Medical Journal Issues Statement supporting Suppressors as Effective Hearing Protection

 

On November 18, 2024, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery issued a statement of support for the use of firearms suppressors as a means of reducing the risk of hearing loss. From entnet.org:

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery endorses the use of firearm suppressors as an effective method of reducing the risk of hearing loss, especially when used in conjunction with conventional hearing protective measures.

The article contains a paragraph making clear the publication and organization are not making a legal or political statement. They are stating medical fact.

The references listed with the statement make clear suppressors are superior to hearing protection which is worn (such as head sets or earplugs). Using both firearms suppressors and worn hearing protection is even better at reducing risk to hearing from the noise of shooting firearms or being near to where they are being shot.

References:

1. Chen L, Brueck SE. Noise and Lead Exposures at an Outdoor Firing Range ─ California.Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 2011-0069-3140:5:5.
2. Branch M,“Comparison of Muzzle Suppression and Ear-Level Hearing Protection in Firearm Use”, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 144(6): 950-953.
3. Heiman D, et al., ibid; Le Prell CG. Sound
   level suppressors for firearm noise reduction: Implications for hearing
   conservation. Hearing Review. 2017;24(12):26-30

Reference #1 measures the dangers of firearms blast for hearing loss.

Reference #2 measures reduction in sound levels using firearms suppressors compared to hearing protection devices which are worn on the person. Branch found this result:

 Conclusion:

Modern muzzle-level suppression is vastly superior to ear-level protection and the only available form of suppression capable of making certain sporting arms safe for hearing. The inadequacy of standard hearing protectors with certain common firearms is not recognized by most hearing professionals or their patients and should affect the way hearing professionals counsel patients and the public.

Reference #3 reaches these conclusions:

Sound level suppressors (also known as “silencers”) on firearms reduce—but do not eliminate—hazardous noise exposure, especially for AR-15 or similar semiautomatic rifles. At this time, the best advice is dual use of both HPDs and suppressors—particularly for those shooting weapons that produce dangerously high sound levels. For shooters who are reluctant to use HPDs, electronic HPDs should be considered as an option.

Analysis: the scientific evidence is clear. Silencers offer a significant way to reduce the risk of hearing loss. The commonly used term "suppressor" is more realistic if more recent. Silencers/suppressors do not make firearms silent. They reduce the noise from a firearms blast to levels which are less dangerous to the user. Those who desire a disarmed population put forward two contradictory reasons as to why silencer/suppressors should be tightly regulated.

First they argue silencer/suppressors make firearm noise "too quiet" so that crimes can be committed more easily. Second, they argue silencers/suppressors do not make firearm noise "quiet enough" as the noise can still damage the users hearing with some suppressors in some conditions.

This is a form of Goldilocks gun control. Silencer/suppressors are always either too quiet or too loud. In the eyes of those who want a disarmed population, they can never be "just right".  When firearms suppressors were initially included in the controversial National Firearms Act in 1934, the science of hearing protection had not been developed. It wasn't until 1948 that the U.S. Air Force took hearing loss seriously.

The American Air Force instituted the first recommended noise exposure limits in 1948 and the first enforceable noise regulations in 1958. Soldiers who experienced hearing loss from service in WWII or Korea had a much different experience than their grandfathers who served in WWI.

The military realized what workers know today – loud noises can impair situational awareness and decrease safety even beyond hearing loss.

The $200 tax on a silencer in 1934 was equivalent to about $4,000 today. A laborer in 1934 would make $200 in six months. It was effectively a ban for most people.

The effective economic ban on the use of firearm suppressors or gun mufflers has been one of the greatest governmental medical disasters of modern times. Certainly millions, likely tens of millions of people have significant hearing loss because of this regulatory misstep.  The inventor of the firearm gun muffler invented the automobile muffler at virtually the same time. One became mandatory, the other was banned. The difference was the overreach of government power by the FDR administration in 1934.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

 

 

 

 

WA: Seattle Delivery Driver Shoots Theif Attempting to Steal Van

Pine delivery van shooting: Police say a delivery driver shot a man trying to steal his van early Saturday outside Pine’s PIVOT Apartments. According to SPD’s report on the 4:45 AM incident, the driver was coming back out of the building when he found the suspect inside the delivery van and ready to speed away. Police say the victim pulled out a handgun and opened fire as the suspect struck him with the van as he tried to speed from the scene. The victim was able to track the van a few blocks away where police found it parked near a downtown hotel with the suspect bleeding inside and multiple bullet holes in the van. Seattle Fire was called to the scene where its crew treated the suspect for a gunshot wound to the chest before transporting him to Harborview. The victim was not reported seriously injured in the melee.

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Grizzly Bear Charge Stopped with a .410 shotgun in Montana, 2003

 

 

During a crisp early Wednesday morning on October 15, 2003, near Fortine, Montana, James Beeman used a .410 shotgun to shoot and drop a charging grizzly bear at three feet, long before daylight.

James Beeman had been having problems with raccoons in the large chicken coop he had built, about 50 yards from his 3600 square foot home. At about 3:30 a.m., he heard an unusual noise, sort of a mew-mew, but he did not sense anything amiss. At 4:30 a.m., chaos erupted in the chicken coop.

The coop was 36x22 feet, with a floor 4 feet above ground level, to allow the chicken droppings to fall to the ground, for easy cleaning. It housed 250 chickens. A ramp ran up into the coop to allow access.

James was dressed in longjohn underwear. He got up and started to grab a 12 gauge shotgun. Thinking the disturbance was caused by raccoons, and not wanting to damage his chickens or coop more than necessary, he grabbed a .410 bolt action shotgun instead. The shotgun held three rounds of #7.5 bird shot.  James put on footgear and a earflap hat. He had a headlamp on as he walked to the door of the chicken coop.

He was only a few feet away when he saw a bear cub had its head inside the coop. The cub looked at him and took off away from the coop, toward a fenced dead end. A second cub appeared and took off in the same direction. The big bear stuck its head out of the coop. It was only three feed from where James was standing. It had a chicken in its mouth. The bear dropped the chicken and "woofed". James was starting to back up. It had rained a little during the night. The ground showed James backed up seven steps as the bear jumped down and off the ramp, breaking off a corner of a 1" plywood sheet. She came at James from 15 feet. He fired from the hip when the bear was three feet from the muzzle of the .410. The bear dropped at his feet.

James called the authorities. The game warden showed up two hours later. It was still dark.  The bear's eyes glowed red, and James thought it might still be alive. The warden said: "no, the eyes would be glowing green if the bear was alive."

The entrance wound was 2 centimeters or 3/4 of an inch left of the right nostril, centered on the nose.

The warden used a foot long stick to follow the wound track. It penetrated back to where the brain was expected to be. In the necropsy, two #7.5 pellets were found in the brain, killing the bear.  The rest of the shot charge had cleared the way for those two pellets to penetrate the brain.

The necropsy measured the bear at 580 lbs. The big sow had 22 tattoos from being captured previously. Each time she had been captured, she got another tattoo. The sow had come down from Canada and was believed to be 18-20 years old.

James revealed bears are a common problem in the area. No food can be left outside. People who need to protect stock, chickens, or other things bears like to eat, such as honey in beehives, are forced to use electric fences. This correspondent considers electric fences to be a nuisance to deal with. However, they protect against bears better and more cheaply than non-electric barriers.  The fences are turned off in the winter, when bears hibernate.

The bear cubs were captured. As cubs of the year, it did not seem likely they would survive the winter. They were placed in an old den.

When people had stock on the frontier, they protected the stock by hunting down stock killing bears and killing the bears. Bears soon learned to stay away from humans in order to survive.

