to the firearm industry.
Now, it seems more and more people are looking for concealed carry classes where they’re required.
CCW students training with Northern Firearms Instruction at the Redding Gun Club Sunday said people don’t feel safe right now. First-time gun owners Kimmy Pullen and Dwight Husted are taking their concealed carry class as a couple. “We could kind of see the direction things are going and it’s getting dangerous. We felt like we want to be able to protect our family better,” Husted said. CCW Instructor Ted Ogilvie said it’s his job to help them be responsible gun owners and provide the proper tools for them to utilize their Second Amendment safely. They want the ability to protect themselves and that’s a very important right that we have got to support. Lidie said recently he has been helping several first-timers when it comes to picking out the right pistol and getting certified. The FBI also reports are up more than 90%. The jump has resulted in several popular pistols on back-order, leading to an even longer waiting period for some buyers than the usual 10-days in California.
Honestly, though, is anyone surprised? This is California, and we’re seeing more people seeking out concealed carry permits. This is the most anti-gun state in the country, and even they’re seeing spikes, so you can imagine what it’s like virtually everywhere else.
Pullen and Husted may only represent one couple, but I think we all know that their reasoning is downright universal. Right now, we have loads of uncertainty. We just don’t know if the riots we’ve seen recently are going to flare back up–and since I’ve been told that referring to riots is somehow racist, note that I’m not talking about peaceful protests that aren’t a damn problem for anyone–nor do we know what else may be coming down the pipe.
All we know is that things are bad and there’s little reason to expect them to get much better.
Because of that, I have no doubt that millions of Americans are getting their carry permits, where required, and will be carrying their firearms as a way to mitigate the risk of simply going about their lives. As a result, we may well find our country actually becomes safer over the next several months.
Meanwhile, I think the gun grabbers may have a bit tougher time than they expect when they push for gun control this next time around.


bearingarms--2020-06-14--Five Charged In Mob Assault On Armed Virginia Pastor

Five Virginians from the state ’ s Shenandoah Valley-area are in custody and facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting a black pastor on his property earlier this month .
Originally , Pastor Leon McCray was the one facing charges , after deputies with the Shenandoah County Sheriff ’ s Office responded to his 911 call reporting that he was being attacked by the group .
McCray , 61 , a pastor at Lighthouse Church & Marketplace Ministries International in Woodstock , was arrested last week after he called 911 to report several people attacking him on property he owns in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office arrived , he was arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm — his gun , which he said he was using to protect himself .
McCray said he wasn ’ t permitted to explain his side of the story until released later that night , and only after insisting .
He provided a written statement and the following day requested and received a meeting with the sheriff .
McCray told his story publicly on Saturday at an anti-racism protest in Woodstock and again Sunday at a church service posted live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He described two individuals trying to dump a refrigerator onto his property .
After he asked them not to , he said they returned with more people and proceeded to insult him and threaten his life .
After law enforcement arrived , the Sheriff ’ s Office arrested McCray and handcuffed him .
As they drove him away , he recalled the people he accused of assaulting him cheering and waving at him .
McCray is a legal gun owner and a concealed carry licensee , and he was on his property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect .
In fact , on Friday , Shenandoah County Sheriff Timothy Carter released a statement apologizing to McCray for his arrest , and says that two deputies have been placed on administrative leave without pay while an internal investigation takes place .
“ [ A ] fter talking with him about the incident , it was apparent to me that the charge of brandishing was certainly not appropriate , ” Carter wrote in the statement .
“ Actually , as I told Mr. McCray , if I were faced with similar circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same thing.
” On Wednesday , the Sheriff ’ s Office dropped the charge against McCray , who said on Thursday that he ’ s waiting on the Commonwealth Attorney ’ s Office , which had reviewed the charge , to send him that confirmation in writing .
“ That to me was the first thing that needed to be taken care of , ” Carter said Friday of dropping the charge against McCray .
“ But in the meantime , we were still looking at the evidence in the case , trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led us to make additional charges last night.
” Now Amanda Dawn Salyers , Farrah Lee Salyers , Donny Richard Salyers , Dennis James Salyers , and Christopher Kevin Sharp , are all facing serious charges of hate crime-simple assault and simple assault by mob .
Additionally , all of those arrested with the exception of Amanda Salyers are facing one count of felony abduction as well .
All five are currently being held without bond , and Sheriff Carter says he wants the community to know he ’ s taking the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. McCray , and I appreciate his patience as I have worked through these matters , ” Carter wrote in the statement .
“ I do listen to citizen complaints and I take them seriously .
“ I want the people of Shenandoah County to know I and the Sheriff ’ s Office staff appreciate and care about the minority communities , and especially our black community , in Shenandoah County .
“ Also , I continue to support and recognize the importance of your constitutional rights , especially your Second Amendment right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given the circumstances of Pastor McCcray ’ s arrest , an apology by the sheriff , as well as suspension of the arresting deputies is a good first step .
I hope that the investigation is not only prompt and thorough , but that there ’ s transparency when it is completed , so that the public knows exactly what happened and what the consequences will be for the deputies who arrested a man defending himself on his property , while originally letting his alleged assailants go free .

