|
|
HI: Guns and the Aloha State
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Do people have a right to gun ownership even if it conflicts the “spirit of Aloha”? Sarah [Isgur] and David [French] dig into a 53-page opinion from the Supreme Court of Hawaii that teeters on the edge of defiance.
Ed.: Podcast |
TX: What we know about the woman who fired inside a Houston megachurch
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
A woman who fired a rifle inside a Houston megachurch Sunday and was killed by law enforcement had a history of mental illness, a string of arrests spanning nearly two decades and family who had previously sought help from authorities to prevent her from accessing weapons, according to interviews and court documents.
Authorities say 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno walked into the famed Lakewood Church – just 6 miles from downtown Houston – Sunday afternoon and started shooting, wounding one man before turning her AR-15 toward officers, according to a search warrant. She was shot and killed by law enforcement acting in self-defense, the warrant says. |
TX: Armed with AR-15, Man Sleeping in Truck After Argument Fatally Shoots Attempted Burglar
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
In Harris County, Texas, a man found himself in a self-defense incident after deciding to sleep in his truck after an argument with his girlfriend. Around 3 a.m., at an apartment complex, he was awakened by an intruder attempting to burglarize the truck. The intruder, who had been burglarizing vehicles, unknowingly entered the occupied truck.
Armed with an AR-15 rifle, the truck’s occupant shot the intruder multiple times, resulting in his death at the scene. It was later revealed that the deceased suspect had a Glock pistol and a screwdriver suspected of being used in other break-ins that night. |
WA: 2 former officers acquitted for Manuel Ellis’ death ask for state to pay defense costs
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Two former Tacoma Police Department officers who were acquitted on all charges for the death of Manuel Ellis are asking Washington state to cover their defense costs.
Attorneys for former officer Matthew Collins filed the motion on Feb. 9, asking Pierce County Superior Court to order the state to reimburse Collins for “all reasonable cost, including loss of time, legal fees incurred and other expenses involved in the defense.” Former officer Christopher Burbank joined the motion. |
Sudan: Sudan decides to arm women to combat sexual violence
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Following an increase in incidents of sexual violence against women amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, the military has initiated a program to arm and train women.
The Sudanese military is providing training to women in Port Sudan to empower them to use firearms in self-defense against rape and sexual assaults.
During the conflict in Port Sudan, women who have become homeless as a result of the violence, along with teachers and students, have been enlisted for military training in a camp called ‘Rapid Support Forces’. |
ID: Idaho legislators debate amending U.S. Constitution through convention of states
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Idaho Second Amendment Alliance political advisor Christy Zito also opposed the bill, saying a convention could pose threats to the second amendment.
...
Mountain States Policy Center Vice President Jason Mercier in a blog post Wednesday pushed back on concerns about drastic changes to the U.S Constitution, calling it “doubtful that anything without broad public support would be enacted by 38 states with this safeguard.” |
SC: South Carolina House passes clean Constitutional Carry bill
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
The South Carolina House advanced a clean Constitutional Carry bill, returning the measure to the state Senate and potentially setting up another showdown.
The state House rejected a Senate-amended version of H.3594, the South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2023. In a letter, the head of a pro-gun rights group said Senate-introduced amendments violate the Second Amendment.
The House passed the clean version on Tuesday. “This legislation strengthens public safety by targeting illegal firearm possession among felons and ensures equal treatment under the law, reflecting our dedication to both the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership,” the South Carolina House GOP Caucus... |
Is The U.S. Supreme Court Losing Control Over The Lower Courts?
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
It is high time the U.S. Supreme Court asserted its Article III authority against forces that dare to crush the common man’s liberty and freedom.
The Court must be more forceful in using the tools at its disposal to save the Republic.
Two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Bruen, New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul defied the Court. She signed into law New York’s “Concealed Carry Improvement Act” (“CCIA”).
The Second Circuit sided with her rather than with the U.S. Supreme Court. |
IL: What responsibility do parents have for their kids? Plenty, when there is a gun involved.