Not long ago, James had another problem bear visit. It was captured and a DNA sample taken. The DNA showed it was descended from the female cub of the bear James had killed in 2003.

Sows with bad habits pass on the bad habits to their cubs.

As the Myth of Old Groaner, in Alaska grew, the writer who embellished the original tale claimed a .410 was useless against grizzly bears. The case of James Beeman in 2003 shows a .410 is much better than a sharp stick. Even a 2 1/2 inch .410 with a half ounce of shot at 1300 fps, is about the same energy as a .44 magnum.  To penetrate much, the shot has to be delivered in a compact mass. It has spread out too much by five yards. At one yard, it was sufficient.

Several bears have been killed with bird shot at ranges of less than 15 feet. Bigger shot probably works better.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

 

SC: Anderson Homeowner Shot at Burglary Suspect

The suspect reportedly walked into the house, and when the homeowners spotted them, they ran from the scene.

The homeowners shot at the suspect but did not hit them, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Non-Bianary Clown Arrested for Golden Gun at Sidney Airport - 1 Year Sentence

 

On April 23, 2023, in the airport at Sidney, Australia, a heavily tatooed and pierced non-binary person known as Liliana Goodson, failed to declare a 1911 A1 type pistol in her "hand luggage".  Hand luggage is what Australians call carry on bags.  Liliana has been reported as planning to attend a clown school in Australia.

 

 

 Picture of Liliana

Liliana's preferred pronouns have been "they/them", but she has also been referred to by her Australian lawyer as she/her.  According to news.com.au:

A heavily tattooed American traveller is fighting to be released from jail after she was allegedly busted trying to smuggle a 24-karat gold-plated pistol into Australia in her hand luggage.

Liliana Goodson was arrested on April 23 after Australian Border Force officials claim they found a handgun hidden in her hand luggage when she touched down in Sydney.

An X-ray machine at Sydney Airport allegedly detected the golden gun inside Ms Goodson’s hand luggage after she flew into the country from Los Angeles.

Liliana gave conflicting stories about how the pistol was in her bag. She spent about a week in an Australian jail before being allowed out on bail. This correspondent wonders about security at the Los Angeles Airport. If the pistol was in her carry-on, as indicated, it slipped through security in Los Angeles without being noticed.  This source claims the ammunition in Liliana's luggage was the wrong caliber for the .45 Auto.

According to a submission from her lawyer, Goodson had been paranoid when she packed the gun due in part to self-medication with synthetic cannabis; she had also attempted to ship 50 rounds of ammunition, though not of the correct size.

 

When this correspondent arrived in the Sidney Airport, on several occasions, the professionalism of the Australian Customs officers was obvious and refreshing. The Sidney airport is well designed and lovely, a significant counterpoint to the Los Angeles Airport.  When Customs asked this correspondent about his profession, the answer was "writer". Then he was asked what he wrote about. The answer was "guns". This resulted in another pointed question: Did you bring any with you? The answer was "No. I have read the Australian gun laws.".

With Ms. Goodson, the answer was different. From dailymail.co.uk:

Goodson had searched online whether she was allowed to bring the weapon into Australia, despite telling officers at the time she forgot she had it with her.

When asked at the airport if she was carrying any prohibited items with her Goodson claimed she was not, the court was told.

'What about the gun in your bag?' she was asked by a customs officer.

Goodson replied: 'Oh yeah, I forgot about that.'

Contradictory answers, the claim of using multiple illegal drugs while making transportation decisions, and eventually pleading guilty to illegal importation resulted in a one year sentence on December 9, 2024. Liliana has been reported as 29 when she was sentenced. With good behavior, she is expected to spend four months in actual incarceration.

If Ms Goodson only wanted a weapon to scare people with, she might have brought a cheap, non-firing replica for a hundred dollars, instead of a high dollar real 1911A1.  Non-firing replicas are also illegal to import into Australia, but it  is likey  the authorities would have been content with confiscating the replica, perhaps with fine and a slap on the wrist.

Goodson is reported as saying she had a permit for the firearm in Alabama.  This correspondent has not been able to determine at which airport Ms Goodson entered the sterile area with the carry-on luggage containing the pistol.

 

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

SC: Burglary Suspect Shot by Neighbor who Protected Woman and Child

The homeowner and her child escaped and went to a neighbor’s house for safety.

Maybank then went to the neighbor’s house where he began to attempt to forcibly gain entry to the house.

Maybank, who was holding a burglary tool, was confronted by the homeowner, who was holding a handgun.

The homeowner shot the suspect as he believed he was in fear for himself and the neighbor’s safety.

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PA: Resident fires at Car Theft Suspects Leads to Arrest

Police subsequently received multiple 9-1-1 calls for reports of shots fired in the 2100 block of Mather Way, also in the Lynnewood Gardens complex. Arriving officers determined that a resident of the complex had fired multiple shots at two individuals who were attempting to steal their car.

One of the suspects, a juvenile, was apprehended following a foot chase and found to be in possession of a stolen handgun which was illegally modified to fire fully automatic. The juvenile also had multiple warrants out of Philadelphia for drugs and weapons offenses and was found to have removed their court-ordered ankle monitor.

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Black Bear Charge and Stop, Rifle and Pistol in Montana, 1989

Alan Yates bear rugs, rifles, and handguns. S&W 65 by rear leg of bear rug on right.

The incident happened in November of 1989, near Bozeman, Montana. This correspondent interviewed Alan Yates this year. Alan says this and a few other incidents bear charges are burned into his memory. Alan was kind enough to write about what happened. Alan's account has been lightly edited for space and clarity. This is Alan's story:

I was hunting whitetail in the early morning. I had my sort-of-trusty 303 Enfield over my shoulder. As I slipped slowly and quietly along, with the wind in my favor, trying to make no noise in the dew-dampened tall grass, a sound caught my ear ... "woof, woof, woof".  What happened next occurred in about four seconds.

I spun towards the sound as my rifle came smoothly to my shoulder. The bear rounded a bush and charged into sight. I immediately saw a problem ... the bear was much lower to the ground than my 6'5" frame, and it's head was bouncing/rolling with the charge.  I had no solid target. Without thinking, I dropped to one knee in the tall grass and began to time the bears head roll - to slip a bullet under its chin. Twice I almost pulled the trigger. I was running out of time and room. I decided it would have to be the last jump the bear made. Steadying myself, all thought left my mind, and the world slowed down. I watched the bear make the 2nd-to-last jump and waited .... the bear stopped dead still - staring straight at me, head slightly lowered, huffing. The bears eyes darted around and re-focused on me.

This began the standoff at three yards. The bear was staring intently at me. The tall grass was between us. My finger was on the trigger, my sights on its lower jaw. I had a problem: I had read about bullets "bouncing off of" a bears skull, and I couldn't see the rest of the bear because of the tall grass. 

It dawned  on me - the agitated and angry bear wasn't sure I was the target of its charge - probably because I had dropped to one knee mid-charge. Both of us were peering over the grass at each other. I knew the bear would eventually turn its head to one side or the other. I focused my rifle sights directly at the base of the throat and waited. And waited. My muscles cramped. My eyes watered. I didn't dare blink, so I slowly squinted my eyes. I relaxed one muscle while holding my position with another, rotating muscles to relieve the pain. Adrenaline kicked in. And still I waited ... How long? two minutes? Five? I don't know. I never moved. To me it was life and death - the bear was one jump away.

