Gun Policy News, 8 October 2009
United States
Famous Licensed, Handgun-toting US Soccer Mom, Husband Shot Dead
8 October 2009
CNN
Soccer mom Melanie Hain, who made national headlines last year by having a loaded, holstered handgun at her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game, has been found shot dead in her home along with her husband, police said Thursday.
Melanie Hain was found shot dead in her home along with her husband Thursday.
Information from 911 calls shows that it took a SWAT team nearly an hour and a half to gain entry to the Lebanon, Pennsylvania, home Wednesday evening. Inside, they... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CNN
31185
Pakistan
Gang Charged with Gun Trafficking, Forging Firearm Licences in Karachi
8 October 2009
Daily Times (Lahore)
KARACHI — The Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday arrested six persons including the group's leader who was also an activist of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H).
The arrest of former worker of the MQM-H Jibran Ali Butt and his five accomplices named Mohammad Hamid, Laiq Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ali, Abdul Ghaffar and Usman was made during a raid conducted at Sir Shah Suleman Road near Civic Centre.
He said he made a CID team led by DSP Israr Awan who... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Times (Lahore)
31188
United States
When Children with Illegal Firearms Rule Chicago's Schools, Streets
8 October 2009
Chicago Tribune, Opinion
The horrific murder of Chicago honor student Derrion Albert has the world's attention, in part because it was caught on video. President Barack Obama sent Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder to Chicago this week to talk with students, school officials and others about school and youth violence.
We welcome the opportunity to talk about a comprehensive strategy to combat youth violence. But let's remember that the beating death of Derrion is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Chicago Tribune
31191
United Kingdom
Locals Worry Gloucester Bobbies Wear Guns Even When Not in a Hurry
8 October 2009
Citizen (Gloucestershire)
Concerns have been raised over police officers patrolling the streets of Gloucester with guns.
Armed police attended 51 incidents in the county over the past six months but officers from the Armed Response Unit carry handguns at all times, even when they are dealing with non-emergency or routine situations.
The sight of policemen openly carrying guns has sparked fears among some city residents.
Reports have come in of armed police officers in Tesco car park off St... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Gloucestershire)
31195
Australia
Aussie Gun Owner Faces 196 Charges, Machine Gun Trafficking Alleged
8 October 2009
ABC News (Australia)
A Wollongong man is now facing nearly 200 charges over the sale and possession of illegal guns in an alleged gun trafficking network in the Illawarra on the New South Wales south coast.
Wollongong Local Court has been told Aristos Dionys, 58, of Mangerton, is now facing 196 charges.
The charges come after police raids on two homes in Fairy Meadow and Cringila and at a storage unit at Padstow in Sydney in August.
During the raids, police allegedly uncovered machine... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: ABC News (Australia)
31197
United States
Texas Senator Asks Supreme Court to Strike Down Chicago Handgun Ban
8 October 2009
Dallas Morning News (Texas)
WASHINGTON — Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison renewed her opposition Wednesday to certain gun control measures in anticipation of a major case on the issue coming before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Hutchison, a Republican, announced that she and other lawmakers would file a brief urging the high court to rule that Chicago's strict gun control ordinances violate an individual's right to keep and bear arms.
The upcoming test of limits on gun control laws follows last... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Dallas Morning News (Texas)
31198
United States
Pistol-packin' Soccer Mom, Husband Both Shot Dead in Pennsylvania
8 October 2009
Lebanon Daily News (Pennsylvania)
A Lebanon woman who gained national notoriety last year as a champion of Second Amendment rights after she brought her loaded handgun to her 5-year-old daughter's soccer game was shot and killed Wednesday night in an apparent murder-suicide.
Meleanie Hain, 31, and her husband, Scott Hain, 33, were pronounced dead by Lebanon County coroner Dr. Jeffrey Yocum shortly after 8:30 p.m. after a two-hour standoff with police outside their home at Second Avenue and East Grant... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Lebanon Daily News (Pennsylvania)
31199
United States
Carrying a Gun Increases Risk of Getting Shot and Killed, Says US Study
8 October 2009
New Scientist (USA)
Packing heat may backfire. People who carry guns are far likelier to get shot — and killed — than those who are unarmed, a study of shooting victims in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has found.
It would be impractical — not to say unethical — to randomly assign volunteers to carry a gun or not and see what happens. So Charles Branas's team at the University of Pennsylvania analysed 677 shootings over two-and-a-half years to discover whether victims were carrying... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Scientist (USA)
31201
United States
America's Lying Gun Nuts: Bloomberg Gun Show Sting Exposes Loophole
8 October 2009
Daily News (New York), Editorial
The latest gun sting ordered up by Mayor Bloomberg has blown a cannonball-size hole through some of the National Rifle Association's bloodiest lies.
