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New Insights on Self-Defense Gun Use in America
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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A recent study by the Cato Institute, led by historian Clayton E. Cramer and activist David Burnett, sheds light on the often-overlooked side of gun usage in America: self-defense cases. Their research estimates that defensive gun uses range from tens of thousands to as high as 2 million incidents per year, challenging the common narrative centered on gun-related crimes.

The study, titled Tough Targets: When Criminals Face Armed Resistance From Citizens, examines a sample of 5,000 cases from newspaper reports between 2003 and 2011.

Reflecting on the third anniversary of Bruen
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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On June 23, 2022, the Supreme Court handed down its Bruen decision. The third of its Second Amendment decisions, it clarified Heller and McDonald and mandated strict scrutiny review for future Second Amendment cases. It is often mentioned in the continuing gun debate, but virtually no one has read it. Perhaps its time to help with that.

The case was provoked by New Yorks may issue law, which allowed the state to issue concealed carry licenses only to favored celebrities, the wealthy and those with political pull. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority:

The Supreme Court Is About to Shake Up 2A Again
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Gun rights activists have been waiting for a major shift in Second Amendment jurisprudence, and they may soon get one. As William from Copper Jacket TV discusses in his recent video, a new case has been petitioned to the Supreme Court, bringing the Second Amendment into the spotlight once again. This case, McCoy v. ATF, challenges a federal law that prohibits 18 to 20-year-olds from purchasing handguns from licensed dealers. With this case, the Supreme Court has a chance to resolve a split between the 4th and 5th Circuit Courts, and potentially overturn an unconstitutional law.

Trump DOJ wants Supreme Court to bring down hammer on gun rules
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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After the Supreme Court in 2022 made it harder to restrict who can arm themselves in public, some states took a different approach.

Five Democrat-led, mostly densely populous states passed laws that prohibit bringing a handgun onto someone elses property without that persons express consent.

Now the Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to declare that such rules in Hawaii, California, New York, Maryland and New Jersey violate the Constitution.

Should the Second Amendment Be Amended?
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens suggests amending the Second Amendment to restrict the individual right to bear arms to militia service only. In an opinion piece, he argues that this change would align the amendment with its original intent and negate recent court decisions that have expanded gun rights, specifically citing the landmark 2008 cases that recognized a personal right to have firearms.

Despite Stevens proposal aiming to redefine gun rights, the political landscape remains resistant to any significant changes, with even modest gun control measures facing opposition in Congress.

New DOJ Rules Could Help Americans Get their Guns Back
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday submitted a proposed rule to the Office of the Federal Register aimed at reinstating firearms rights for individuals previously barred from possession due to certain criminal convictions.

The rule invokes the Attorney Generals authority under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), which allows for relief from federal firearms prohibitions if the applicant is not considered likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.

WA: Redmond Man Shoots Aggressive Suspect During Carjacking Attempt
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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Police in Redmond are investigating a late-night shooting that took place Sunday near the QFC on Redmond Way. According to the Redmond Police Department, officers were dispatched around 11 p.m. following a report of a disturbance involving a firearm.

Authorities say an employee of a nearby business noticed a man trying to steal his car. The employee, who is legally permitted to carry a concealed firearm, confronted the suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly turned aggressive and advanced toward the employee. In response, the employee drew his firearm and fired one round, striking the suspect in the abdomen.

MO: STL judge strikes law requiring guns in parked cars to be locked away
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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A St. Louis judge took down a local law that required drivers to store firearms in lockboxes or other secured containers while leaving them unattended in vehicles.

The July 15 ruling states that a 2017 ordinance conflicts with a Missouri law that takes away local governments ability to regulate firearms.

Circuit Judge Joseph P. Whyte ruled that since the measure conflicts with state gun laws, it violates the Missouri Constitutions preemption clause, which prohibits local governments from enacting gun regulations that go beyond state law.

WA: Why prosecutors arent filing felony charges in Renton transit center shooting
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Two men arrested in a shooting at the Renton transit center wont face felony charges after 10 King County senior deputy prosecutors independently concluded Wednesday the state would not be able to disprove the men fired in self-defense or in defense of others.

A 52-year-old man was shot five times July 11 and taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he is now out of the intensive care unit in satisfactory condition, hospital spokesperson Susan Gregg said Thursday.