Suddenly the bear snapped it's head to my right. I fired instantly. In terror I jacked another round into the rifle. The bear had disappeared - gone! I stood slowly on shaking legs, rifle up and ready. Looking at the ground where the bear had stood, I saw something black. I took a tentative step forward and saw the bear had collapsed straight downward in its tracks, exactly as it had stood. I took 2 more steps and was standing beside the large bear. My rifle had slid from my fingers without me realizing it. Suddenly my legs gave out. With great effort, as I began to fall, I swung one leg around over the bear and landed squarely on its back in a sitting position as if I was riding a horse. I was in a near catatonic state of body and brain shutdown.

I wish this was the end of the story - it isn't. This IS a completely true story. 

As I sat there staring stupidly down at the large bear between my legs, the world began to move around me. It took a moment for me to realize, the bear was beginning to stand up! Under me! My brain went into the most terrifying scramble of my life. I glanced desperately down for my rifle - gone. "Pistol" my mind screamed. I yanked for the 357 magnum on my hip. And yanked, and yanked ... I yanked repeatedly in desperation - the bear was almost to a full standing position - with me seated firmly in the saddle. Suddenly I realized that this was all about to go really wrong for me. I stopped my mind - forcing myself to tear my eyes from  the bear, who was swinging its head slowly side-to-side, and looked down at my holster. The strap holding my gun was still locked solidly in place. My left hand shot across and yanked the strap loose. My right hand ripped the gun out of the holster and jammed the muzzle between my legs into the bears spine between its shoulder blades. I squeezed the trigger in a death grip. The gun roared ... and the bear slammed back into the ground. The pistol slipped from my fingers. The bear never moved again.

About 10 mins later, my buddy came along. He spotted me sitting, and walked towards me. "I heard two shots. Did you get something?" He said. I couldn't talk. I simply raised one hand slowly and pointed down between my legs. He walked over and his eyes went wide! He stood patiently by me. He picked up my pistol and slid it back into my holster. He found my rifle and placed it gently in my hands. (My rifle was one yard away, but I couldn't see it).

After about 30 mins I was able to stand slowly and shakily. I told him the story. The tracks confirmed everything - he could see where the bear had charged, from over 100 yards away, and where I'd walked. He drove his car thru the farmers field right up to me, and we loaded the bear and drove home. The bear turned out to be a large sow. I had a beautiful rug made.

My 1st (rifle) bullet hit the tip of the bears right collarbone, turned 90 degrees upward, and exploded into the spine, shattering two neck vertebrae - apparently without breaking the spinal column. My 2nd bullet (158 gr hornady XTP/FP) from my 357, broke the spine, traveled straight down, breaking the sternum, and lodged in the skin by the ground. I still have that pistol bullet today. These 357 mag cartridges were my handloads. They were loaded extremely "hot". (editor - Do not exceed recommended max loads when you reload ammunition) How the bear was able to stand up after the first shot is beyond me. I have no idea why the bear charged me. No evidence of cubs was found. She didn't have my wind. I just don't know.

This incident will be included in the database as combination defense. Both rifle and pistol were used. The pistol used was a Smith & Wesson model 65, with a four inch barrel. Alan had other experiences with charging bears which will be covered as time permits.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

 

TX: Houston Woman Shoots Man, Claims Self Defense

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting at the above address and found an unresponsive man with a gunshot wound.  Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the male deceased.  Officers detained a female at the scene who identified herself as the shooter.

The female told investigators the male attacked her and, after a brief confrontation and struggle, the male was shot.

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FL: Lake Wales Homeowner Shoots Intruder

A stranger was inside of his home.

Lake Wales police identified the man as 34-year-old Cameron McGuire.

They said he entered the home through the kitchen window.

“I double-checked,” Coles recalled. “I seen him first, then I was just like no way.”

“I got back into bed and I was like, ‘hold on,'” he said. “‘Did I really just see what I just saw?'”.

So Coles said he grabbed his gun and confronted McGuire.

“I didn’t really want to shoot the man, but he kind of came forward as I was standing down here with him at gunpoint,” he said. “So I shot him, and I told him don’t move again or it’s going to be again.”

 

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NICS November 2024: 6th most Gun Sales and 5th most Checks for month

The trend line of 2024 as the fifth most gun sales and National Instant background Check System (NICS) is holding for the year. In November of 2024, the month had the sixth highest gun sales for November. It was close. November of 2022 had .28% higher numbers.  The NICS background checks were the fifth most for the month. November 2020 holds the record for gun sales in the month, with about 3.6 million sold in November of 2020. 

With about 1.48 million gun sales, as recorded by NICS and our estimation process, November of 2024 continues the trend of 64 consecutive months of more than 1 million firearms sales as commented on by the National Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF). 

The estimate of gun sales through November of 2024 is a bit over 13 million. December is traditionally the highest month for gun sales, with memories of recent hunting seasons and Christmas contributing. 

The highest number of gun sales during the history of NICS in December occurred in 2015, with nearly 2.2 million guns sold. With Donald Trump safely elected in November of 2016, December gun sales dropped to about 1.8 million. This correspondent expects a drop in gun sales in 2024, to a bit less than what was recorded in 2022, to about 1.6 million sales. This would be less than the 1.8 million in 2016, making the December 2024 sales the sixth highest during the life of NICS, form December of 1998. If such occurs gun sales for 2024 will be the sixth highest in the 27 Decembers recorded in NICS. 

This correspondent's prediction is 2024 will have had 14.6 million guns recorded as sold by NICS. Not all of those guns are additions to the national private stock of firearms. Many of them are guns which have been owned previously. Using a combination of FBI NICS data and the commercial numbers which used to be reported by the ATF, about 13% of gun sales recorded by NICS are for guns which were already part of the private stock of American gun owners. 

When President Trump won his first election in 2017, gun sales as recorded by NICS dropped for the next three years, with record sales during the campaign year of 2020. It seems likely the pattern will repeat itself. Patriots have purchased a lot of guns in anticipation of potential domestic and international problems since President Obama started the trend to fundamentally transform the United States in 2008. With potential stability looking possible in 2025, under a reinvigorated Trump second term, the fear of domestic and international instability is likely to recede. If President Trump is able to achieve his promises for peace in the Ukrainian-Russian war, and an extension of his tremendous achievements with the Abraham accords in the Middle East, pressure for more gun sales will drop. President Trump is one of the master negotiators of the age, so it can happen. 

While gun sales to people on the left could rise, the numbers are likely to be smaller than the drop in gun sales to Trump supporters and independents. Very few on the far left are gun enthusiasts, although they exist.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

 

 

 

IL: Chicago, Domestic Defense Gunfight, Woman Wounded

The woman and a 26-year-old man were inside a home in the 6200 block of South King Drive a little after 5 a.m. when a known male offender forcibly entered and a verbal altercation ensured.

The offender then produced a gun and fired at the victims. The 26-year-old man, who has a valid FOID card and concealed carry license, returned fire, police said.

During the exchange of gunfire, the woman was hit in her right thigh. No other injuries were reported.

 

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NC: Neighbor Shoots Neighbor, Alledges Break-in Attempt

“Further investigation determined the neighbor who lives at a separate address on Santa Gertrudis Drive had shot the victim in what the neighbor described as an attempted breaking and entering to his residence,” the sheriff’s office said in a release. “Preliminary evidence indicated the shooting location to be the home of the neighbor alleging the attempted breaking and entering.”

The man who was shot was taken to WakeMed with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office said detectives are working with the district attorney’s office to determine whether charges will be filed.

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AZ: Phoenix Homeowner Shoots, Wounds 1 Suspect in Gunfight with Home Invaders

Officers believe that multiple armed suspects entered a home in the area around 1:15 a.m.

One of the occupants of the home was armed and fired his weapon at the suspects when at least one of them was shot.

The person who was shot was identified as 19-year-old Michael Valles.

