HOUSTON — Keith Patton was driving home one night in February when police officers pulled over his red Ford Explorer for a traffic stop. His license and insurance form were in his gym bag on the floor near the back seat. Under the bag was a .357 Magnum. Mr. Patton, 51, an oil-field geologist, software tester and martial arts instructor from suburban Katy, told the police about the gun, which he said he had bought hours before from a co-worker for target shooting.... (GunPolicy.org)

LOS ANGELES — Phil Spector put a shotgun to his ex-girlfriend's head and was once escorted from a Christmas party by a New York police officer while declaring that all women "deserve a bullet in their f****** head", according to witnesses who may give evidence at his trial for murder. Prosecutors working on the case yesterday asked the judge to allow testimony from witnesses detailing these events, which took place several years ago. This comes on top of the... (GunPolicy.org)

BOSTON — In boasting about his lifelong experience as a hunter, Mitt Romney may have shot himself in the foot. The Republican presidential contender has told audiences on several occasions, most recently this week in gun-savvy — and early voting — New Hampshire, that he has been a longtime hunter. But it turns out he has been on only two hunting trips. Critics said it was the latest example of a White House aspirant willing to say anything to reach the Oval... (GunPolicy.org)

The Government recently set ablaze 8,000 of the estimated 100,000 illegal weapons recovered from gangsters, unlicensed handlers and immigrants fleeing strife-torn neighbouring countries. Speaking during the occasion, Internal Security minister John Michuki said that the days of armed criminals were over, adding that the war to mop up the illegal guns will not stop. The firearms had been used in senseless murders, robberies and carjackings, among other crimes. So far,... (GunPolicy.org)

GRETNA, Louisiana — Pawnshop manager Dan Reese said he never thought he'd see a diaper-clad 2-year-old holding an AK-47. But that's exactly what happened inside BJ's Pawn Shop on the Westbank, Reese said. The toddler's father gave him the gun and proceeded to show the child how to hold, load and operate it. "He's telling the boy, 'This is how you hold it, like this. Anybody in front of you, you can mow them down. Kill everybody, soldier, because daddy's going to... (GunPolicy.org)

PRICHARD, Alabama — Family members describe 34-year old Emanuel Mose as "lucky to be alive." Emanuel is a security guard who was gunned down during a robbery at commonwealth national bank in Prichard Thursday. Video surveillance shows two Hispanic males walking into the bank with their weapons drawn, AK-47's to be exact. Police say the men started firing shots immediately. One of the bullets struck Emanuel Mose in the leg. Family members say he fell against a door,... (GunPolicy.org)

BOSTON — Massachusetts' governor on Thursday called for restrictions on gun purchases and more police on the street as part of a campaign against a wave of violence. Boston, one of several U.S. cities facing a rise in violent crime, recorded 16 murders between January and April 1 — 60 percent more than during the same period last year. "We must step up our efforts, not just in law enforcement but also in community-wide crime prevention," Gov. Deval Patrick... (GunPolicy.org)