Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Says Proposed 'D.C. Personal Protection Act' Long Overdue
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Newly-introduced legislation that would repeal prohibition of handgun ownership by citizens in Washington, D.C. is 'long overdue,' the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today."

"'For more than a generation, it has been disgraceful that American citizens living in the nation's capitol have been essentially stripped of their Second Amendment rights under the Constitution,' said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. 'Just how much more ironic could it be that in Washington, D.C. -- the capitol of freedom -- citizens are not free to exercise one of the most basic of civil and human rights, the right of self-defense?'" ...

House Panel Won't Consider Terror Suspects' Ability to Buy Guns (JTO)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Democratic U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of New York thinks it's common sense to bar people who are suspected of being terrorists from buying guns, but the House Rules Committee doesn't think the issue is serious enough to go the floor for debate, Newsday reported May 19."

"'We're checking the shoes of 80-year-old grandmothers, but right now if you're on the no-fly list, you can still buy a gun,' said McCarthy ..."

"National Rifle Association spokesman Andrew Arulanandam criticized the idea of prohibiting suspected terrorists from buying guns because it could cause law-abiding citizens to 'be denied their civil rights.' Sometimes people are placed on the no-fly list by mistake, he said." ...

Senators seek lift of D.C. handgun ban
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Seeking to bring a bit of the Old West to the nation's capital, both Texas senators began working Thursday to lift a three-decade ban on handguns in the District of Columbia."

"Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said Washington's gun ban violates the Constitution and renders residents 'utterly defenseless' in a violent city a situation she would end despite being hundreds of miles removed from home-state concerns."

"'It's just simply illogical to say that only the people who would ignore those laws can have access to guns while law-abiding citizens cannot,' said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas and a co-sponsor of legislation to decriminalize handguns that Hutchison filed Thursday." ...

Reloaded ammo for woodchucks
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"With woodchuck season now in full swing, its safe to say a lot of reloaded ammunition will be burned throughout the summer."

"Reloaded ammo is just as accurate and dependable as factory fodder if the hand loader does his or her part. Theres no reason to fear that misfires will happen if the primer pockets are cleaned and flat on the bottom. Of course the primer must be seated firmly (but not crushed) against the bottom of the pocket."

"Bullets will not slide back into the case if the neck has been properly resized. Nor will cases crack or split if they are not over worked and used too many times." ...

IN: To Do Tomorrow (fifth item on page)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

FULL TEXT BELOW:

The National Rifle Association and local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 36 are offering a one-day handgun training orientation for women at the FOP 36 Lodge Home and Range, 25327 Indiana 23, South Bend. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., orientation begins at 9 a.m. and shooting commences at approximately 11 a.m. The fee is $20 and participants may bring their own handguns, or one will be provided. Spaces are limited. Preregister with South Bend Police Cpl. Ken Ryan at (574) 235-5858, ext. 2211. [emphasis in original]

GA: Man shot to death near Noblesville [in apparent self-defense]
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Hamilton County Sheriffs Department detectives are investigating the shooting death of a 43-year-old man at a mobile home park east of Noblesville."

"The alleged shooter called the sheriffs office at 4:57 p.m. Thursday, and officers found Anthony A. Cook, 43, dead at a residence in the Tall Timbers Trailer Court, said Sheriff Doug Carter." ...

"The resident of the trailer told officers he was alone in the home when Cook came to the door. The resident allegedly told Cook not to enter the residence because he feared for his safety. The man told investigators that when Cook entered the front door, he fired one shot, which struck Cook."

"Carter said investigators have been working all night on the shooting. Carter said its 'speculative' to say the shooter acted in self-defense."

PA: Off-duty officer kills man at Olney bar
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

NOTE:
Use the following information to access this article:
Site username: Newslinks@KeepAndBearArms.com
Site password: newslinks1
Must have cookies turned on for it to work.
-------

"A city police officer was routinely placed on administrative duty today after he shot and killed a man who pulled a gun late last night in an Olney neighborhood bar where the officer's brother was working as the doorman."

"The officer, who was off duty at the time, fired his weapon after the gunman refused to drop his pistol inside the lounge ..." ...

"According to investigators, the officer ... had just arrived when a dispute arose between the doorman, and the patron ..."

"The doorman was trying to put Stevenson out of the bar when a struggle ensued that left the doorman with a cut lip. Stevenson then drew a .380-caliber pistol, police said, and pointed it at the doorman." ...