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FL: Germantown Jewelry Store Staff Fire Shots to Stop Robbery

GERMANTOWN, Tenn. (WMC) - A car crashed into a Germantown jewelry store on Monday afternoon in a robbery attempt.

Police were called to the store at Bob Richards Jewelers at 1696 S Germantown Road around 1 p.m.

Police say people in two different vehicles targeted the business.

Staff members fired shots inside the business in an attempt to thwart the robbery.

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NFA Amnesty: A tool for the Trump Administration

President Trump has a tool to push for the passage of legislation, such as the hearing protection act. The executive branch, specifically the Secretary of the Treasury, can unilaterally declare an amnesty for people to register NFA items with the ATF. The Congress passed the Gun Control Act of 1968, under enormous pressure from President Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1968. At the same time, the Congress passed a statute authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to declare amnesties to allow people to register items covered by the act.

There are limitations. A single amnesty cannot last for longer than 90 days.  The Secretary of the Treasury must announce the amnesty in the Federal Register before the amnesty takes effect. From PUBLIC LAW 90-619-OCT. 22, 1968, found on page 1236 of United States Statutes at Large Volume 82.djvu/1278:

(d) The Secretary of the Treasury, after publication in the Federal Register of his intention to do so, is authorized to establish such periods of amnesty, not to exceed ninety days in the case of any single period, and immunity from liability during any such period, as the Secretary determines will contribute to the purposes of this title. TITLE III — AMENDMENTS TO TITLE VII O F THE OMNIB U S C R I M E CONTROL A N D S A F E S T R E E T S ACT O F 1968

The law does not appear to have been altered or repealed since 1968. The first amnesty was for only 30 days. No other amnesty has been put in place, which this author knows of, since that time.

The Secretary of the Treasury is granted almost unlimited discretion with this law. The Secretary may place limitations on amnesties. They may apply to certain items or classes of items. An amnesty can waive requirements for taxes or other provisions of current law, such as the requirement for fingerprints. The Secretary can establish immunity from liability.

Do you wish to wish to allow people to purchase and register silencers/suppressors with out the $200 tax and the burdensome paperwork? The Secretary of the Treasury can do so for 90 days at a time. There does not appear to be any other limit on how many amnesties can be announced and put into effect.

When the GCA 1968 was passed, people in the firearms community believed amnesties would be a regular feature of the administration of the act. The Congress had given the Secretary of the Treasury almost unlimited authority to do so.

No amnesty has been announced for 56 years. It is long past time to do so. The Trump administration could use amnesties as a lever to push the Congress into approving firearms reform legislation. If the Congress will not approve the reform legislation, the Trump administration will declare an amnesty, crafted to produce the desired result.  Amnesties could be for all NFA items, or one. They could include taxes or not.

Analysis:

This correspondent thinks the most productive approach would be to go after the most idiotic and counter productive of items included in the NFA first. Remove silencers/suppressors first. The effective economic ban on their use by the public has been a massive governmental health disaster costing tens of millions of people significant hearing loss. Then go after short barreled rifles. Even the Roosevelt administration did not consider them to be a problem in 1933. It was only the stupid, drunk, or Machiavellian representative from Minnesota who insisted they be included in the legislation. Pistols have been firmly established as protected under the Second Amendment. To claim putting a stock on a pistol, to make it more accurate and harder to conceal, increases criminal use, is absurd. Repeal the ban on the acquisition of machine guns put into effect in 1986. There never was any legitimate reason for the ban. People with legally registered machine guns were probably the most law abiding group in the country.

All of the above are likely to happen with court challenges. Some of the challenges, such as for silencers/suppressors are already in play. Using the potential of court challenges is another lever the Trump administration could use to incentivize Congress to pass reform legislation.

It would be best to repeal the 1968 GCA and the 1934 NFA in their entirety. This correspondent thinks the political will to do so does not yet exist.

This correspondent is not a lawyer. Other people may interpret the NFA Amnesty law differently. The author's opinion on the law should not be relied on for legal advice.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

FL: Lee County Confrontation with Carjacking Suspect, Suspect Shot, Killed

LCSO says a homeowner used their right to protect themselves on their property which led to a death.

Deputies say at 3:30AM on Saturday a man was shot laying in front of a Lehigh home upon their arrival. The homeowner was in their car preparing to leave for work when they were startled buy a carjacker. They both got into a fight when that homeowner shot them, LCSO says, in self defense.

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House Staff member for Rep. Morrell, D-NY, Arrested for Possession of Ammo, Magazines

 

Cannon House Office Building.

On Thursday morning, the 28 of November, Thanksgiving day, Capitol police found eleven rounds  of ammunition and four magazines in a bag which Michael Hopkins had put through screening at the Cannon House Office Building. Hopkins is a staff member of Rep. Joe Morelle, D-NY.  From WFIN.com:

“At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen,” Capitol Police told Fox News in a statement. 

“After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag,” the statement continued.

Capitol Police say Michael Hopkins, 38, is now facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.

Hopkins became the director of communications for representative Morelle in October of 2024, according to Hopkin's Linkedin account. Hopkins passed the bar in New York State. Hopkin's shows he has been a contributing writer to The Hill for seven years and five months. Michael Hopkins no longer works for Rep. Joe Morelle, according to Morelle's chief of staff. From Rollcall magazine:

Hopkins is no longer employed in Morelle’s office “effective immediately,” according to a Monday afternoon statement from Chief of Staff Jo Stiles.

The Administration Committee has oversight over House operations and Capitol security, including jurisdiction over legislative branch support agencies like the Capitol Police.

This correspondent has not found any information about what caliber of ammunition was found in the bag, or what firearm the magazines might have fit.

Analysis: It is not uncommon for people who are shooters to forget about a few rounds of ammunition or some accessories when taking a bag through a security checkpoint. It appears the charges against Mr. Hopkins are District of Columbia statutes. The offenses listed "unlawful possession of ammunition" and "possession of a high capacity magazine" are likely unconstitutional. The magazine prohibition is being challenged in several federal court cases. It is difficult to know how this offense will affect Mr. Hopkins future career. If Mr. Hopkins worked for a pro--Second amendment legislator, he might not have been relieved of his position.

Legislatures are acknowledged as "sensitive places" by the Supreme Court. Administrative offices may or may not be considered "sensitive places" They are not actually part of the legislature. Places which are guarded by armed security are plausible candidates for "sensitive places".  Attempting to take ammunition into a "sensitive place" might be a more appropriate charge. Congressmen, as I recall, are not required to go through security checkpoints at the Capitol.  This correspondent suspects Michael Hopkins will not have difficulty finding meaningful employment, but perhaps not as a staffer to politicians.

Unfortunately for Mr. Hopkins, his employer is a strong supporter of numerous infringements on the right to keep and bear arms. Rep. Joe Morelle supports an "assault weapon" ban, universal background checks, banning the sale of standard capacity magazines,  mandatory liability insurance for firearms owners, mandatory three day waiting periods for firearm purchases and many others.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

 

WA: Theif Steals Jeep near Nine Mile Falls. Owner Follows and Shoots Theif

The shooter spoke with investigators and was not charged while the vehicle theft suspect was hospitalized in serious but stable condition, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

The incident started when deputies responded to a reported Jeep theft at about 8:40 p.m. from a residence near Charles and Dover roads, deputies said. Investigators believe the owner of the stolen Jeep armed himself and chased the fleeing suspect in a separate vehicle.

Gunshots were reported minutes later in the area of Four Mound Road and Landt Farms Lane, according to the sheriff’s office. The Jeep owner reported he shot at the theft suspect, who abandoned the Jeep in a ditch near that intersection, according to the release. The Jeep owner found blood in the Jeep after the suspect fled on foot.