SD: SD Regents approves seismic shift to allow guns on campus
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The South Dakota Board of Regents voted 9-0 Thursday to update its policy to comply with a new state law that allows students and others to carry concealed weapons on campus.

The change, which also includes where weapons are not allowed, aligns regental policy with Senate Bill 100 (SB 100), which went into effect July 1. It passed during this years legislative session and was one of many topics on the agenda at the meeting Wednesday and Thursday at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

First and foremost, we want to make sure that people are safe on our campuses, said Tim Rave, Board of Regents president.

TN: Southeast Shelby County shooting ruled self-defense, 3 people arrested
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The Shelby County Sheriffs Office says a shooting that left a woman injured in southeast Shelby County has been ruled self-defense.

Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriffs Office say they were called to a shooting in the 9300 block of Autumn Harvest Lane just before 10 p.m. A woman was found at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound.

She was then taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. SCSO has identified her as 21-year-old Kimari Burnham.

OH: Black bear sightings are on the rise in Ohio. Is it legal to hunt or shoot them?
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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In the rare event that a bear charges or attacks, you may be able to avoid criminal charges by arguing self defense.

"If a person were to claim self-defense, the ODNR Division of Wildlife would investigate to determine if the subject legitimately acted in self-defense and review the case with a prosecutor to determine whether charges are appropriate," ODNR spokeswoman Karina Cheung said.

The odds of this scenario are pretty low, however. Black bears are usually fearful of people, and generally don't attack unless they are cornered. They prefer to avoid conflict with humans and flee instead.

IL: Deadly Springfield shooting ruled self-defense, States Attorney says
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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A Springfield man is no longer facing murder charges after the States Attorney found he acted in self-defense during a deadly shooting in April. He is, however, still facing a misdemeanor charge in connection to that shooting.

Nicholas Kammueller, 46 of Rochester, was arrested the night of April 1 after a traffic accident escalated into a shooting in a McDonalds parking lot. 51-year-old Jerald Fahey was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead half an hour later.

MN: Minnesota man who shot brother found not guilty of murder Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
A jury has acquitted a west-central Minnesota man of murder after attorneys said he shot his brother in self-defense. Jurors found Connor Grytdahl of Elbow Lake not guilty on Thursday, July 17, of second-degree murder. The verdict came after a nine-day trial in Grant County District Court, during which Grytdahl was accused of killing his 33-year-old brother, Stephen Grytdahl, on Feb. 18, 2024.

SC: 69-Year-Old Dies After Attacking Legally Armed Man in Sharon, SC
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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A deadly encounter outside a Dollar General store in Sharon, South Carolina, has left a community shaken after a local man was shot and killed during what authorities have confirmed was a self-defense incident.

According to the York County Sheriffs Office, the confrontation took place last Thursday, involving 69-year-old Joseph Lewis and a 25-year-old man who was legally carrying a concealed firearm. Investigators say Lewis confronted the younger man, allegedly threatened him, and then punched him. The driver, fearing for his safety, responded by shooting Lewis. Lewis later died at the hospital.

Trump admin proposes major change to gun laws Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday it has proposed a new rule that could grant gun rights to potentially thousands of Americans who are currently barred from owning firearms. Newsweek has reached out to gun control and gun rights groups as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for comment via email on Friday.

First Look: S&W Lipseys Exclusive 610 and 617 Mountain Guns
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Smith & Wesson has announced the release of two new Lipseys Exclusive revolvers, the Model 610 and Model 617 Mountain Guns.

Starting off with the Model 610, this large-sized N-Frame is single/double action, chambered in 10mm Auto, and has a six-round capacity. It features an all stainless-steel construction, beveled cylinder front edge, and is designed with a lightweight tapered-profile 4.25-inch barrel. The overall weight of the Model 610 comes in at 40.2 ounces and its overall length is 9.6 inches.

NY: Digital design firm agrees to block 3D guns, following letter from Manhattan DA
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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One of the world's largest digital design platforms, Thingiverse, is taking new steps to block 3D-printed guns and gun parts after investigators in New York discovered an alarming number of design files for 3D-printed weapons available for download.

Thingiverse began deploying automated technology to rapidly detect and remove digital files for 3D-printed firearms.

"Thingiverse is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and collaborative environment for its global community. As part of this commitment, we regularly review and update our policies and procedures to help prevent the sharing of unlawful and harmful content, such as weapons and illegal materials, as outlined in our Acceptable Use Policy," the company said in a statement.