NC: Shoplifter pulls weapon (second story on page)
Submitted by: Anonymous

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A shoplifter pulled a gun when a security employee confronted him at The Streets at Southpoint Hudson Belk store, 6910 Fayetteville Road, around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, police reported."

"The security employee told police she saw the man trying to remove an anti-theft device from a watch, police said. When she approached the man and tried to handcuff him, he pulled out a gun and then ran from the store with the watch, which was valued at $65."
-------

Submitter's Note: I guess the shoplifter didn't read the "no weapons" rule posted in the mall.

Canada: Free women's self-defense seminar June 21 at Wood's
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Life can throw some scary things our way."

"Wood's Martial Arts, 1175 Wilson St. E. is holding a self-defense seminar for women in June so they don't have to become a victim."

"It will be held on Tuesday, June 21, from 7:45 to 9 p.m."

"At times, this includes those who present a real danger to our safety. What's key in these situations is being physically and emotionally prepared to handle the challenge."

"Being prepared is why so many women, men, and law enforcement agencies train in Krav Maga: it keeps them from being victims." ...
-------

Submitter's Note: Unfortunately they seem to be ignoring the proven, safest, most effective self--defense tool available, the gun.

VA: Students questioned about gun
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Newport News police took two middle-school students into custody this afternoon after one of them dropped a handgun in a hallway. The gun was not loaded."

"Police spokeswoman Holly Hileman said a school security officer noticed a group of students at Dozier Middle School clustered together around noon. When he approached, all but one of the students left, and he heard the sound of an object dropping into a mop bucket in the hallway."

"The security officer retrieved a pouch containing a .25-caliber pistol from the bucket. School officials called police, and a detective from the Special Victims Unit responded to the school on Industrial Park Drive." ...

AL: Charles Henderson Middle School funded for new program
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Thanks to financial support from the Friends of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a marksmanship/air gun program will be implemented at Charles Henderson Middle School."

"A check in the amount of $983 was presented to Forrest Lee, physical education instructor and David Helms, principal by Dave Barron and Buddy Hobbs, co-chairs of the Pike County Chapter of the Friends of the NRA."

"Lee, a certified instructor with the state of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, applied for the grant offered through the Friends of the NRA in order to develop and implement a marksmanship/air gun program and to further enrich the school's hunter safety program." ...

FL: Orange Park 8th Grader Accused Of Threatening To Kill Students
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"It's a police report many would find alarming, and it was filed from Orange Park Junior High School."

"One mother agreed to talk to us if we hid her identity. Her son attends the same school."

"'I am scared, but it's because my son is so scared,' said the mother."

"According to the Clay County Sheriff's Department Information Reporter, the 8th grader told his lunch table he 'daydreamed of coming to school armed with automatic weapons' and 'killing at many students as possible, some execution style' then 'killing himself if confronted by law enforcement.'" ...

"Police searched the student's bedroom and no weapons were found. However, police say several rifles and hunting knives are in the home, but are secured."

NY: Kindergarten glock
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A Queens man was arrested after his 5-year-old son brought a loaded handgun to his Queens elementary school, officials said Friday."

"Tesfari Davis, 25, of Nicolls Ave. in Corona, was arrested Thursday after his son, whom officials did not identify, brought a .45-caliber handgun to PS 16 in Corona, where the child attends kindergarten. Davis was charged with possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child, police said."

"Shortly after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, police said the mother of another 5-year-old boy in Davis' son's class called 911. After officers responded to her home in Queens, she told them that her son had brought home the gun and that he had gotten it from Davis' son at the school." ...

NC: Gun found at West Charlotte middle school Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW: A tip lead to the discovery of a gun in a student's backpack Friday at Charlotte's Spaugh Middle School. According to police, charges were filed against the student. No one was injured or threatened in the incident. School officials sent a letter home with students Friday afternoon, alerting parents about the discovery.

OH: Gun Demonstration Turned Dangerous At Local School
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A gun demonstration took a dangerous turn at a Kettering school on Friday."

"Authorities said a teacher at Van Buren Middle School was showing students how to load a black powder rifle when he fired the gun. He did not realize that the rifle had a live round in it."

"Investigators said the teacher was in the parking lot with about 30 students when he aimed the gun away from the school and toward a construction site on the school grounds. They said when he fired the gun, a live round discharged and struck a tool trailer."

"School officials said the teacher was unaware that the gun was loaded with the live round. Authorities said no students were injured during the incident." ...
-------

Submitter's Note: How not to teach gun safety.

