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MO: St. Louis jury finds man acted in self-defense, acquits him of murder
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A jury acquitted a man of murder on Wednesday, finding he acted in self-defense during a fight outside his home last year.
Stanley Barge, 32, was charged in July with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 38-year-old Shaun Hunt. Police said Barge was at fault for Hunt's death and refused to leave his home to be arrested.
But Barge's attorney, Johnny Peddicord, said it was clear from the beginning his client was trying to protect himself. Barge also fully cooperated with police during his arrest, Peddicord said. |
MO: Can a doorbell ring justify a ‘stand your ground’ shooting?
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Andrew Lester had already gone to bed when the doorbell rang a little before 10 p.m. He got up, grabbed a gun and went to check it out. Seeing a Black male appearing to pull the handle of the front door, police say the 84-year-old white man opened fire. No questions asked.
Lester told police he believed someone was attempting to break into his house.
That belief — though wrong — could become a defense as Lester faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action for shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, an honor student who went to the wrong Kansas City address while attempting to pick up his younger siblings. |
CO: Colorado Democrats introduce assault-style weapons ban
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Colorado Democrats introduced legislation to ban assault-style weapons in the state Wednesday, marking the first time the legislature has considered such a ban.
House Bill 23-1230, also known as "Prohibit Assault Weapons in Colorado," was introduced by state Rep. Elisabeth Epps and state Sen. Rhonda Fields, both Democrats. Hundreds of people gathered at the state Capitol to express their support or protest the legislation. |
Justice Thomas should go. Immediately.
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But, even more obviously, Justice Thomas should go. Immediately. Every day that he remains on the Supreme Court is a day in which public respect for and trust in the court get dimmer.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. owes his old comrade-in-conservatism a private “Be missing, Clarence, while it’s still your choice.” But he must also inform his old friend that if he fails to retire promptly, he, Justice Roberts, will go public with a full-throated denunciation of Justice Thomas’s behavior — and he’ll encourage others to join in his angry calls. |
Capable Collectible: Smith & Wesson Victory Model
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This is a solid, no-nonsense revolver meant for close-quarters self-defense by U.S. Naval and Marine aviators. There were few guns available at the start of World War II, and S&W stepped up with its M&P six-shot .38-caliber revolver. First patented in 1899 as the Hand Ejector model, the gun caught the attention of both Army and Navy and became known as the Military & Police (M&P). |
I Carry a Firearm Every Day. Yes, the Second Amendment Is Killing Us
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For years, I voted for Republicans, including twice for former President Donald Trump and once, in 2018, for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. I have come to see the modern-day Republican Party as a destructive force in our lives. And I have come to want the Second Amendment to be repealed, because it has close to zero modern-day applicability; it now enables bloodshed beyond anything the Founders might have imagined or been willing to endure. |
RI: We need to limit or repeal the 2nd Amendment
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We cannot ignore mass shootings. We are, none of us, safe anywhere. Even most gun owners are willing to limit and restrict guns to increase public safety.
Whenever public attention for gun control increases, silly season for some gun advocates begins. Using the word “enshrined,” they describe the Second Amendment like a religious relic. Enshrined means revered as a sacred object. The founders wrote the Second Amendment into the Constitution. They did not enshrine it. |
Vivek Ramaswamy angers Don Lemon in debate over civil war, Second Amendment: 'It's infuriating'
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2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy angered "CNN This Morning" host Don Lemon during a debate on gun rights for Black Americans while on-air.
During the heated exchange, Lemon took offense to Ramaswamy’s statements at an NRA conference last week about Democrats in the South instituting gun laws to prevent African Americans from protecting their newfound rights in the post-Civil War era.
Lemon reduced Ramaswamy’s point to a declaration that the Civil War was fought merely to give Black people gun rights and berated him for it, telling him the statement "insulted" him as a Black American.
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TN: Gov. Lee Calls on General Assembly to Pass ‘Order of Protection’ Bill to Strengthen Safety, Preserve Constitutional Rights
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Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called on the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation for a new ‘Order of Protection’ law before the end of the legislative session to strengthen the safety and preserve the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. This bill, which was drafted with input from legislative leadership, the Governor’s office and relevant departments, will improve Tennessee’s existing ‘Order of Protection’ framework. By guaranteeing due process and enhancing access to mental health support, this proposal is the best way to help individuals who intend to harm themselves or others, protect constitutional rights and keep our communities safe.
Ed.: The TN Senate Republicans said 'No.' |
OH: What are Ohio’s self-defense laws?
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In the last several days, self-defense laws have taken the spotlight after multiple shootings across the country.
First, 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot after ringing the wrong doorbell in Kansas City. Yarl was trying to pick up his younger brothers but ended up at the wrong address. The homeowner accused of shooting Yarl said he was scared for his life and thought Yarl was trying to break in. Yarl is back home recovering. |
TX: Gun Shop Owner Explains the Importance of Understanding Texas Castle Doctrine Law
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There is a legal description for Castle Doctrine Law in Texas. Prince says gun owners must understand it.
"Stand your ground boils down to one thing: Do you feel like your life is in danger?” Prince said. “Not insulted. Not hurt feelings. Are you really possibly going to lose your life? You stand your ground, and you are able to defend yourself."
Fort Worth attorney Lesa Pamplin recently defended a client whose murder charges were dismissed. She said a video showed the person he shot first lifted a gun at him. |
ATF director lambasted for not defining 'assault weapon': 'Why is he leading the agency?'
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach came under fire on Tuesday for once again failing to provide a definition to the term "assault weapon" despite leading the government agency dealing with firearms.
Dettelbach appeared before a House Appropriations subcommittee where he was questioned by Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, to define an assault weapon.