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GA: Dekalb County Man Shot, Killed, after Threatening another Person

A man was shot to death in DeKalb County’s Redan area early Thursday morning after threatening another person during an argument, according to police.

DeKalb officers got the call at around 5 a.m. When they arrived at the scene, in the 5800 block of Hallwood Court, they found the man, identified as Brandon Banks, 37, with an apparent gunshot wound. He was already dead.

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IL: Chicago Attempted Car Theft, Gunfight, Bystander Wounded

Police said a suspect was trying to break into a vehicle when a 40-year-old man who is a concealed carry license holder confronted the suspect.

The break-in suspect fled on foot and another suspect got out of a nearby car and fired at the 40-year-old man, who returned fire, police said.

The first suspect returned to the vehicle and fled the scene, police said.

A 23-year-oid man who was nearby the scene at the time was wounded in the thigh and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, police said.

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TX: Kileen Resident, Car Theft Suspect Gunfight, Suspect Shot, Wounded

The resident followed the stolen vehicle in a Tahoe. When the driver in the stolen vehicle pulled into a cul-de-sac on Eula Bea Court, the vehicle’s owner stopped and left his vehicle and approached.

At that point, “one individual got out of the stolen vehicle and began to discharge a firearm towards him,” according to KPD.

The car owner returned fire, injuring the suspect, police said.

Officers were dispatched at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to the 4000 block of Eula Bea Court in reference to a gunshot victim.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital.

 

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TX: Houston Woman Shoots, Kills Intruder

Houston police said the 36-year-old woman heard someone breaking into her home, grabbed a gun, and shot at the intruder, who died at the scene. The man had several gunshot wounds and was believed to be in his 50s to 60s, police said.

The Harris County grand jury will decide whether the shooting was justified.

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TX: San Antonio Gunfight with Car Burglars, Victim in Critical Condition

A San Antonio man finds himself in critical but stable condition following a morning altercation with car burglars that escalated into a shootout in the homeowner's West Side neighborhood.

The incident occurred in the 2100 block of Farmsville Drive, near Marbach Road and South Ellison Drive.

The confrontation began when residents noticed an attempt to steal a vehicle from a neighbor’s driveway around 9:15 a.m. Monday.

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More than 5 Million NFA Suppressors in USA!

In May of 2021, the ATF showed 2,664,774 legal silencers in the USA

The number of legal silencers in the USA is almost certainly over five million. The National Shooting Sports Federation, (NSSF) revealed a Freedom of Information Act request submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, (ATF), was finally answered this summer. The total number was at 4.86 million at the end of July, 2024.  From NSSF:

In a recent Freedom of Information Act request (FOIA), NSSF received
from ATF the additional number of silencers from May 2021 to July 2024.
An incredible 2,193,123 more suppressors are protecting the hearing of
hunters and shooters. That means a whopping 4.86 million silencers and
counting are in possession by law-abiding Americans.

The  number of tax stamps issued for silencers, also commonly referred to as suppressors, had to be pried out of the ATF with an FOIA. The ATF has gained a reputation of long waits and poor responses to FOIA requests. Before the Biden administration took power, detailed information on all National Firearms Act items were publicly available in an annual report called Firearms Commerce in the United States.  Once the Biden administration took control of the ATF, the annual report was, without notice, discontinued. The ATF would not publish the information. They slowly responded to FOIA requests, which is how the NSSF finally obtained the numbers. The numbers show an accelerating demand for legal silencers, with an average of nearly 60,000 tax stamps being issued each month.

The average does not tell the whole story The demand has been accelerating. This source has information which shows there were 3.5 million silencers through January of 2024. Thus 1.4 million silencers were added in the six months from January 2024 to the end of July, 2024. It is virtually certain there are over 5 million legal silencers in the USA today.

Much of the increase has come from the ATF streamlining the Tax Stamp approval process for commercially made silencers, while complicating the process to make your own silencer.  Another part of the increase comes from the major inflation created by the Biden administration in the last 3.5 years. While everything else has become more expensive, the tax stamp remains the same as it was when created in 1934: $200. In 1934, $200 was roughly four months wages for a common laborer. Today, it is one or two days wages. In 1934, a silencer might cost $5-10. Today they can cost $200 - $2,000, so the tax stamp becomes a fraction of the total cost instead of 95% of the cost.

Sales of silencers/suppressors may slump with the election President Trump. The possibility of something like the Hearing Protection Act is plausible. One of the giants in the silencer/suppressor industry is not worried. Brandon Maddox explained there is such a pent-up demand for silencers, his business will only increase if the regulatory hassles are eliminated.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are looking for programs to cut, to increase efficiency. Moving silencers out of the NFA would take legislation. President Trump could declare an amnesty, as is allowed under federal legislation. An amnesty might incentivize Congress to reform the NFA and pass the Hearing Protection Act.

More incentives to remove items from the NFA exist in the courts. The case in Illinois looks promising.

President Trump is moving much faster this term. He has put together an incredible team, well in advance of taking office. He now understands the treachery inherent in the bureaucracy. Top level bureaucrats have monetary and power incentives to oppose him. They may have significant crimes to hide which may be revealed.

Analysis: He who cuts the first deal on revealing potential criminal actions usually gets the best deal. There are thousands of people in the bureaucracy who know where good information is to be found about criminal activity. They have jobs, pensions, and perks to protect. Some of them are already talking. Many of them know how practices can be streamlined, and where positions can be cut.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

TN: Domestic Defense, Father Shoots Son

Police said Gonzales attacked his mother first and then attacked his father. His father then grabbed a gun and shot him, according to police. 

An ambulance took both parents to the hospital. Gonzales' mother was later taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center due to her injuries. 

Police said Gonzales was previously shot on Nov. 24 by Salvatore Mora Gutierrez, but he wasn't seriously hurt. Gutierrez was on the run after the shooting but is now in jail and charged with violation of probation and attempted first-degree murder. 

Police said both incidents are centered around drugs.

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NY: Resident of House and Intruder engage in Gunfight, Intruder Killed, Resident Wounded

As an adult male resident heard the suspects breaking in, he went into another second-floor room and retrieved a handgun.

As Thacker walked up the stairs, a shootout between him and that resident ensued, during which Thacker was shot dead, according to police.

The resident was shot once during the exchange. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

Police said the deadly shooting of Thacker appears to have been justified, and no charges related to his death are expected.

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Il: Chicago Robbery Suspect Shot with Own Gun (Disarm attempt)

A 43-year-old man was the target of an armed robbery, police said. The armed offender approached and demanded property, but there was a struggle over the gun between the offender and the victim.

The male armed robbery suspect, whose age was unknown, was shot by his own gun, Chicago police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

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CA: Antioch, Gunfight, both Paricipants Killed

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit, took over the investigation.

Investigators determined the suspect approached the male victim while he was sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle preparing to leave. Gunfire was exchanged between the two males, and both were fatally wounded. At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown, and no other suspects or involved individuals appear to be outstanding.

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CA: Los Angeles, Security Guard and Robber Shoot each Other

The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to a call that came in at 10:13 a.m. about a shooting near Venice and Hauser Boulevards.

One of the suspects, a 25-year-old man, took out his handgun and shot a male victims in his 40s.

"I heard, 'Give me the bag, give me the bag,'" said Maria Guerrero, the owner of Mary's Check Cashing. She said she and her security guard were ambushed by at least two men.

Guerrero managed to escape the store and ran to a neighboring business. While she didn't see much of what happened next, she said her security guard and one of the robbers shot each other.