NY: McCarthy: .50 Caliber Sniper Rifles Capable of Shooting Down Civilian Airplanes During Takeoff/Landing are 'Weapons of Terror'
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

... "What: PRESS CONFERENCE hosted by New Yorkers Against Gun Violence to call on New York state lawmakers to pass the 'Anti- Terrorism and Aviation Protection Act,' A. 4471 & S. 2590, to prevent terrorists from using .50 caliber sniper rifles, capable of shooting down civilian airplanes during takeoff or landing."

"-- .50 caliber sniper rifles were designed as battlefield rifles to shoot down aircraft during takeoff or landing, attack chemical plants and fuel depots, puncture armored personnel carriers, and to be used for assassination."

"-- .50 caliber sniper rifles are the most lethal weapons available on the civilian market and can fire highly lethal armor piercing and incendiary ammunition, which are currently legal and easily obtained." ...

IL: It's win and lose bill in Illinois House for gun lobby
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"In a strong show of power by the gun lobby, the Illinois House on Thursday followed the lead of the Senate in approving legislation that would require the destruction of state records on gun purchases." ...

"Police say the gun records database is an important crime-fighting tool that helps them target straw purchasers and lets them know whether a suspect is likely to be armed."

"But gun rights advocates have long wanted to do away with the state records-keeping system because they think authorities use it simply to harass law-abiding gun owners and seize their guns." ...

IL: ISRA: Illinois One Step Closer To Safe, Secure Gun Shows
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The ISRA is commending the Illinois House for passing Senate Bill 57 by a decisive 69-42 vote. The House action follows an earlier 37-21 vote on SB57 by the Illinois Senate."

"SB57 greatly enhances public safety by requiring background checks for all firearm sales at gun shows. This provision will make it much more difficult for terrorists, gang bangers and drug lords to acquire weapons by exploiting loopholes in current law." ...

PA: Gun control plan full of holes
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Gov. Ed Rendell's Commission to Address Gun Violence unveiled a report Tuesday recommending extensive restrictions on firearm access in Pennsylvania. The governor formed the panel presumably after becoming concerned that too many homicide victims were being shot rather than murdered in a more humane fashion."

"The report already has been mocked by many as an impotent exercise that will do virtually nothing to curb firearm possession or stem gun-related violence. Untrue. If the commission had fired blanks, do you think the Rendell administration would have released the study on Primary Election Day, when it was sure to receive maximum publicity?" ...

MN: Here we go again on concealed carry
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

NOTE:
Use the following information to access this article:
Site username: Newslinks@KeepAndBearArms.com
Site password: newslinks1
Must have cookies turned on for it to work.
-------

"With the concealed carry legislation through both chambers of the state Legislature and headed to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's desk for his signature, advocates of the measure are celebrating. Not so fast."

"While we agree with the measure in principle and the purer legislative means by which it was passed, there are some provisions that are causing us some concern. One is the clause that says landlords cannot deny tenants the right to carry."

"Hamline law professor Joe Olson, one of the principals in Concealed Carry Reform Now ... told us the measure was designed to keep public housing from denying carry permits to residents. Indeed, he argued that just because someone's poor, he shouldn't be denied the right to carry ..." ...

PA: Reading Sets Date For Gun Turn in Program
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

FULL TEXT BELOW:

The Reading Police Department is launching a new program to get guns off the streets.

The department will hold a gun turn-in program on Saturday May 28th at the old Reading Station Outlet Center on Greenwich Street.

Anyone can turn in guns in exchange for coupons for food, or coupons for Sneaker Villa stores.

For more information call the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116.

TX: Officer convicted of federal civil rights charges in molestations
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

NOTE:
Use the following information to access this article:
Site username: Newslinks@KeepAndBearArms.com
Site password: newslinks1
Must have cookies turned on for it to work.
-------

"A federal jury on Friday convicted a former Balcones Heights patrolman of conspiring with another officer to violate the civil rights of five young women by molesting them at the city's police station."

"The officers had arrested the women on suspicion of public intoxication."

"Rolando Rico Trevino, 28, faces up to 10 years in prison. He will be sentenced Aug. 5."

"Prosecutors said Trevino and then-officer Dwaun Jabbar Guidry, 30, used their position to take advantage of the women's drunkenness following a November 2002 arrest. The women are now from 20 to 22 years old."

