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VA: Virginia Tech's ban on guns may draw legal fire
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Virginia Tech's recent action against a student caught carrying a gun to class could draw unwanted attention from groups already angry about firearms restrictions on public college campuses." ...

"David Briggman, a resident of Keezletown in Rockingham County, has made it his personal mission to challenge state colleges' authority to enact tougher gun restrictions than the state."

"Briggman, who is a former police officer, said he forced Blue Ridge Community College to allow him to carry a gun onto campus while a student. And he sued James Madison University over its ban on concealed weapons even among permit holders. While JMU's policy still stands, Briggman said he has been told by campus police officials that they will not arrest visitors who carry a gun legally."

VA: Tech sticks by campus gun ban following student's arrest Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Virginia Tech officials say a student who carried a concealed weapon to class faces disciplinary action, even though there is NO state law prohibiting guns on state college campuses." "Campus police stopped the student earlier this semester. The student had a state-issued permit allowing him to carry a concealed gun and was NOT charged."

AZ: House OKs bill to let guns in bars, restaurants
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The Arizona House voted Tuesday to let people take guns into bars and restaurants if the establishments don't deny them permission and if the bearers aren't drinking alcohol."

"Arizona now bans possession of firearms in bars and restaurants that sell alcohol."

"Supporters say current law deprives law-abiding citizens of the means to protect themselves and others and subjects their guns to the risk of theft if they're left in vehicles parked outside bars or restaurants."

AZ: Army Reservist Charged in Border Detention
Submitted by: Bill Arevalo

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Submitter's Note: So this guy can go defend the sovereignty of Iraq but not the USA?

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"An Army reservist was arrested on charges of holding seven Mexicans at gunpoint at a rest stop in southern Arizona, where civilian efforts to watch for illegal immigrants have raised fears of vigilante violence."

"Sgt. Patrick Haab, 24, was apparently acting alone and not involved with the Minuteman Project, which has organized volunteers for a monthlong effort to watch for immigrants and drug smugglers along the border."

"Officials said Haab used his vehicle to stop the seven men from driving away from an interstate rest stop Sunday, then ordered them to lie on the ground or be shot."

"He was being held on seven counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon."

AZ: Reservist accused of detaining immigrants says he's a victim (Follow up)
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Sgt. Patrick Haab ...said he drew a revolver he wears legally under Arizona's open carry law to stop six men - later determined to be illegal immigrants - from rushing him Sunday night at a rest stop ..." ...

"Haab said he stopped to use the rest room and let his pet dog out of the car on a return drive to Phoenix from San Diego when he was attacked at a rest stop ..." ...

" 'I never used force on them, I never threatened them, I never cocked the hammer,' said Haab, who is assigned to the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion from Kalamazoo, Mich. He said he acted in self-defense, thinking the men were going to tackle him as they got within about 10 feet."

CO: Gun advocates take aim at wildlife bill
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Legislation that would spread some of the cost of taking care of Colorado wildlife to non-hunters is being fought [by] sportsmen."

"The bill would require people using state wildlife areas to buy a $5 stamp, which would generate an estimated $7 million a year to acquire and improve wildlife habitat. The annual charge would apply to hunters and anglers as well as non-hunters who don't pay any entrance fees now."

"House Bill 1266 would also increase resident hunting and fishing fees for the first time in 13 years."

"The higher license fees don't bother Dave Gill, vice president of the Colorado State Shooting Association. He thinks it's unfair to charge hunters for the stamp on top of their license fees."

Guns and Responsibility
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"As far as that argument goes, it's absolutely right. It is wrong to blame a responsible, law-abiding company for the actions of a criminal. It would be frivolous and wrong to sue a legitimate, conscientious gun manufacturer over what someone else did with a legally obtained weapon. If that were all this bill sought to prevent, there would be little reason to quarrel with it."

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That is exactly what the bill is trying to prevent, and exactly what the antis are doing - trying to sue the industry out of existence by dragging responsible, law-abiding business owners into court.

Shooting from the hip about new gun laws
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Yes, guns can protect people - sometimes." KABA Note: As many as 2.5 million people use guns in self defense annually. This is not just "sometimes."

"But it's a leap from that incident to what The Associated Press reported last weekend: States are falling all over themselves to loosen gun ownership and 'concealed-carry' restrictions, even suggesting the abolishment of rules that require training before pistol permits are approved." ...

"Arizona's Senate has approved a measure that would let people carry guns into bars and restaurants - as long as they aren't drinking."

"Why would you go into a bar unless you were going to drink?" KABA Note: To grab a bite or spend time with friends, perhaps?

"The notion that the more people we have armed, the better chances of preserving the peace is a dubious one. ..." KABA Note: According to statistics, this notion is true. But don't let facts stand in the way of your hysterical posturing.

Don't bulletproof the gun industry
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"It is hard to understand how Congress and the Bush White House can look out across a nation bloodied by gun violence -- where tens of thousands of people die annually from gunshot wounds -- and conclude that what this country really needs is a bulletproof gun industry."