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Whatever goes on in the minds of teenagers can be mysterious to adults. Even the most caring parents sometimes wonder why their kids do what they do and they certainly can’t always be sure they will know about their actions in advance. Those truisms were an essential part of the defense of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley.
In this dreadful case, the then-15-year-old’s parents ignored his mental distress and obsession with violence. Instead, they gifted him with a new gun and took him for target practice just a few days before he killed four fellow students and injured seven others. |
MO: Clay Travis And Rich Eisen Go At It On Gun Control After Chiefs Parade Shooting
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
The response from Rich Eisen and a number of other figures in the sports world was, predictably, to call for new gun restrictions. Eisen for example, posted "Nine children. Nine children who went to a parade to celebrate their Super Bowl team. Nine children now being treated for gunshot wounds @ChildrensMercy. When are we going to collectively realize there's a gun problem in our country and do something sensible for our kids?"
Travis replied, "What's your suggestion, Rich? Do away with the Second Amendment? Honest question. Dozens of laws were violated by the shooters. I'd suggest putting violent criminals behind bars & keeping them there. I'd wager a lot of money that the shooters in Kansas City had long rap sheets." |
IL: Gun Rights Groups Ask SCOTUS To Review Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
In a long-expected move, national gun rights organizations are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Illinois’ ban on assault weapons and large capacity magazines.
In separate petitions filed Monday, the Colorado-based National Association for Gun Rights and the Nevada-based Firearms Policy Coalition asked the nation’s high court to reverse a decision of the 7thCircuit Court of Appeals. That court ruled 2-1 in November not to issue a temporary injunction against the law, finding that rights guaranteed under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution are not absolute. |
PA: Bill protects medical marijuana patients’ gun ownership rights
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Amid debate over legalizing adult-use marijuana, lawmakers say Pennsylvania’s medical program needs some improvements – and call on the governor to lead the way.
The medical program grinds against federal law: every cardholder faces the loss of their Second Amendment rights. That tradeoff was made clear in January when Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene announced that he obtained a medical marijuana card — and the law required the county sheriff to confiscate his license to carry a firearm. |
Trump Pledges to Protect Gun Rights During Great American Outdoor Show
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Speaking to a packed arena at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this past weekend, Trump reiterated his commitment to the Second Amendment, declaring to thousands of sportsmen and woman, a number of them NRA members, “no one will lay a finger on your firearms.” Trump pledged to eliminate every Biden administration attack on gun owners and manufacturers, a promise that was met with robust support from the standing room only crowd. The NRA is a title sponsor and organizer of the nine-day show, one of the largest in the country. |
NM: Ban On Firearms At Polling Sites Narrowly Passes House
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Gun safety advocates won a narrow victory late Tuesday when the House of Representatives voted 35-34 in favor of a bill prohibiting firearms within 100 feet of a polling site.
But Senate Bill 5 won’t head straight to the desk of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who included the measure in a broad public safety package she unveiled just before the session’s start.
The House voted 35-34 to adopt an amendment by Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque, exempting gun owners with a valid concealed carry permit — which means the measure must now return to the Senate for a concurrence vote. |
NE: Judge blocks Omaha's ban on guns in public places while lawsuit challenging it moves forward
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Nebraska's largest city won't be able to enforce its ban on guns on all public property, including parks and sidewalks, while a lawsuit challenging that restriction moves forward.
Douglas County District Judge LeAnne Srb issued a preliminary injunction Friday blocking that ban, but she refused to put Omaha's restrictions on “ghost guns” and bump stocks on hold.
The Liberty Justice Center filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association arguing that the city restrictions violate a new state law passed last year that allows people to carry concealed guns across the state without a permit and without the need to complete a gun safety course. |
NY: 'I defended myself': Retired Buffalo Police Officer says he shot teen, fearing for his life
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
A 14-year-old boy, who police believe may have been stealing items from cars, was shot in the leg.
The shooter is retired Buffalo police officer, Antonio Roman, who told 7 News he was acting in his self-defense.
“I defended myself,” he said to 7 News reporter Maki Becker.
At this point, no charges have been filed in the shooting.