"Guidry was convicted of the same charge and other counts stemming from a separate rape during a trial in January. He faces sentencing next month." ...

MA: Drug cohort: Trooper was cocky about stealing coke
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A state police sergeant accused of trafficking in seized drugs boasted that lax departmental oversight allowed him to steal massive quantities of cocaine, an alleged co-conspirator testified last Wednesday."

"Nancy White, the estranged wife of another state trooper, said she asked Sgt. Timothy White how he managed to steal a kilogram of cocaine while assigned to the state police Narcotics Inspection Unit in the fall of 2002. Nancy White is not related to Timothy White."

"'He said, 'You wouldn't believe how easy this is,' ' Nancy White testified during Timothy White's trial in Dedham Superior Court. 'He was very calm, almost cocky.'" ...

SC: Depot armorer helps nab trophies for Rifle, Pistol team
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"When the Parris Island Rifle and Pistol team brought home the first place trophies during the rifle and pistol matches at the Marine Corps Eastern Division Championship at MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 4-6, he was there. When they snatched up the Marine Corps Combat Infantry Trophy Team Match April 29, he was there too."

"Sergeant Adam Huie was not firing the weapons he was making sure that the weapons fired correctly."

"Huie, the Parris Island Rifle and Pistol team armorer, was appointed this duty in December 2004 when he checked onto Parris Island." ...

"Huie originally enlisted in the Marine Corps as a small arms repairman ... he changed his military occupational specialty to a precision weapons repairman, a job field only about 30 Marines possess." ...

Malaysia: Malaysian PM rejects private armed escorts in Malacca Strait
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Private armed escort services for ships using the pirate-infested Malacca Strait are not welcome, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Friday."

"The security of seafarers and cargo in the vital shipping lane was the responsibility of the three littoral states -- Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Abdullah said."

"'If we entrust the monitoring of security to civilian parties, something may happen and it could spark off reactions that may be difficult to control,' he was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency."

"'Our opinion is that it is better for the monitoring to be done by Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia,' the prime minister told Malaysian journalists ..." ...

UK: Policeman to stand trial again
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A policeman convicted of dangerous driving during a protest against a controversial Orange march was cleared on appeal today."

"But Constable Alan Leckey ... has to stand trial again."

"Constable Leckey ... was alleged to have driven a police Land Rover towards protesters during the march on the Springfield Road in West Belfast on June 29, 2002."

"He was convicted at Belfast Magistrates Court after an investigation by the Police Ombudsman who had been given a video recording made by an American parades observer."

"The constable defended that his action in mounting the footpath by claiming that he intended to deter the crowd from attacking his Land Rover, the last in a convoy of 10, at which missiles were being thrown." ...

MN: What exactly is an 'assault weapon'?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

NOTE:
Use the following information to access this article:
Site username: Newslinks@KeepAndBearArms.com
Site password: newslinks1
Must have cookies turned on for it to work.
-------

"I take exception to the May 9 op-ed column by Heather Martens, a volunteer for the anti-firearms group, Citizens for a Safer Minnesota. Weapons are classified as to their actions and general type, not a vague description of their improper use. In fact, any object used to assault someone could be properly called an assault weapon. The term 'assault weapon' was created by the anti-Second Amendment crowd to illogically demonize firearms."

"Martens admits that most firearms deaths are suicides. Does she really believe that eliminating firearms will keep people from committing suicide? She also states that gun deaths are on the upswing in Minnesota, another false 'fact.'" ...

IL: Library card? Check. Fingerprint? Really?
Submitted by: medicdave

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Before long, patrons wanting to use Naperville Public Library System computers without a hassle will have to prove their identity with a fingerprint." ...

"Officials promise to protect the confidentiality of the fingerprint records." ...

"Deborah Caldwell-Stone, deputy director of the ALA's office of intellectual freedom, acknowledged that requiring a fingerprint scan might dissuade some people from using library computers."

"'There are going to be folks who come from different political situations, folks who come out of Central Europe who have had a history of living under authoritative regimes who may not be comfortable with this,' Caldwell-Stone said."

"But Caldwell-Stone said libraries already collect all kinds of personal information from patrons and at some point must be trusted to protect it."
-------

Poster's Note: From the horse's mouth - a proponent of biometric people-tracking admits it reeks of authoritarianism.

TX: Animal-rights groups say proposal may increase animal abuse
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

FULL TEXT BELOW:

NOTE:
Use the following information to access this article:
Site username: Newslinks@KeepAndBearArms.com
Site password: newslinks1
Must have cookies turned on for it to work.
-------

Animal welfare groups a criticizing proposed legislation that would allow self-defense in dog attacks.

