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Kerry Reshapes Agenda for Gun-Control Lobby
Submitted by: medicdave

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"Sen. John Kerry's desire to be viewed as a gun-toting Democrat has left the gun-control lobby noticeably silent during the 2004 presidential campaign..."

"The Brady Campaign's Ramsey didn't dispute Kerry's voting record. After all, Kerry has consistently received a 100 percent rating from the group."

" 'I don't think Kerry is trying to be someone he's not. That's part of his persona; he goes hunting. He is an excellent shot,' Ramsey said. 'I think he also has not hidden the fact that he believes in gun violence prevention and has voted that way every time he's had a chance to.' "

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1) [Gun Control] vs. [Gun Violence Prevention] - Big Difference.
2) 17 of 25 birds in a trap match does not make you an "excellent shot".

Kennedy Now Knows How Gun Owners Feel When Fouled by NICS Delays, Says CCRKBA
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Ted Kennedy wonders how 'average Americans' who are getting caught up in homeland security checks can be treated fairly and not have their rights abused... He might well have wondered the same thing about the National Instant Check System before he helped push that legislation through Congress... but because background checks for gun buyers at the time didn't infringe on his rights, he was only too happy to promote that anti-gun hysteria."

"Now Kennedy has discovered how it feels to have some government agent detain him because his name is similar to some other name on a computer... This is the kind of affront to which law-abiding citizens are subjected to every day simply because they want to exercise a constitutional right ..."

Erich Pratt: Will the Brady Bunch Ever 'See the Light'?
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"As a spokesman for Gun Owners of America, I frequently hear the same questions over and over again."

"One of the more common queries is this: 'Considering all the evidence that gun control has failed, why doesn't the Brady Bunch realize the error of their ways?' "

"It's a good question. After all, the evidence that gun control laws have done nothing to curb crime is astounding."

"Cities like Washington, DC and Chicago duke it out every year for the dubious "honor" of being the nation's Murder Capital."

"Both cities have draconian gun bans. Both cities have made it difficult to defend oneself with a firearm. And yet, both cities still find it impossible to keep bad guys from carrying firearms."

"Go figure."

Peter and Helen Evans: The Truth about Guns
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"We recently took the safety course required to obtain a 'concealed-carry' permit for a handgun. As residents of the District of Columbia we cannot even legally own a bullet without registering it, and handguns are completely illegal. Yet, since we believe in the Second Amendment, we wanted to have first hand facts." ...

"...The class stressed that one shouldn't handle guns when drinking or even when fatigued. Those who can legally carry deadly force are that much more aware of the consequences of making stupid mistakes, in every aspect of their lives. Such an increased awareness and alertness would make the world a safer place if more people adopted it."

Ken Schram Commentary: They Want Guns On Demand
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"My commentary ...on extending background checks and waiting periods to gun purchases between private parties was not well-received in some circles ..."

"...My question is why are people claiming protection under the 1st Amendment labeled as 'responsible journalists', while those claiming 2nd Amendment protections (are) '2nd Amendment freaks?' "

"Here you go again, taking pot shots at guns...There are...people who (also) use cars or hammers to kill. (So) maybe we need more hammer and car control." ...

"I have a .38 and every once in a while it follows me around the room. Once in a while, it hammers back, like it wants to shoot me, and even pulls its own trigger. Thank God there are no humans around to put bullets in it!"

Should Christians carry guns?
Submitted by: medicdave

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"What would you do if armed terrorists broke into your church and starting attacking you, your family and friends in the middle of a worship service? The man who fought back with his concealed handgun during just such a terrorist attack on his church wrote an incredible book about the experience."

"Instinctively, I knelt down behind the bench in front of me and pulled out my .38 special snub-nosed revolver, which I always carried with me. I would have felt undressed without it. Many people could not understand why I would carry a firearm into a church service, but I argued that this was a particularly dangerous time in South Africa �"

Effective self defense has since been outlawed in South Africa.

Gun Ban Expiration May Affect Industry Little Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The 10-year-old law banning so-called assault weapons expires Sept. 13. But the gun industry doesn't expect much to change, because there are firearms legally available now that do what the banned weapons did. NPR's Larry Abramson reports." Link includes audio to the story.

