Central Pa. man granted new trial in shotgun death of neighbor: "A central Pennsylvania man is getting a new trial after being convicted last year in the shooting death of his neighbor. Franklin County Judge Richard Walsh says 39-year-old Chad Kirby's attorney was ineffective at the trial that ended with a voluntary manslaughter conviction in October. Kirby claimed he killed 35-year-old Andrew Buttermore in self-defense after the neighbor broke into Kirby's home in August 2009. Kirby said The two men fought on his front law before Buttermore broke into the home and Kirby shot him in the back with a shotgun. Walsh on Wednesday said Kirby's attorney should have asked the jury to consider that Kirby was protecting his property as well as himself and his two children."


NRA, SAF Challenge Illinois Self-Defense Firearm Law: "The National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment Foundation have both joined three Illinois residents and the Illinois State Rifle Association in challenging the state's prohibition of carrying firearms for self-defense. The suits were filed in two different U.S. District Courts in Illinois last month, after the Illinois State Legislature failed to pass legislation to restore the right to keep and bear arms to law-abiding citizens. Illinois and Wisconsin are the only states that ban citizens from carrying concealed firearms for self-defense although Wisconsin allows its citizens to carry non-concealed weapons. “Only Illinois makes it statutorily impossible for average private citizens to carry firearms for self-defense,” SAF Vice President Alan Gottlieb said. “Whether Illinois lawmakers like it or not, the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms is the law of the land.”


Ohio bill in the line of fire, supporters stick to their guns: "Two concealed carry bills have Ohioans up in arms over the possibility of allowing guns in bars. The bills, House Bill 45 and Senate Bill 17, would allow those with concealed carry licenses to bring their weapons into establishments that serve alcohol. This includes restaurants, stadiums and bars, the last of which is a main point of contention among anti-gun advocates. The bills have yet to go to Gov. John Kasich's desk, but he has long been a vocal supporter of the second Amendment, which establishes the right to bear arms. Linda Walker, Central Ohio Chair of Buckeye Firearms Association, said despite what many think, guns and alcohol will not be mixing. "Guns and alcohol aren't going to mix because this is zero consumption," Walker said. "When you are carrying you cannot be under the influence, not even half a beer." The proposed law would make consuming any amount of alcohol while carrying your weapon a felony. Walker said while anti-gun advocates are focusing more on carrying in bars, for many concealed carry supporters, the desire to be able to defend themselves in restaurants is the driving force behind both bills."