Thanks to the NRA, Congress exempted many sales at gun shows from background-check requirements. Second Amendment fanatics won the day by portraying unlicensed vendors who sold weapons at gun shows as making:
(1) occasional sales,
(2) from personal collections and
(3) not engaged in trafficking for profit.
Lie.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily News (New York)
31205
India
Indian Women Face Increasing Risk from Guns and Domestic Violence
8 October 2009
Morung Express (Manipur), Opinion
Gun violence can be part of the cycle of intimidation and aggression that many women experience from an intimate partner. Domestic violence is a feature of every nation, irrespective of social, economic, religious or cultural preferences and settings. At least one in every three women is physically abused at least once, usually by an intimate partner, with most experiencing multiple instances of abuse.
For every woman killed or physically injured by firearms, countless... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Morung Express (Manipur)
31207
United States
Gun-toting Soccer Mom's Death Reignites America's Gun Rights Debate
8 October 2009
Patriot-News (Pennsylvania)
A gun has apparently killed a woman who had come to symbolize a person's right to openly carry a gun.
It's difficult to resist this obvious and heartbreaking angle in the death of Meleanie Hain.
One year ago in Lebanon County, Hain came to be known as the "gun-toting soccer mom" whose carry permit was revoked by a sheriff then restored by court order, reigniting a national debate about gun rights.
Now, in her death, as it was when she was alive, the gun debate... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Patriot-News (Pennsylvania)
31208
United States
US Gun Lobby Campaign to Trash City, State Handgun Bans 'Frightening'
8 October 2009
Asbury Park Press (New Jersey), Column
Whatever significance is attached to Chicago's failed bid to host the 2016 Olympics, it is of small importance to the rest of the country. More far-reaching and frightening is the Supreme Court's decision to take up a case challenging the city's ban on handgun ownership in the new term that began this week.
The case is best considered a preview of coming attractions. The gun lobby, if it wins in the Supreme Court, is prepared to challenge every gun control law enacted... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Asbury Park Press (New Jersey)
31209
South Africa
South Africa 'Too Armed: Too Many Guns Floating Around,' Says President
8 October 2009
Business Day (Johannesburg)
President Jacob Zuma yesterday criticised the level of gun ownership in SA, hinting at the possible tightening of firearm licence regulations.
Zuma repeated his call for tough action against violent crime, saying criminals should not be allowed more rights than law-abiding citizens. "We need to be firm to those who undermine the human rights of others," he said in Pretoria at the official launch of the presidential hotline.
Zuma's government is pushing for police to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Business Day (Johannesburg)
31214
United States
Gun Owner Cited After Bear Shot Dead in Front of Alaska Wildlife Viewers
8 October 2009
Associated Press
STERLING, Alaska — A Kenai National Wildlife Refuge enforcement officer has cited one of two hunters who opened fire on a bear in front of people who had been taking pictures as it fished in the Kenai River, next to the Sterling Highway bridge. Discharging a firearm is prohibited along that section of the highway because of high public use. The citation carries a maximum $150 fine.
The Anchorage Daily News reported the Fish and Wildlife Service is still investigating... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
31215
United States
Alaska Gun Owner Shoots Bear as Wildlife Watchers Stop to See it Fish
8 October 2009
Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
STERLING HIGHWAY — Troopers on scene don't issue ticket, but feds do.
While camera-toting wildlife viewers watched in dismay on Saturday, two hunters opened fire on a juvenile brown bear that had been fishing in the Kenai River, next to a Sterling Highway bridge.
The killing of the bear — which tumbled down an embankment and onto the highway after it was shot, according to one witness — occurred in the presence of Alaska State Troopers, who did not issue any... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
31216
United States
Jury Hears Accused Murderer Dodged US Gun Show Background Check
8 October 2009
Oakland Tribune (California)
OAKLAND — A witness has positively identified a revolver found at the Dublin home of homicide victim Selma Hill as one he sold to two women at a Reno gun show last year.
In Superior Court on Thursday, at the preliminary hearing for three suspects charged in connection with Hill's death, Robert Spellacy of Reno described the 84-year-old gun as nearly one of a kind.
"Yes this is the gun I sold, without a doubt," Spellacy said after being shown the small .32-caliber... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Oakland Tribune (California)
31217
United States
Texas Gun Owner 'Didn't Mean To' Shoot Wife in Face, Kill Her with AK-47
8 October 2009
Houston Chronicle (Texas)
A Pasadena man who is in custody for fatally shooting his wife at their home during an argument early this morning said he accidently fired an assault rifle at her.
The couple's 8-year old son was at home at the time of the shooting, but was not injured, police said. It's uncertain if the child witnessed the shooting.
The shooting happened about 2 a.m. at the couple's home in the 500 block of Burke. Charges against the man are expected to be filed soon.
The woman,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Houston Chronicle (Texas)
31218
Canada
Rare US-Made Machine Gun Found in Canadian River Linked to Killings
8 October 2009
CTV-BC TV News
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A fisherman in Richmond, B.C., recently reeled in a most unusual — and troubling — catch.