AZ: LaWall: Renew assault gun ban
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Flanked by local and national gun safety advocates, Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall on Thursday called on concerned citizens and President Bush to 'forcefully demand' that Congress renew the ban on assault weapons, set to expire next month."

"The 1994 law banned the manufacture and sale of semiautomatic assault weapons and ammunition clips holding more than 10 rounds, except for police and military use. The bill bans by name 19 different firearms, as well as copies or duplicates of those."

"As Congress readies for its fall recess, pressure for action to reauthorize the ban is mounting. LaWall joined with the Million Mom March organization and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence for a press conference ..."

IN: Officer Hit in Deadly Indiana Shootout Says Gunman Was 'Gun Nut'
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Koe's high-powered rifle was out of bullets when he charged Anderson, slammed his rifle against the gunman, then killed him with his handgun, according to a preliminary police inquiry."

"Police said Anderson, who had also emptied his SKS assault rifle, had reached for his own pistol at the same time."

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Notice that the policeman's weapon was a "high powered rifle." But the "gun nut's" weapon of choice - an SKS - was an "assault" rifle, which wasn't even included in the 1994 ban.

IN: City Attorney: Law Isn't Clear on Mental Health/Gun Ownership Issue
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Mayor Bart Peterson is asking for a review of the decision to return weapons to the man who ambushed Indianapolis police Wednesday morning."

"Kenneth Anderson is the gunman responsible for killing Officer Jake Laird and wounding four other police officers Wednesday morning. Anderson also killed his mother. Police seized his weapons in January and Anderson was treated at a hospital for a psychiatric condition, but two months later, he got his weapons back."

"There is talk of changing the law, but before that point can be reached, there will be many interviews, and a lot of research."

CA: Toy gun ban a misfire
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"KNOW what's scarier than a toy handgun? Cops shooting children who play with the real-looking replicas and legislators like Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, whose child acted like the kid he is when it came to the toys." ...

"We see no sense in the legislation overwhelmingly approved by the Assembly Wednesday that would ban toy guns in public and in the front yards of private residences...."

"This kind of action only makes sense against the paramilitary law-enforcement attitude that condones shooting through the window of a home and killing a man holding a toy gun during a Halloween party, as did Los Angeles Police in a 2000 incident."

ID: Tragedy Prompts Need For Increased Gun Safety
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"An accidental shooting 'with a 22 rifle' kills a 6 year old Kimberly boy."

"The 9-1-1 call came in about 7 o'clock last night... but Austin Nebeker died before emergency crews could respond."

"The Kimberly Police Chief knows who shot the boy... but won't tell us who it is... that's because he says it was an accident."

"Cases like this do happen in Southeast Idaho... although rarely... but just one death 'like this' is too many."

"That's why several law enforcement agencies are giving away free gun locks"

IL: Gov vetoes protection for homeowners with guns
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed a bill Friday meant to provide legal protection for homeowners who violate local gun ordinances by shooting intruders." ...

"The bill the governor vetoed Friday would have allowed people in situations like DeMar's to argue self-defense if charged with violating such an ordinance. It would not have guaranteed the defendant wouldn't be convicted."

"Blagojevich said he vetoed the measure because he believed it would encourage people in cities such as Wilmette to buy handguns and hide them."

NM: Farmington police destroy seized guns
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

The Farmington Police Department has destroyed 114 pistols, rifles, and other firearms seized in recent years or turned in by residents who wanted them destroyed.

The guns were destroyed Thursday under a court order.

It�s been about four years since the Farmington police last destroyed guns from its evidence unit.

The guns were cut up by Farmington welder Rocky Ellis. He used a cutting torch to ensure none of the parts could be refurbished.

He split the barrels, melted the pins, and destroyed the serial numbers.

Police Captain Bob Bussey says the city used to auction off guns no longer needed as evidence.

But he says Farmington didn�t want to put confiscated weapons back on the street.

UK: Two charged over drive-by shooting
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Two men have been charged after a 13-year-old boy was injured in a drive-by shooting."

"Craig Claridge, of Didcot, Oxfordshire, is in a stable condition after being hit by shotgun fire from a car in the town's Edinburgh Drive just after 10.30pm on Thursday."

"Simon Roberts, 18, and David Johnson, 20, have been charged with wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life."

"The pair, both from Hadden Hill in Didcot, have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Saturday."