"I heard seven, eight or nine shots," Max El Khoury, a business owner in the area, said.

Police confirmed the gunman and the victim were both shot and taken to a hospital.

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LA: Female Lures Teen to Robbery Scene with promise of Sex

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three people have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Raceland on Thursday night. Two people were injured in the shooting. Payton Scott, 18, of Bayou Blue, Kayleigh Gregoire, 19, of Houma, and a 16-year-old male all face charges in the incident.

Just after 9:30 p.m. on December 5, 2024, LPSO received a call about a shooting that had occurred in the 100 block of Brooklyn Lane in Raceland. Through investigation, detectives learned Gregoire and another female allegedly lured a 17-year-old male to the residence promising a sexual encounter but planning to have Scott and the juvenile rob him instead. When the victim arrived, Scott and the juvenile approached him and were armed. Gunfire was exchanged between them and the victim who was grazed by one round on his hand. He sought medical treatment at a local hospital and was released. The other female involved was also struck twice in the gunfire exchange, and she was later airlifted to a New Orleans hospital for treatment. She remains in critical but stable condition.

Scott and the juvenile were charged with attempted armed robbery and use of a firearm in an attempted armed robbery. Scott was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Bail is set at $150,000. The juvenile was placed in the Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux.

Gregoire was charged with principal to attempted armed robbery and principal to attempted armed robbery with the use of a firearm. She was also booked into the Correctional Complex, and bail is set at $150,000.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

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NC: Attempted Disarm, Robbery Suspect Shot

When they arrived, officers found a 29-year-old who had been shot. Investigators said the shooting victim, identified as Aaquan Butler, tried to rob someone in the bathroom of the McDonald’s. This caused a struggle, which moved into the dining area, where Butler pulled a handgun and it went off.

Officials said Butler was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition. Butler has been charged with robbery with a firearm, felony conspiracy, conspiring to sell/deliver cocaine, carrying a concealed gun, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

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LA: New Orleans Store Clerk Shoots Armed Robbery Suspects

According to court documents, two suspects – Batiz and 18-year-old Teony Juarez – were involved in Tuesday night's armed robbery at the store in New Orleans East.

Video shows the man identified as Juarez wearing a black ski mask. Batiz is seen pointing a gun at a clerk working the cellphone counter, and then stuffing cash and other items in his pockets.

As the suspects exited the store, the clerk at the phone counter pulled out a gun and opened fire. A bullet struck Batiz in the abdomen, causing him to collapse.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams did not want to discuss specifics about the case. But he told WWL Radio, "Once somebody puts a gun in your face, the rules change."

"It's painfully obvious to anyone who saw that video what those two people were doing in that store and that shop owner did not ask for that exchange," Williams said.

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TN: Memphis Resident Shoots Woman Through Door

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman has been hospitalized after a man claims he shot her because he thought she was breaking into his East Memphis home, Memphis Police say.

At 2:56 a.m., officers responded to a shooting with a person struck call in the 4000 block of Crossover Lane.

When officers arrived on the scene, they saw a female victim sitting on the doorstep in front of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound to her left thigh.

According to the police report, when officers asked “Are you shot?” the victim responded, “No, I’m not shot.” and began to cry.

Officers noted that the victim appeared to be under the influence, with slurred speech and didn’t appear to know where she was.

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GA: Person Shot while Possibly committing a Robbery

On December 1, 2024, at approximately 2:42 P.m., Atlanta Police Zone 1 Officers responded to reports of a person shot at1575 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW.  Upon arriving on the scene, officers located a 28-year-old male who sustained a gunshot wound.  The male was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.  Investigators responded to the location to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Preliminary information suggests the victim sustained his injuries while  the suspect was committing a robbery at the location. The investigation continues.

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FL: Teen Shoots Teen Intruder, Suspect Flees

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, a male in his mid-teens, unlawfully entered an occupied residence when there was a confrontation with a teen who was inside the home. The teen resident shot the suspect who then fled from the residence. The suspect was found nearby with a gunshot wound and taken to the hospital, where he was last listed as stable.

One firearm was recovered, and charges are pending in this case.

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Fl: Suspect Flees Scene after Gunfight

STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - A Bradford County man was caught and arrested Saturday after shooting at a neighboring resident and fleeing from the scene.

Derek Dean, 54, of Starke, was arrested Saturday after Bradford County Sheriff’s Office officials say he came into a neighbor’s yard and started shooting following a verbal altercation.

The neighbor, then retaliated with their own firearm, causing Dean to flee the scene in a Jeep Cherokee.

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CA: Homeowner Shoots Suspect, Suspect Steals Car

The attempted break-in took place about 3 p.m. Friday in a residential neighborhood in the 7200 block of Chandler Drive, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said the would-be burglar arrived at the home and began trying to break windows in an attempt to get inside.

"The homeowner, who was home with his family, yelled at the intruder several times to stop," the sheriff's department said in a written statement. The intruder refused and continued trying to smash windows."The homeowner, fearing for his safety and that of his family, shot at (the suspect) from inside the residence, striking (him) in the hand," according to the statement.

Authorities said the wounded suspect then ran to another nearby house, where no one was home, and managed to get inside.Deputies caught up with the just-stolen car and tried to pull it over, leading to a pursuit.

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TN: Armed Victim Disarms, Shoots, Wounds two Robbery Suspects

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Two robbers ended up in the hospital after being shot by the person they were trying to rob, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD). 

Memphis Police responded to calls of shots fired just after 6:15 a.m. Friday at the  Classic Inn on American Way. Officers arrived to find a man and woman with gunshot wounds near the motel entrance.

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CT: Domestic Defense, New Haven Woman Shot in Stomach, Charged with Violating Protective Order

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A 38-year-old woman who was shot Wednesday afternoon in New Haven has been charged with violating a protective order.

The woman was shot in the stomach at about 2:30 p.m. on Plymouth Street following an argument that escalated into a fight, according to police. The other person involved in the fight, who has only been described as a male, has not been charged.

Police have not yet publicly identified the woman, but said she has been charged with other crimes, as well. They have not elaborated on what those charges are.

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NE: Domestic Defense, Cheyenne County Son Shoots, Kills Father

According to Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub, the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots-fired call at a home on County Road 109 in Cheyenne County at 10:06 a.m. Emergency communications advised authorities a father had been shot by his son during an incident. A third individual, the mother, was present at the time of the shooting and attempted to administer CPR to the victim before emergency responders arrived. 

Emergency medical personnel worked on the victim for approximately 50 minutes but were unable to revive him.

Schaub says no individuals involved in the incident are currently in custody. Preliminary investigation findings suggest the shooting was conducted in self-defense.

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SC: Domestic Defense? Man Shoots at Woman in Vehicle, Male Companion Shoots Back

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - A woman was taken to the hospital following a shooting in Newberry County on Monday.

The Newberry Police Department (NPD) said officers and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting call in the 1200 block of Wilson Road at approximately 1:41 p.m.

According to Chief Kevin Goodman, a man shot into a car when he saw a woman with another male.

When he ran, police said the man in the car shot back at the shooter as the suspect was driving away.

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Firearms Report Discontinued by Biden Administration

The Biden administration, with their takeover of the ATF, discontinued the publication of Firearms Commerce in the United States, without announcement.  Firearms Commerce of the United States was last published in May of 2021, shortly after the Biden Administration took up residence in the White House.  This correspondent, and many others, used the annual report as the basis of numerous articles about what was happening in the firearms industry. In January of 2023, at the SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas, this correspondent asked ATF representatives when the latest version of Firearms Commerce in the United States would be published. None had been published since 2021. This correspondent was assured the next version would be published in May of 2023. None was forthcoming.