Bobbing down the Fraser River, encased in a black waterproof bag, was a rare MAC-11 machine gun equipped with a silencer.
Forensic tests have linked the illegal gun to a number of gang-related shootings in the Vancouver area, Vancouver police Insp. Brad Desmarais told reporters on Thursday.
"This is a very deadly weapon," he... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CTV-BC TV News
31219
United States
Wisconsin Gun Lobby Picnic Features Hot Drinks, Openly Carried Guns
8 October 2009
Pioneer Press (Minnesota)
The planners of a party in Hudson, Wisconsin, are looking forward to a well-mannered picnic filled with political speeches, hot beverages — and guns.
Response has been mixed to the Hudson Open Carry Taxed Enough Already (or TEA) Party scheduled for Oct. 17 in Lakefront Park. While organizers tout it as a picnic to celebrate their rights to demonstrate and carry arms, some in town worry about the image and perceived dangers of so many weapons in the city's downtown... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Pioneer Press (Minnesota)
31220
United States
US Gun Lobby Threatens the Only 'Mayor Against Illegal Guns' in Texas
8 October 2009
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)
He's been called "idiot mayor."
Worse, he's been called anti-gun.
But Hurst Mayor Richard Ward, a hunter and gun owner, knows how to pull the trigger himself.
"It's as if we're going to take their first born," Ward said of the National Rifle Association and other critics who don't like that he's joined a national mayors effort to tighten restrictions on some gun sales. "They've just been giving us fits."
Ward is in a Texas-style showdown with gun lovers for being... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)
31221
United States
Gun Show Footage Exposes Deadly Lawlessness, Lies of US Dealers
8 October 2009
Daily News (New York)
Mayor Bloomberg is sending every member of the U.S. Congress a DVD of a new reality show called "Gun Show: Undercover."
The three-minute, 35-second DVD is produced by Bloomberg, who hopes to shame Congress into finally closing the "gun show loophole" that puts guns by the thousands in the hands of violent criminals.
The DVD features hidden-camera footage of a city-funded undercover investigation into out-of-state gun shows where supposed collectors or "private... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily News (New York)
31222
United States
Carrying Gun to Political Protest Against Obama Poor Taste, Dangerous
8 October 2009
Missoulian (Montana), Column
Recently, self-described "conservatives" have chosen to exercise their free speech rights by vilifying the president in demonstrations in Hamilton and across the nation. This is a nationally coordinated campaign promoted heavily by the right-wing commentators of Fox News and other conservative media.
These demonstrators frequently compare President Barack Obama to everything from Hitler to Stalin to the devil, pretty much emptying the bag of conceivable evil... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Missoulian (Montana)
31224
United States
Illinois Supreme Court OKs Carrying Hidden Handguns in Car Consoles
8 October 2009
Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — The Illinois Supreme Court says gun owners can carry weapons in the ordinary storage boxes built into their cars.
The question was whether a compartment for items like CDs and sunglasses also meets the legal definition of a "case" for carrying guns. Illinois law lets people carry guns in their cars so long as they are stored in a case or other container.
The court ruled Thursday that a car's storage box is good enough.
The ruling was... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
31226
United States
Police Take Handgun from Drugged Drunk, Montana Judge Gives it Back
8 October 2009
Columbia Daily Tribune (Missouri)
Earlier this year, the General Assembly seriously considered allowing concealed firearms on college campuses. The twisted logic held that pistol-toting underclassmen would help prevent the next Virginia Tech-style massacre.
Now comes the curious case of John L. Richard (pronounced "ree-shard").
In November 2006, Scott County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Richard's home in Benton in response to a domestic dispute. His wife told a 911 operator that she had... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Columbia Daily Tribune (Missouri)
31227
United Nations
NGOs Hold Gun Exporters to Account for Abuses, Seek Arms Trade Treaty
8 October 2009
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS — With 2,000 people dying daily in armed violence fuelled by irresponsible arms transfers, talks to create an international treaty regulating these weapons can no longer be delayed, says a coalition of NGOs in a new report "Dying for Action" published Wednesday.
While nuclear disarmament is high on the U.N. agenda these days, 90 percent of casualties in conflict areas are caused by small arms such as submachine guns, mortars and hand grenades,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
31228
United States
Easy Gun Access Helped Kill Pro-Hidden Handgun US Soccer Mom
8 October 2009
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Georgia), Column
Any murder-suicide is a sad story, and this one is no different. Meleanie Hain, a Pennsylvania mother who garnered national publicity for wearing her handgun openly at her daughter's soccer game in Sept. 2008, has been found shot dead at her Pennsylvania home, along with her husband.
This is also a cautionary tale, a reminder of something I've always believed to be true: Though people kill people, they are more likely to do it with a gun if the gun is immediately... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Georgia)
31231