MO: Next Conceal and Carry course is announced
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Missouri Southern State University's Law Enforcement Academy has scheduled the next firearms safety training courses to satisfy the training requirement for the "Conceal and Carry" statute in Missouri."

"The eight-hour class will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 in the Mills Anderson Criminal Justice Center at MSSU."

"This training course has been approved for Barton, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald and Newton County residents. Participants will receive training in the areas of legal requirements of use of force, care and cleaning of firearms, handgun safety, and legal aspects of firearms."

UK: Firearm incidents risk lives Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW: A surge in the number of firearm incidents in central Scotland is putting lives at risk, say police. Strathclyde Police has received 1,077 reports of firearm incidents since the start of this financial year, up from 837 for the same period last year. The force sent armed officers to 29 of the incidents and warned the public against carrying real or fake weapons.

UK: This gun is only a toy but carrying it could still get you killed
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A GLASGOW police chief today warned that anyone who brandishes a toy gun or replica weapon at police could end up being shot dead."

"Assistant Chief Constable Ricky Gray made the grim warning as he showed how some fake guns are almost identical to real ones."

"He showed a replica gun, a blank-firing weapon and a real 9mm pistol ... which all look virtually the same."

"And he warned: 'There may come a time when our officers fear for their own safety or a member of the public's safety and they have to discharge a weapon.' "

"The police chief's alarm over fake weapons follows a surge in firearms incidents."

UK: Police search for yet another handgun used in a crime in "gun free" UK
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"POLICE yesterday searched a public park for the handgun fired during a daring �40,000 bank robbery in Paisley."

"Officers were also looking for anything the fleeing raiders may have thrown away, including balaclava-type masks, pieces of clothing and the small blue and red plastic-covered cash box snatched from a terrified security guard."

"The police squad combed the large park at Saucel Hill where the armed robbers' red getaway car was found partly burned out just yards off Ardgowan Avenue."

Use of Tasers increasing
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

After a City Commission decision this week, Tallahasee police will be getting new Taser stun guns, weapons that stun suspects with a debilitating bolt of electricity.

Florida is among the states with the most Tasers in use, with more than 200 police departments issuing them statewide. But despite claims by commanders and officials at manufacturer Taser International - who say Tasers reduce the number of officers injured in the line of duty - the statewide proportion of officers injured every year has not changed since Tasers were introduced.

Still, some regional agencies, like Tallahassee's, have seen reduced numbers of injuries.

TN: Regulations in sight for gun ranges
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Bill Prettyman's farm used to be a place where he could escape from the gunfire he heard at Fort Campbell."

"But now he can't escape the gunfire just down the road from his house on Cooper Creek Road in the county."

"His relaxing evenings have turned into a continuation of his experiences on an M-16 firing range, even though the property on Cooper Creek isn't zoned as a firing range." ...

"Prettyman has taken his concerns to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Planning Commission, which is expected to vote on proposed gun range regulations at the Aug. 25 meeting."

"The regulations, which have been on the back burner for most of the year, mirror those backed by the National Rifle Association."

NY: Teenager arrested for shooting in gun control "haven"
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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" Brooklyn teenager has been arrested for killing a young man and critically wounding another teen in a hail of bullets, authorities said yesterday."

"Jason Grant, 18, of East Flatbush, was ordered held without bail after his arraignment yesterday in Brooklyn Criminal Court on charges of murder, attempted murder and weapons possession."

"Police said Grant attacked Omari Lewis, 19, and his friend, Shawn Nurse, 22, outside 1635 Albany Ave. in Flatbush early Monday morning. The two friends had just left another pal's house and were heading to their homes nearby, cops said."

"Lewis was shot seven times and was in serious condition at Kings County Hospital. Nurse bled to death after he was hit once in the thigh, sources said."

TX: Youth event offered at gun club
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

If you are looking for something a little bit different for your kids Saturday, Greenwood Gun Club has an option for you.

A field day event for parents and their kids will be open to both current and prospective members of Greenwood from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

�It started a couple of years ago as a way to bring Brazoria County youths and make them aware of shooting sports,� organizer Charlie Robuck said. �We�ll take ages 8 to 19, and it�s basically the teaching of safety on firearms to these youngsters and adults.�

IN: Controlling the weapons
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Wednesday morning's shooting spree that ended with three dead and four wounded has people asking questions about the laws that failed to save lives."

