warpedskydiver 0 #1 February 18, 2006 On Wednesday, February 15, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security heard testimony from individuals affected by heavy-handed enforcement tactics of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) at a gun show in Richmond, Virginia last August. According to the gun show organizer, Annette Gelles of Showmasters, dozens of BATFE and local law enforcement officers intrusively questioned dealers and customers, tried to discourage people from buying guns, and stopped show attendees on the roads after they left. In some cases, customers' lawfully purchased guns were confiscated, and returned only when the customers visited BATFE's office for more questioning. In other cases, local police officers visited gun buyers' homes to conduct "residency checks"-intrusive questioning of family members and even neighbors. One show visitor, James Lalime, a private citizen who sometimes works for a dealer at the local gun shows, testified that he was interrogated by BATFE and other law enforcement personnel who accused him of dealing in firearms without a license. John White, a show exhibitor, licensed dealer, and former police officer, testified that he appreciates law enforcement officials' efforts to prevent illegal sales, but that enforcement activities went too far-especially in focusing on buyers who were women or members of minority groups. Suzanne McComas, an investigator for NRA-ILA, also testified and provided sworn affidavits from individuals who were singled out for BATFE attention, apparently on the basis of race or sex. The subcommittee members were upset with what they heard. Subcommittee Chairman Howard Coble (R-NC) questioned whether the operations were "a proper allocation of resources," and suggested that "49 law enforcement officers could have found a better way to curb criminal activity in the Richmond area." Over the next few months, the same subcommittee expects to hold additional oversight hearings on this and other BATFE activities, including both citizen witnesses and BATFE officials. Watch the Grassroots Alert for more details as they're available. If you missed Wednesday's hearing, you can view it in its entirety at http://judiciary.house.gov/oversight.aspx?ID=214 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #2 February 18, 2006 ILLINOIS Anti-gun legislation continues to pose a threat in the General Assembly. Both HB 4693, a handgun dealer licensing bill, and HB 4694, a mandatory storage bill, passed out of the Human Services Committee and are awaiting action by the full House of Representatives. Anti-gun legislators continue their frantic attempts to build up support for HB 2414, which seeks to ban certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, as well as .50 cal. rifles. The latest attempt, Amendment 7, indicates how poorly worded this bill is, as well as how confused anti-gun lawmakers are when it comes to firearms. Proponents of HB 2414 felt this new language was necessary in order to exempt air rifles from the scope of the bill. Please continue to contact representatives and urge them to oppose HB 2414, HB 4693, and HB 4694. (For more details on these bills, please refer to previous Grassroots Alerts). On the pro-gun side, please keep contacting representatives and urge them to support HB 4529, sponsored by Representative John E. Bradley (D-117), which would allow FOID card applicants to sue the Illinois State Police if that agency fails to act on applications within the 30-day time period mandated by state law. While there are other anti-gun and pro-gun bills that have been introduced¾including SB 2963, Senator Bill Brady's (R-44) pro-gun reform that seeks to repeal the FOID card system¾most remain bogged down and relatively inactive. Please contact your State Legislators and ask them to support HB 4529. State Senators can be reached at (217) 782-5715 and State Representatives can be reached at (217) 782-8223. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,148 #3 February 18, 2006 I'm surprised. I thought BATFE agents were too busy keeping track of model rockets to bother gun owners.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #4 February 18, 2006 That explains the Crown Victoria out front!.An Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #5 February 18, 2006 Quote I'm surprised. I thought BATFE agents were too busy keeping track of model rockets to bother gun owners. There's only so many of you guys to watch, giving them plenty of time to cherry pick on other targets unlikely to fire back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