But Roman was in court on Wednesday for a red flag hearing.
Hours after the shooting, Buffalo police obtained an Extreme Risk Protection Order from a judge to take away any guns or other weapons in Roman’s possession. Under New York State’s red flag law, weapons can be seized from people considered to be a threat to themselves or others. |
WV: Fairmont State University works toward campus carry implementation plan
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
In Fairmont, the Fairmont State Campus Carry Committee, a panel of 14 members, is developing recommendations for implementation of the Campus Self-Defense Act that takes effect statewide on July 1, 2024. The new law will allow residents with a valid concealed carry license to carry a pistol on college campuses and in buildings when it takes effect.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief of Staff Brian Selmeski said the committee includes two students, staff, faculty, and other campus stakeholders that will deliver recommendations to President Michael Davis, who will make a final recommendation to the Board of Governors. |
Gun shops that sell the most guns used in crime revealed in new list
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
The federal government has stepped up its scrutiny of gun stores that sell guns used in crimes, with the number of stores singled out more than doubling in the past four years.
Which gun stores sell the most crime guns has been kept secret for more than two decades, since 2003 under the George W. Bush administration. But a Freedom of Information Act request from USA TODAY unearthed a glimpse of them.
|
MD: Excise tax on guns and ammunition gets mixed review in Senate hearing
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Before Karla Mooney began her testimony Wednesday opposing legislation to put an 11% excise tax on guns and ammunition, she spread some love to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” said Mooney, a firearms instructor in Southern Maryland.
But then she immediately criticized Senate Bill 784 — the Comprehensive Community Safety Funding Act.
“I can tell you that this is a tax against people’s rights to defend themselves,” Mooney said. “You cannot throw money at things and expect it to change. It has to come from the heart.”
|
TX: Could the Lakewood Church shooter legally have guns? Here’s what the law says.
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
When Houston Police Chief Troy Finner took questions Monday from the media about the Lakewood Church shooting, one of the first lines of inquiry involved whether the assailant — who had an arrest record and documented history of mental illness — was legally allowed to have a gun.
Finner said police and the FBI were still examining the circumstances surrounding 36-year-old Genesse Moreno obtaining two rifles and using one of them to open fire at the church Sunday. |
WV: Teachers Could Carry Guns In W.Va. Classrooms Under Bill
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Teachers could soon be authorized to carry firearms in West Virginia classrooms, provided that they complete state-mandated training.
The House Judiciary Committee reviewed House Bill 4299 on Wednesday. The bill would create a position in schools known as a school protection officer.
The position would be a secondary role available to any school administrator, support personnel or elementary or secondary school teacher. These individuals would have to complete security and firearm safety training and could then receive authorization to bring a gun to school. |
SC: SC Senate defends its version of constitutional carry. Rejects pressure from gun rights groups
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
The South Carolina Senate will defend its position on a controversial bill allowing South Carolinians to openly carry guns without a permit after the House of Representatives moved to reject the deal under pressure from numerous hard-line gun organizations.
House Bill 3594 — a measure allowing an adult of any age to carry a handgun without a permit — easily passed the Senate earlier this month.
To get the required number of Senate votes, though, senators passed a number of amendments to assuage their concerns, including enhanced criminal penalties for non-permit holders, ... |
NY: This small New York village made guns for 200 years. What happens when Remington leaves?
Submitted by:
Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com
|
There
are no comments
on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments
|
Remington began here two centuries ago and generations of workers have turned out rifles and shotguns at the massive firearms factory in the middle of this blue-collar village in the heart of New York’s Mohawk Valley.
Now residents of Ilion are bracing for Remington’s exit, ending an era that began when Eliphalet Remington forged his first rifle barrel nearby in 1816.
The nation’s oldest gun-maker recently announced plans to shutter the factory in the company's original home early next month, citing the steep cost of running the historic plant. Remington is consolidating its operations in Georgia, a state the company says is friendlier to the firearms industry. |
|
|
| QUOTES
TO REMEMBER |
| A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. — Robert Heinlein |
|
|