" 'When the framers wrote that in the Constitution, I'm sure they didn't mean you have a right to bear arms if you are mentally ill. You can get one undetected at a gun show and you can go out and kill somebody with it.' Representative Julia Carson said she has already signed on to a letter to President Bush asking him to stop the federal assault weapons ban from expiring Sept. 15."

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1 - The framers meant the people had the right to keep and bear arms. Period.

2 - The AW ban does not cover SKS's, so extending this worthless ban is completely useless

MS: City starts gun-lock giveaway
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"It's a human instinct to protect loved ones, and now there is one more way to do that in Greenville."

"The Greenville Police Department will be distributing safety gun locks to residents free of charge, Police Chief Lester Carter said Thursday."

"The Police Department has partnered with Project Child Safe, part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, for the lock distribution."

"The program, developed by the National Shooting Sport Foundation, is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice and Firearms Industrial."

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Protecting loved ones also means having your tool of self defense available in case you need it, and not incapacitated at taxpayers' expense.

SC: Richland Deputies distribute gun locks
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Richland County Sheriff's Deputies want people to know how dangerous guns can be.

They distributed gun locks at the Fairlawn Community Center on Wilson Boulevard on Thursday evening. In addition to handing out the locks, deputies also talked to residents about gun safety and the importance of keeping your guns locked and far away from children.

Half of all gun owners keep their guns loaded and in accessible locations.

SC: Hundreds say final goodbye to deputy
Submitted by: medicdave

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"Hundreds of men and women - many of them in uniform - turned out Thursday to pay final respects to a slain Beaufort County deputy. Five days after Robert Odam was gunned down while off duty in Richland County, a memorial was held to remember the 22-year-old deputy, husband and friend."

(no media bias against private ownership here!)

"After target shooting with his brothers-in-law, he was gunned down by a neighbor who claimed someone killed his cat, police say."

"The neighbor, Thomas G. Rye, 58, of Columbia, claimed he shot Odam in self-defense while Odam was trespassing."

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Poster's Note: Self-defense justifications end when "initial aggressor" clauses begin.

TX: Game Wardens to use M-16 rifles donated by government (and originally bought by you and I)
Submitted by: motoboy

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"Texas Game Wardens will soon carry military rifles donated by the federal government."

"The military had a surplus of M-16 rifles and decided to donate them to law enforcement agencies across the country, said Col. James Stinebaugh, director of TPWD�s Law Enforcement Division in Austin."

"The weapons will especially help Game Wardens stationed along the coast who come in contact with individuals who are better armed, or are aiding other law enforcement agencies involved in operations in the area."

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Sounds like the feds have just recruited TX game wardens as soldiers in the War on Some Drugs. How many wine smugglers will they encounter? "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws." - Tacitus

UK: Police report rise in gun alerts
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Scotland's largest police force has reported a large increase in the number of calls it has dealt with involving firearms."

"A 27% per cent rise in gun emergencies has been reported in Strathclyde in the past four months, compared to the same period last year."

"Last week alone there were six, including a young boy with learning difficulties carrying an air weapon."

"But police report a fall in the criminal use of firearms."

UK: Sentence raised to life for gun attacker
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A MAN who walked into a police station and shot an officer was jailed for life yesterday after appeal judges ruled that his original 10-year sentence was unduly lenient." ...

"Murray was sentenced to 10-years' detention at the High Court in Edinburgh for what the judge described as a 'callous and cold-blooded' crime." ...

"The Crown Office challenged the sentence imposed for the attempted murder and called for 'an exemplary sentence' to be passed on Murray."

OH: Cities should have right to ban guns from parks
Submitted by: medicdave

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"Clyde has been temporarily barred from prohibiting concealed weapons in city parks."

"And there is the very real possibility that the injunction could be come permanent."

"But something's seriously wrong here, and it appears to be up to the state legislature to correct the situation." ...

Let's get this straight:

A city can ban skateboarders from parks, but it cannot ban guns.

A city can ban grilling in parks, but it cannot ban guns.

A city can ban loitering in parks, but it cannot ban deadly weapons.

A city can ban dogs from parks, but it cannot ban guns.

A city can ban vendors from parks, but it cannot ban guns.

A city can ban bicycles and motor vehicles from parks, but it cannot ban guns.