"Yet any day now the House and Senate are expected to take up legislation granting legal immunity to gun manufacturers and sellers, and provide them with a shield from damage claims when their products kill or maim."

FL: Shoot First and Don't Flee?
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Florida's lawmakers have passed a bill to remove criminal penalties for anyone who shoots an attacker even if the shooter didn't first make an effort to escape."

"The "Stand Your Ground" bill, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Jeb Bush, removes the 'retreat if it is prudent' clause from state law, thus giving citizens the right to use deadly force - even when it may not be needed." KABA Note: Spoken like someone who has never been assaulted or raped.

"The Florida measure would push citizens toward a mentality of 'shoot first and ask questions later.' And it could even encourage more citizens to carry weapons, thus increasing the possibility for using deadly force. Accidental shootings could also rise, especially among those with no gun training. ..." KABA Note: More hysterical misrepresentation. According to Packing.org, training documentation is required in order to get a concealed carry license.

Limiting gun access does not reduce crime
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"...Pro-gun laws are on a roll throughout the country, but their true impetus was changing hearts and minds, not in legalistic arguments."

"Places where handgun carry is more common are better off for it. FBI statistics illustrate the fact that states allowing concealed weapon carry have much lower rates of violent crime, murder, robbery and aggravated assault than states with significant restrictions. Conversely, restricting or eliminating the right to carry inevitably causes gun-related crimes to increase."

OH: Ohio denies press pass to concealed-carry backer
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A volunteer for one of Ohio's most vocal concealed-weapons groups tried last month to join an enemy camp of sorts: the press corps."

"Chad Baus, the volunteer news manager for Ohioans for Concealed Carry's Web site, asked the Ohio Department of Public Safety in a March 23 e-mail to declare him a journalist and issue him its special media credential card." ...

"We provide the media card so that law enforcement agencies and personnel can, at critical incidents, more quickly identify journalists working for large media organizations. We don't, by policy for security reasons, issue them to freelance journalists or internet only organizations."

RI: Coalition: R.I. wants gun law
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Nicknamed the 'Homicide Prevention Act,' the bill is the 'number one legislative priority' of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, according to that groups director, Deborah DeBare. ..." ...

"One of the modifications in this years version of the bill that supporters say will make it more likely to win passage, is a provision that would, under a protective order, allow abusers who are required to carry a firearm at work to do so while on the job. Previously, only police officers were exempted."

OH: Unloaded Handgun Found In Locker Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A gun was found inside a locker inside a middle school on Wednesday morning, according to Columbus Public Schools."... "A student told an administrator that a seventh grade male student brought a gun to school, Marcelain said." "An unloaded 9 mm handgun was later found inside a school locker..."

How to Form a Shooting Group
Submitted by: Jennifer Freeman
Website: http://www.libertybelles.org

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"Forming a shooting group is an easy way to meet and establish positive relationships with people. ..." ...

"A successful shooting group will likely meet on a consistent basis, whether it's once a week, twice a month, once a month, or once per quarter. Depending upon the frequency of your events, you may find that your attendance varies based on the schedules of your participants."

"It's a good idea to check with your selected range prior to committing to a day and time. Some ranges have Ladies' Day where women do not have to pay range fees. ..."

IL: Secret Service looks into art exhibit with political overtones
Submitted by: News Admin

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"The Secret Service sent agents to investigate a college art gallery exhibit ...to guarantee 'this is nothing more than artwork with a political statement," a spokesman said Tuesday.' "

"The exhibit, called 'Axis of Evil: The Secret History of Sin,' opened last week at Columbia College's Glass Curtain Gallery in Chicago." ...

"The two federal agents arrived at the exhibit's opening night Thursday, took photos of some of the works and asked for the artists' contact information..."

"Brown said the agents were most interested in Chicago artist Al Brandtner's 'Patriot Act,' a sheet of mock 37-cent red, white and blue stamps showing a revolver pointed at President Bush's head."

NE: Omaha Police Department Reviewing Taser Gun Policy
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Some law enforcement agencies say Taser guns are useful deals for dealing with dangerous suspects, but critics say they run the risk of being misused."

"Omaha police have used the stun guns 170 [times]in a little over a year, but until a Tuesday night forum conducted by a law enforcement advisory committee, there had been little in the way of public input on how and when the weapons should be used..."

VA: Firing range request up in the air Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Website: http://www.nysrpa.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Fauquier County will have to wait a while longer to see whether a recreational firing range will be constructed locally." "Wednesday, the Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to postpone decision on an applicant's request to build one near the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport on Midland Road in the Cedar Run District -- voicing a slew of concerns in the process."

PA: Evans urges gun bill
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Gun-toting bad guys busted for a third time could soon be sentenced to a mandatory five-year jail sentence."

"Fourth-time gun-carrying violent offenders and drug traffickers could get 10 years in jail if state Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Philadelphia, has his way."

"Evans' bill, approved by the House Judiciary Committee yesterday, aims to put career criminals behind bars and thwart others from going down the same path."

AK: Limits on local gun laws sail through the House
Submitted by: William Furby

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"Despite concerns from local officials, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation that would bar cities and boroughs from going any further than the state in restricting firearms."