As far as this correspondent has been able to determine, no official notice of the discontinuance of the report was ever made. It appears even people inside the ATF did not know the report was discontinued, as they told this correspondent it would be forthcoming shortly.

One of the important statistics published in Firearms Commerce of the United States was the number of National Firearms Act (NFA) tax stamps issued and the number of various application forms approved. The numbers were published in detail by state and the total for the United States. A particularly important number is the number of silencers and other NFA items. The report showed where the number of approved applications for Form 1 (to make an NFA item, as well as approved applications to purchase and transfer NFA items.

These numbers tell us how many officially approved silencers and other NFA items were recognized as legally existing.  The number is important. There are several cases in federal courts challenging bans on the possession or ownership of silencers, and the constitutionality of the statutory framework on which the federal regulations are based. Occasionally, fragmentary information would be revealed. The numbers of legal NFA items in the United States are important as part of the argument to determine if silencers, short barreled rifles or shotguns, or machine guns are "in common use" in the United States for lawful purposes.

This correspondent attempted to find out numbers from sources which had excellent contacts with the ATF. Definitive numbers were hard to obtain and very limited.

Other entities were encountering the same problem. The National Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) and others filed Freedom of Information Act requests in attempts to force the ATF to divulge what should have been public information.  NSSF mentioned in October of 2024, the report of Firearms Commerce in the United States had been discontinued. From NSSF, bold and italics added:

The now discontinued ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States report displayed the number of silencers that were registered in each state. The May 2021 edition reported 2,664,774 silencers in the U.S., more than doubling the 1.3 million silencers disclosed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2017.

This correspondent co-hosts the Russ Clark radio show from Yuma on most Wednesday mornings. Russ is another person who routinely commented on how information which had previously been easy to obtain on the Internet, was now shrouded in web sites and procedures which made desired information difficult to find. It appeared the government was making it difficult to find data they did not want reported, or they wanted only their massaged interpretation of the data reported.

Analysis: The Biden administration has been one of the least transparent in the history of the United States of America. The Biden administration has been one of the most corrupt in the history of the United States of America. When the history of the Biden years is written, it will be noted the discontinuance of the ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States was one of many ways in which the administration managed, twisted, hid, and manipulated data in an attempt to use control of the information flow as a political weapon, against the people of the United States.

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

 

Il: East St. Louis, Man Shoots, Kills Car Theft Suspect

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (First Alert 4) - A woman told First Alert 4 that her boyfriend shot and killed someone who was trying to steal her car in East St. Louis.

The woman said two men were trying to steal her Dodge Charger near 75th and Church streets on Monday morning. She said the men had an automatic weapon, and they thought the suspects were going to kill them, so her boyfriend shot and killed one of the suspects.

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Il: Rockford Domestic Defense, Armed Samaritan Shoots, Wounds Man who was Attacking Woman

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an incident involving an elderly man shooting the suspect in the buttocks after he started attacking a female victim.

On November 25, around 10 a.m., deputies were called to the 8900 block of Bluegrass Drive for a domestic disturbance. The man told police that Nathaniel Brooks, 32, was pushing, punching and slapping the female victim.

The man called 911 and retrieved his handgun, according to court documents. Brooks continued to attack the woman and the man shot him in the buttocks with no intention of killing him, officials reported.

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OK: Exchange of Shots in Harrah. Both Parties Claim Justification

The dispute left a woman shot in the side and sent one man to the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office officials said one shooter was defending his property and the other accused shooter, 21-year-old Marlon Wilson, was recorded on body camera telling a deputy he shot back in self-defense.

A deputy pulled over Wilson near Northeast 108th Street and Harrah Road after receiving reports of shots fired in the area. During their exchange, Wilson told the deputy he had a firearm in the car and that he shot back at the property owner. Wilson told the deputy the property owner fired at his car as he picked up friends from the area.

“The neighbor comes out with a rifle and either shoots in the ground as a warning or shoots toward the vehicle,” said Aaron Brilbeck, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re not sure just yet.”

Deputies said Wilson fired back as he drove away from the home. Wilson told the deputy the other person had a rifle, and he was trying to get his friend away from the home.

 

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CA: Rancho Cordova Grandfather Shoots Home Invader who Broke in

A Rancho Cordova man said he was defending his family when a burglar broke into his property early Sunday morning.

Investigators with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said the man shot and killed the suspect at a business on Folsom Boulevard and West La Loma Drive just after 1 a.m.

The man said his name is Robert and that he did not want to give his last name.

"All of a sudden, the guy kicked the door. Boom and boom! It was that quick," he said.

That was the moment Robert, 70, said he was forced to defend his life and the life of his grandsons, ages four and 14.

"We'd have been dead if he would have got my gun when I pulled it out because he continued to go towards me, he wasn't afraid of me," Robert said.

 

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PA: Philadelphia 24-Year-Old man Harrasses Bus Passengers, is Shot in Foot

The incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 22, at approximately 10:30 p.m. when a 24-year-old male boarded a bus near 33rd Street and began harassing passengers and the driver, Philadelphia police said in a release.

The driver stopped the vehicle on the 1600 block of Dauphin Street and called police, investigators said. As the man continued to harass others on board, another passenger pulled a firearm and shot him in the foot, police said.

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NICS October 2024 Trend of Fifth Highest Gun Sales, Checks Continues

The October, 2024 National Instant background Check System (NICS) numbers are in. They do not show a significant difference in the trends. Both October gun sales and NICS checks are fifth highest for October, which has been a consistent theme in 2024. While a bit lower than in 2023, the gun sales and NICS checks are still high by historical standards. 

Gun sales for October, 2024 are estimated at 1.26 million firearms, about 94% of what the sales were in October of 2023. NICS checks for October were about 5% higher than they were in 2023. NICS checks and NICS related gun sales are only somewhat correlated to each other. NICS checks are being used for other purposes than gun sales. State policies regarding NICS change. Some states require high numbers of NICS checks unrelated to gun sales. Most states do not. 

The bar graph shows gun sales by type for months in 2023 (lines) and 2024 (bars). It is obvious the trend for 2024 is a bit less than for 2023, with the exception of August. August gun sales were probably increased because of the assassination attempt on former president and then candidate for president Donald Trump. 

The election of 2024 has confirmed former President Trump will be the future President Trump, only the second president to perform this feat of non-consecutive terms. As of this writing, there has been very little unrest in the forms of protests or riots against the second Trump term. If this trend continues, firearm sales are likely to slump, as fears of civil unrest wane. If President Trump is able to succeed in bringing an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, a slump in firearm sales is almost certain.  The supply of firearms has been very close to supply in the last few months. This is clear because of falling prices for many popular models.  This is a golden age for the affordability of firearms and ammunition. If the Ukraine war is ended, expect ammunition prices to fall as more production goes into supplies for civilian sale instead of war consumption. 

Domestic tranquility is not certain. Domestic unrest may increase significantly as the inauguration approaches and during a second Trump term. The mandate of the popular vote and the overall landslide of the 2024 elections in favor of conservatives weighs against domestic unrest. We will know in a couple of months.

November and December tend to be the highest months for gun sales. Sales should increase in the next two months. They will be lower than in 2023 if current trends hold. 

Several Second Amendment cases are pending in the courts. The most likely to have an effect soon would be the case out of Maryland on whether a ban on semi-automatic rifles, known by the more deceptive and political term of "assault weapons" could be heard next year. There are challenges against "gun free zones" and against bans on carry by states against residents of other states. If the Trump administration is able to pass a national reciprocity law, it would incentivize more gun sales, as would a rejection of bans on semi-automatic rifles. 