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Poster's Note: Obviously the author is under the mistaken impression that banning legal concealed carry will somehow make Clyde parks "gun-free"! Better not point this out, though - she'd probably push for metal detectors at the gates and armed patrols if she learned the truth!

OH: Proposed ordinance would ban gun use in unincorporated area
Submitted by: medicdave

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"A proposed Washington County ordinance would ban the use of firearms -- with a few exceptions -- within the urban growth boundary."

"Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined as much as $100 and sent to jail for as many as 60 days, or both."

"But county officials admit the new rule may miss its target." ...

"The proposed ordinance, which county commissioners will discuss Tuesday, would be in addition to state rules that threaten a Class C felony if someone fires a gun at a person, building or vehicle within the firearm's range in a residential area. Both the state law and the proposed ordinance have exceptions for established target ranges and self-defense."

NY: Self-defense claimed in Magee Ave. death
Submitted by: medicdave

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"A Rochester man has claimed self-defense in the gang-related slaying of his girlfriend's cousin."

"Scott told investigators that he was a former member of the Bloods and claimed he advised Perry, who he said was a member of the rival Crips, to leave the gang for the sake of his family. When an argument escalated, Perry threatened Scott with a rifle and was shot when they struggled for control of it, Scott claimed."

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Poster's Note: If we had nationwide registration of all guns, do gun banners really think this one would have been on the list?

KY: TSA Screeners at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Intercept Gun at Checkpoint
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) intercepted a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition..."

"The loaded gun, found by screeners in a passenger's carry-on bag, is among 1,800 prohibited items intercepted by CVG screeners in the first 16 days of August. The passenger alleged that her husband stores the handgun in a closet where the bag is kept, and that she was unaware the handgun was in the bag when she packed it for her trip. Airport Police arrested the passenger for carrying a concealed weapon. TSA has proposed a $3,000 civil penalty against the passenger. Local and state charges are pending."

UK: Shotgun raid youth avoids jail sentence
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A boy of 12 who terrorised a greengrocer and his family with a sawn-off shotgun avoided a custodial sentence yesterday because of his age."

"The boy, believed to be Britain's youngest armed robber, pointed the gun at the shopkeeper before demanding cash and cigarettes, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard."

"Judge Robin Onions, sentencing him to a three-year supervision order, told the boy, now 13, that he would have gone to jail had he been older."

TN: Police say former student brought gun to victim disarmament zone
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"School resource officer Curtis Watkins was called to the auditorium just before 2 p.m. in response to a disturbance, police said in a statement. There, he found former student Mandricus T. Darden, 18, of 14th Avenue North in a confrontation with a student."

"Watkins asked Darden to stand up, and when he did, a semiautomatic pistol fell from his pants, police said. Darden then fled." ...

"The school was briefly locked down."

MI: Police concerned about toy guns
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Is it real or a toy?"

"That's a tough question for Shelby Township police officers to answer in a split second if confronted by a gun on the street."

"Township police have been notified that a local dollar store is selling plastic pistols that fire a hard pellet at a relatively high velocity."

"The potential for mom's concern of "You'll shoot your eye out," is one thing, but the situation could be much worse, according to Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Leman."

"Across the nation and particularly in New York City, several people bearing toy guns have been shot and injured or killed by police officers who mistakenly believed the guns that they saw were real."

HI: MPD starts stun gun training
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"As a 50,000-volt electrical impulse surged through his chest Wednesday, Maui police Sgt. Jamie Becraft struggled to remain upright on his knees." ...

"After taking the hit as part of a demonstration of a Taser stun gun that police plan to begin using this year, Becraft said he could appreciate the value of the weapon." ...

"Some Maui police officers will be carrying the Tasers as part of a pilot project expected to begin within a few months, said Maui Police Chief Tom Phillips."

SC: No criminal charges in school gun raid
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A guns-drawn raid at a high school last year did not violate civil rights laws and the case is closed, the U.S. Justice Department said."

"The decision means there will be no criminal charges, said Andy Savage, a lawyer for officers in the sweep at the Goose Creek high school."

"Fifteen officers entered Stratford High School's main hallway and ordered 130 students to the floor November 5 of last year. They used plastic ties to handcuff 18 students and school officials opened and searched 17 book bags using a drug dog."