"In Anchorage, for example, it would mean state law allowing unloaded firearms in bars would overrule municipal code banning any guns where liquor is served, said Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage, one of only four House members who voted against the bill Tuesday."

NRA goes nontraditional
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Perhaps the most enduring image of the National Rifle Association is Charlton Heston, brandishing a rifle above his head, stirring the crowd with his oft-repeated, 'From my cold, dead hands!' "

"It is a tough act to follow."

"Sandra S. Froman, the NRA's first vice president, is expected to be elected president by the NRA's board of directors on Monday, after the group's annual convention, which begins Friday in Houston."

IL: Senate committee approves gun-control bills
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The Illinois Senate will consider measures that require buyers to go through background checks at gun shows after committee approval today."

"The Judiciary Committee also O-K'd proposals to create separate offenses for each illegal gun found on a person and stiffens penalties for gun-toting repeat offenders."

"Both gun-control opponents and supporters say the so-called 'gun-show loophole' is a measure that could be closed in legislation this year. It requires criminal background checks at gun shows just like buyers in stores."

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Actually, most rational gun control opponents understand that the "loophole" does not exist.

NY: Police charge girl with threatening to shoot classmates
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A 14-year-old girl is facing felony charges of making terrorist threats after authorities said she talked about shooting students at her school."

"Police said the ninth-grader at Washingtonville High School was arrested Thursday. She allegedly threatened to mark the sixth anniversary of the Columbine school shootings on April 20 with an attack on her classmates."

"Police said she made a list of names of students she wanted to kill and drew pictures of a girl in a school hallway with a gun."

UK: Here's what you have to go through to get justice in Britain
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A teacher who was jailed for firing a pellet gun after she claimed youths vandalised her home went on hunger strike yesterday when her application to be freed on bail pending an appeal was refused." ...

"Linda Walker, 48, a special needs teacher, was jailed at Manchester crown court on March 29 for six months after being found guilty of affray and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear and violence."

NY: Fraud-rap police sergeant also murder suspect
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A police sergeant indicted on charges he became a naturalized citizen through a sham marriage also is under investigation in the 2001 killing of an ex-girlfriend, authorities said Wednesday."

"Federal and local law enforcement officials identified Sgt. Martin Peters as a key suspect in the brutal slaying of Juliette Alexander, an immigration officer, in 2001. Investigators hope Peters' arrest on federal charges will help crack the unsolved case ..."

KY: Fort Campbell Soldiers Indicted On Gun Smuggling Charges Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The two soldiers were accused of smuggling machine guns out of Iraq and trying to sell them in the United States." "Nigel Brown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Beau Uran of Clarksville were deployed to Iraq in 2003." "The indictment accused the two of getting their hands on 17 AK-47s and a Chinese model assault rifle."

Liberia: Violence is a Result of 'Small Arms' Says COPE Boss Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Executive Director for the Center for Peace Education and Democracy, Mr. Robert Miller says the prolonged armed violence in Liberia is a result of the proliferation of small arms." "He blamed Liberian politicians for allegedly promoting gun violence and corruption in the country."

TX: Store clerk helps capture attempted robbers Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A store clerk's quick thinking helped Houston police capture two men who tried to rob his convenience store." ... "Police said the clerk was shot in the shoulder. But he somehow grabbed his own gun, distracted the suspects by shooting in the air, then pistol-whipped one of them." "A second clerk called police from a back room."

MI: City police to trade in tommy guns for new rifles
Submitted by: News Admin

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"The city of Muskegon will swap its collection of six submachine guns for 20 modern police rifles, saving some $19,000 in the process."

"The submachine guns -- two Thompsons and four Uzis -- apparently came into the city's possession as government surplus but are useless as law enforcement tools, said Tony Kleibecker, the city's public safety director."

"However, they are very usable by filmmakers and the city recently was contacted by Cinema Weaponry LLC of Glendale, Calif., which provides weapons for the movie industry, about a trade."

FL: Teen Arrested for Bringing Stun Gun to School
Submitted by: News Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

An Alachua County teenager was arrested at school for bringing a stun gun to campus.

Police say another student told campus police at Westwood Middle School that the teenager had a gun.

The student turned the weapon over and was arrested on campus.

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office says the stun gun was disguised as a cell phone and manufactured for self defense.

It is legal to purchase a stun gun, but illegal for anyone under 16 to carry one, or bring it to school.

MI: Police: Gun Confiscated From High School Student Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Police said he used the weapon to rob a 17-year-old student outside Finney High School in Detroit on Tuesday." "The 17-year-old pointed the 18-year-old out to school guards on Wednesday, police said. Police arrested the 18-year-old and confiscated the weapon."

LA: Town police will step up efforts to get toy guns off streets Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Toy guns that look like the real things are no laughing matter in Berwick." "At Tuesdays meeting of the mayor and council, town leaders stressed the seriousness of possessing spring-loaded 'AirSoft' guns." "Mayor Emmett Hardaway said town officials are taking a proactive stance in trying to curb the use of such guns, particularly because they so closely resemble actual weapons."