Five Virginians from the state’s Shenandoah Valley-area are in custody and facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting a black pastor on his property earlier this month.
Originally, Pastor Leon McCray was the one facing charges, after deputies with the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office responded to his 911 call reporting that he was being attacked by the group.
McCray, 61, a pastor at Lighthouse Church & Marketplace Ministries International in Woodstock, was arrested last week after he called 911 to report several people attacking him on property he owns in Edinburg. After deputies from the Sheriff’s Office arrived, he was arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm — his gun, which he said he was using to protect himself. McCray said he wasn’t permitted to explain his side of the story until released later that night, and only after insisting. He provided a written statement and the following day requested and received a meeting with the sheriff. McCray told his story publicly on Saturday at an anti-racism protest in Woodstock and again Sunday at a church service posted live on his church’s Facebook page. He described two individuals trying to dump a refrigerator onto his property. After he asked them not to, he said they returned with more people and proceeded to insult him and threaten his life. After law enforcement arrived, the Sheriff’s Office arrested McCray and handcuffed him. As they drove him away, he recalled the people he accused of assaulting him cheering and waving at him.
McCray is a legal gun owner and a concealed carry licensee, and he was on his property, which makes his original arrest awfully suspect. In fact, on Friday, Shenandoah County Sheriff Timothy Carter released a statement apologizing to McCray for his arrest, and says that two deputies have been placed on administrative leave without pay while an internal investigation takes place.
“[A]fter talking with him about the incident, it was apparent to me that the charge of brandishing was certainly not appropriate,” Carter wrote in the statement. “Actually, as I told Mr. McCray, if I were faced with similar circumstances, I would have probably done the same thing.” On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office dropped the charge against McCray, who said on Thursday that he’s waiting on the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, which had reviewed the charge, to send him that confirmation in writing. “That to me was the first thing that needed to be taken care of,” Carter said Friday of dropping the charge against McCray. “But in the meantime, we were still looking at the evidence in the case, trying to collect additional evidence, and that led us to make additional charges last night.”
Now Amanda Dawn Salyers, Farrah Lee Salyers, Donny Richard Salyers, Dennis James Salyers, and Christopher Kevin Sharp, are all facing serious charges of hate crime-simple assault and simple assault by mob. Additionally, all of those arrested with the exception of Amanda Salyers are facing one count of felony abduction as well. All five are currently being held without bond, and Sheriff Carter says he wants the community to know he’s taking the issue seriously.
“I have apologized to Mr. McCray, and I appreciate his patience as I have worked through these matters,” Carter wrote in the statement. “I do listen to citizen complaints and I take them seriously. “I want the people of Shenandoah County to know I and the Sheriff’s Office staff appreciate and care about the minority communities, and especially our black community, in Shenandoah County. “Also, I continue to support and recognize the importance of your constitutional rights, especially your Second Amendment right to protect yourself and your family.”
Given the circumstances of Pastor McCcray’s arrest, an apology by the sheriff, as well as suspension of the arresting deputies is a good first step. I hope that the investigation is not only prompt and thorough, but that there’s transparency when it is completed, so that the public knows exactly what happened and what the consequences will be for the deputies who arrested a man defending himself on his property, while originally letting his alleged assailants go free.