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch

Ill: Chicago Food Vendor Shoots, Kills, Attacker

CHICAGO - A man was shot to death after he attacked a food vendor Friday night in Chicago's Austin neighborhood.

The vendor, a 35-year-old man, was approached by a man in his 30s in the 300 block of South Central Avenue around 8:50 p.m., according to police. 

An argument escalated into a struggle, and the attacker pulled a gun. The vendor, who has a concealed carry license, then fired his weapon, striking the man multiple times.

The offender was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner, he was identified as 34-year-old Demitrius Manning.

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PA: Philadelphia Car Owner Shoots Robbery Suspect in Head

Authorities said a middle-aged man identified as John Doe was shot in the head. Police told CBS News Philadelphia that a man using the ATM left his car running, and another man jumped in to attempt to steal it.

The owner of the car, a licensed gun owner, shot into the car one time, hitting John Doe, according to police.

John Doe was taken to Temple University Hospital where he later died Friday evening, according to the Homicide Unit. He was pronounced at 6:17 p.m.

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LA: Laplace, Domestic Defense, Nephew Shoots Uncle in Defense of Girlfreind and Baby

A deadly shooting which took place at a home in LaPlace on Thursday night, Nov. 21, has left a man dead.  Deputies from St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office say a disturbance was reported at the home, located in the 2100 block of Williamsburg Drive, around 11:45 p.m.  Initial findings showed that 51-year-old Anthony Kelly, with a history of mental illness, allegedly entered Damien Key’s home, his nephew and kicked in a bedroom door while armed with a large kitchen knife. His girlfriend and their infant, were also inside the bedroom

Keys says he got a gun and fired several times at Kelly. Deputies say after being shot, Kelly ran from the home and was later found by deputies a few blocks away.

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SC: Domestic Defense, Woman Shoots Father of her Child in Self Defense

NORTH CHARLESTON — A wounded woman called 911 early Nov. 21, telling a dispatcher she shot the father of her child in self-defense, according to police reports.

North Charleston police responded to that call and a report of gunshots at a townhome on Sablewood Street in the early hours of Nov. 21.

Police noted in their report that the man and woman shared a child together. 

Harve Jacobs, a police department spokesman, said the woman was taken to a hospital for treatment. The man died at the scene. No arrests have been made, Jacobs said.

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CO: Domestic Defense, Aurora 17-Year-Old Defends 39-Year-Old Woman

Based on their preliminary investigation, police believe that the suspect, Jason Woolley, 39, of Aurora, was armed with a stolen handgun and was "involved in a violent domestic incident" with a 39-year-old woman, the department said. A 17-year-old male intervened and "multiple shots were fired," police said.

Woolley was hit by gunfire multiple times. The woman was accidentally struck once by gunfire as well, police said. Both were transported to a hospital. Neither had life-threatening injuries. The woman, who has not been named, was released and Woolley remains in the hospital.

Once he is released, police will take him to the Aurora Municipal Detention Center on charges of several domestic violence and weapons-related offenses.

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Miami Herald Misdiagnoses Murder in Carribbean

Caribbean Sea map is public domain

In the November 14 edition of the Miami Herald, in an article titled: Report: Majority of trafficked guns in Caribbean are from the U.S., shipped from Florida, reporters Jacqueline Charles and Jay Weaver claim a lack of restrictive gun laws in the United States cause high murder rates in Caribbean countries. From the article:

A new report from the U.S. government’s lead investigator on gun trafficking in the Caribbean area is confirming what region leaders have long said: Most of the firearms wreaking havoc in their vulnerable nations and being used in 90% of the homicides are coming from the United States.

Note the premise included in the misuse of the English language in the opening sentence:  the firearms wreaking havoc.

Firearms do not wreak havoc. This is Orwellian distortion of the language. Firearms are inanimate objects. Firearms do not cause harm. Firearms do not have a will of their own. The correct usage would be: People in vulnerable nations are wreaking havoc with firearms. This is important. Semantics are important. You must correctly understand cause and effect if you are to solve a problem. If you confuse cause and effect, your attempts to solve problems will almost certainly fail. You will attempt to change an effect rather a cause. Occasionally, simply by chance, an action taken with the wrong assumption may line up with a real cause.

Firearms do not cause murders and violent crime. The evidence does not support this assumption. Firearms numbers vary wildly across the globe, and in the Caribbean. Firearms laws vary wildly across the globe and the Caribbean as well. Murders and violent crime vary wildly as well. There is no correlation between them.

People can sometimes find a correlation between firearms laws and murders/violent crime committed with firearms. This does not show firearms cause crime. It shows a truism. Firearms can be used in crime.  Firearms can also be used to defend against crime. There is no good evidence to show a decrease in overall murders or overall violent crime when/where extremely restrictive firearm laws are implemented. If overall murder rates or overall violent crime rates do not decrease when firearms laws are implemented, the laws have failed in their stated objectives.

Consider two sets of Islands in the Caribbean, close together. There are the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands. They are separated by a few miles. Both sets of Islands have extremely restrictive firearms laws. The US Virgin Islands has the most restrictive firearms laws under any US jurisdiction. The British Virgin Islands have similar firearms laws, inherited from the United Kingdom. The population of the British Virgin Islands is about 39,000. The population of the U.S. Virgin Islands is about 86,000. The British Virgin Islands homicide rate, when reported, averages about 7.5/100,000 of population per year. This correspondent has not found records since 2007. The US Virgin Islands homicide rate has averaged about 40.6/100,000 over the last 25 years.

Jamaica, another island nation in the Caribbean, had relatively low murder rates under British rule, and relatively mild gun laws. Jamaica became independent in 1962. In 1967 it instituted extreme, draconian laws restricting gun ownership. Murder rates increased tenfold.

Another entity in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, recently made major reforms in its firearm laws. Puerto Rico greatly reduced restrictions on owning and carrying firearms. The murder rate dropped.

The United States has the largest concentration of firearms in the world. Saying countries in the Caribbean obtain most of their firearms from the United States is similar to saying water is wet.

Analysis: The purpose of a report showing there are high rates of violent crime committed in some Caribbean nations, with high numbers of murders committed with guns from the United States, is to persuade the reader to believe the solution to violent crime in Caribbean nations is to restrict gun ownership in the United States.

This is not reporting. This is Orwellian propaganda.  This correspondent uses the term Orwellian precisely. The purpose of "news" in Orwell's novel 1984, was to restrict how people could think. The Miami Herald article is part of an attempt by a political movement to restrict how people can think about firearms ownership. The means of reducing violent crime are well known.  Extreme control of firearms ownership is not required.  To reduce violent crime: Create a "trust society" where people trust the police, the political system, and believe a reasonable approximation of justice will be produced by the courts. When the body of the people trust the justice system, and work with it, violent crime is reduced to low levels.

• Create laws which are simple and easy to understand.
• Enforce the laws fairly and reasonably effectively.
• Hold people who abuse their legal authority to account.

These actions are opposite of what Leftist political philosophers require:

• Make laws to govern every situation, in such ways, no one is sure what is legal or illegal. This maximizes government power.
• Enforce the law based on the political requirements of the moment. Find the man you wish or "need" to prosecute, then find the crime in order to prosecute the man.
• Hold people in power accountable only if it serves the purpose of the political moment.

When a person knowingly subjects other people to the last three actions, they fear retribution. High rates of legal firearm ownership give people who are victims of the last three points a way of making life difficult for the people who victimized them.  There appears to be a correlation between high levels of corruption in government and highly restrictive firearms laws.   A knowledgeable source told this correspondent the most corrupt jurisdiction in the United States is the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

©2024 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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