The groups contend House Bill 2840 might increase the opportunity for animal abuse.

A Senate committee approved the bill Thursday, acting with the support of utility employees who say they often encounter dangerous dogs on the job.

Under the proposal, a person attacked by a dog can use any means to defend himself. Animal groups worry the provision could be used to defend animal abuse cases.

"While we certainly understand the need to prevent attacks on humans by dogs running loose, this bill as written is extremely overreaching and could make innocent dogs vulnerable to abuse," said Laural Powell, a representative for the Texas Animal Control Association.

TX: Police providing free gun locks
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

FULL TEXT BELOW:

Central Texas police are trying to protect children from the dangers of firearms. Friday morning, Belton police officers handed out firearm safety kits as part of the nationwide safety education program Project Child Safe.

The kits include a gun lock and pamphlet that gives tips on how to keep guns out of the hands of children. The locks fit almost any type of handgun, rifle, or shotgun and they're free to the public.

Belton Police Commander Mike Rhodes says, "The main objective is to keep guns from unauthorized people and children. The program is directed at kids but its also security for other people who may try and use your weapon."

You can pick up a free gun lock at the Belton, Killeen, Temple and Waco Police Departments.

UK: Assassin's kit in his holdall
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A DEADLY Mach 10 machine gun, complete with silencer and a bullet-proof vest - all tools of the trade for the would-be assassin."

"This frightening cache was uncovered by unarmed cops who bravely brought down a fleeing gunman."

"In a dramatic late-night chase through the streets of South London, three officers and a police dog tackled gunman Kingsley Opoku."

"It took their combined strength to snare the dangerous 24-year-old - clad in body armour and armed to the teeth."

"Opoku was jailed for 11 years at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday for possession of the assassin's kit." ...

UK: Dad's fury at replica guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A WORKSOP man whose four-year-old daughter came within millimetres of losing an eye after being shot with a pellet gun has spoken over his anger that the 'toys' are being sold in town for Ł1."

"Roger Cave was left fuming after reading last week's Guardian report about how easy it is for children to buy the guns just months after his daughter Hanna was shot in the face."

"'These toy air guns are as evil and as dangerous as air rifles,' said Mr Cave ..."

"'I know you can buy these things at the seaside but it's a whole different matter when they are being sold on your doorstep.'" ...
-------

Submitter's Note: Sad how hoplophobes blame the tool and not the wielder.

UK: The trials of living with the feral youths of Salford
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"On the wall of a spit-and-sawdust Salford pub hangs a hand-written notice reminding customers that glasses or bottles should not be taken off the premises. But Dave, the landlord, has more than that to worry about: underneath the piece of A4 is a bullet hole."

"In January, three teenagers barged their way into the pub. One had a knife, another had a gun. Dave, 48, wrestled the gunman to the ground, but during the tussle a shot was fired, leaving the hole in the wall. The lads escaped with Ł250. Nobody has been arrested."

"The government's pledge to create safe communities and foster a culture of respect cannot come soon enough." ...

UK: Gun Rise Shock
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"THE number of legally held guns in Scotland has soared to nearly 200,000. Figures out yesterday showed there were 192,333 legally owned guns - including 63,115 firearms and 129,218 shotguns - at the end of last year."

"The total was up 6498, or 3.5 per cent, on the previous year."

"The number of people with firearms certificates also rose from 2003, by one per cent."

"Police received 1098 new applications from would-be firearm owners last year. They granted 1086 and refused 12. Executive officials said the rise followed new laws requiring owners of high-powered air weapons to obtain firearm certificates." ...

"There were also 536 legal handguns, such as humane killers, antiques, 'trophies of war' and starter pistols." ...

Ireland: McDowell to introduce gun amnesty before clampdown
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is to introduce a weapons amnesty in advance of his planned clampdown on gun offences ..."

"The provision, which will be included as an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill currently before the Dáil, will allow people with unlicensed or unregistered firearms and weapons to hand them over to gardaí in order to avoid criminal prosecution."

"The move is linked to mandatory sentencing for possession of firearms, which will introduce minimum custodial sentences for those caught with an unlicensed firearm, regardless of circumstances."

"The amnesty will not apply to weapons that have been used in a crime, and the guns handed over during the amnesty are expected to be forensically tested ..." ...