"As a gun owner of many different types and a 20-year military veteran, I have some expertise in weaponry and self-defense weapons. In 15 seconds, would you define an ‘assault weapon’ for me?" Ellzey asked. |
WA: Washington Senate Passes Semi-Automatic Firearm Ban Again
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Yesterday, the Senate voted 28-21 to pass House Bill 1240, a comprehensive ban on most commonly-owned semi-automatic firearms and firearm parts that exceeds the provisions of California’s ban. Due to an amendment being adopted on the Senate Floor during debate, the bill will now go to back to the House for concurrence. Please contact your state representatives and ask them to OPPOSE HB 1240. |
FN Five-seveN MK3 MRD 5.7x28mm Optics Ready
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When it comes to discussions involving the iconic 5.7x28mm cartridge and its associated pistol – the FN Five-seveN – it is the stuff of legend. It invokes thoughts of spy warfare, espionage, shooting through bullet-proof vests, and being one of the zippiest, most under-rated cartridges on the market today. So, that begs the question for the average range shooter… why would you want to own the new FN Five-seveN MK3 MRD?… Moreover, as hunters here at AllOutdoor, how can this firearm serves us in our explorations in the great outdoors?… We will look to answer all of those questions and more as we review the FN Five-seveN MK3 MRD 5.7x28mm Optics Ready pistol here today! |
MI: Livingston County Sheriff clarifies his position on gun control legislation
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The Michigan state legislature passed a series of bills regarding extreme risk protection orders, also known as red flag laws Wednesday. However, local counties are already saying they’ll defy the future laws. Livingston County is among them.
A subcommittee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners has already approved a resolution reaffirming their commitment to upholding the Second Amendment. In it, they pledge to not allow resources to be spent enforcing any law deemed to be contrary to the Constitution. |
How Much Does a Handgun Cost: A Complete Guide
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By any measure, most handguns are a great value. They can provide you with lifetime and even generational service. My sister still uses the Smith & Wesson Model 10 that was passed down to her from my grandfather. But like with a car, the initial cost of a handgun is just the beginning; you’re going to need accessories and ammunition to go with it, or all you really have is an expensive paperweight. So, just exactly how much does a handgun cost to acquire, use, and maintain? See below. |
Night Sights: The Key to Fighting the Night
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Since criminals obviously prefer to avoid apprehension, it should come as no surprise that criminal activity spikes at night. The cloak of darkness provides fewer witnesses and makes it more difficult for their intended victims to detect their approach.
But darkness isn’t confined to night. Consider being inside a building where the lights are off. If you carry a gun but haven’t practiced with it in a low-light environment, you’re way behind the curve. |
The Intersection Between Marijuana and the 2nd Amendment: What Gun Owners Need to Know
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Marijuana use has become increasingly common in the United States, with many states legalizing its use for medical or recreational purposes. However, U.S. federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which means it is illegal under federal law. This creates a confusing legal landscape that can impact the rights of citizens, particularly when it comes to the US Constitutional Second Amendment right to bear arms. In this article, we will explore how U.S. marijuana laws affect citizens’ rights to bear arms and what this means for those who use marijuana. This article does not opine on expanding or restricting gun rights in the U.S. in general. |
So Called ‘Assault Weapons’ ~ When Words Are Used Instead of Guns To Disarm Us
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Let’s start off at the very beginning, following the “Yellow Brick Road,” with a few definitions and essential information for those new gun owners, non-gun owners, and anti-gun critters. Please note I’m sorry if I insult those already in the know!
Definition of the word ASSAULT
assault – verb: a violent physical or verbal attack.
Definition of the word WEAPON
weapon – noun: something (such as a club, knife, gun, etc.) used to injure, defeat, or destroy someone or something. |
TN: Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Bill Protecting Firearms Industry From Lawsuits Over Crimes Involving Guns
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...the Tennessee state Senate voted on Tuesday in favor of a bill that would protect gun and ammunition manufacturers and sellers from civil liability when their products are used to commit crimes.
The Republican-controlled Tennessee Senate passed HB 1189 by a vote of 19 to 9 on Tuesday, after the Republican-controlled House voted 71-24 in favor of the bill on March 6. The legislation now goes to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for final passage.
The legislation states a firearms industry dealer, manufacturer, or seller cannot be held liable in a civil lawsuit in the state unless they accompanied a person in committing the underlying crime for which the lawsuit was brought or unless they sold a firearm product that was defective. |
MN: St. Paul city leaders propose stricter gun storage with opposition
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St. Paul City Council Members heard an amendment proposal to city ordinances that would require firearms to be safely stored and secured, with ammunition stored separately at a meeting Wednesday.
Last week, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and City Council Member Rebecca Noecker announced the proposed changes to chapter 225 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code of weapons discharge. They say it’s in an effort to reduce incidents of harm caused by the unlawful discharge of unsecured firearms. |
Gun violence emergencies prompt concerns of government overreach
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Across the country, there is a push to declare gun violence as a "public health crisis" and impose a "state of emergency" in response to shootings.
Proponents of the Second Amendment are concerned the emergency declarations lay the groundwork for expanded government powers, as witnessed during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
U.S. Congressmen Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., raised those fears in a recent House Judiciary Committee meeting. |
IN: NRA shows gun rights power but pushback grows from shootings
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The roster of Republican presidential hopefuls who flocked to the National Rifle Association's annual convention reflects the political potency of gun rights, despite the group's eroding revenues and an opposition movement that's growing increasingly vocal as the drumbeat of mass shootings marches on.
Even amid internal turmoil and legal woes, the gun ownership culture and movement that the NRA helped build remains formidable. And the landmark Supreme Court ruling on the Second Amendment last summer has given new strength to gun-rights activists seeking to invalidate firearm restrictions across the country. |
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