In common with other observers we welcome the formal Cabinet approval for the creation of a gun control committee. We extend our congratulations to Minister Bire Kimisopa, who has conducted a virtual one-man campaign to achieve this first step towards gun control in Papua New Guinea. While applauding this move, we lament the length of time it has taken. The need for an accelerated programme of gun control has been blindingly obvious for the past two decades, yet... (GunPolicy.org)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri — A former Missouri couple has petitioned the state Legislature to stiffen the laws against hunting and drinking. Their 18-year-old son, David McQuinley of Lebanon, Mo., died four years ago when his friend's father — who had been drinking — shot him to death on a deer-hunting trip. The man, William Ludlow of Waynesville, told authorities he drank three beers that day. Ludlow, who is stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, aimed his rifle at... (GunPolicy.org)

Over 1,000 guns including AK-47 and other assorted dangerous rifles surrendered by Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom and other warlords in the Niger Delta, were destroyed at noon today at the 2 Amphibious Brigade Barracks, Port Harcourt. According to Mr. Magnus Abe, the Information Commissioner who confirmed this to P.M.News this morning, it is the last stage of the disarmament exercise by the Special Committee on Disarmament headed by Dr. Peter Odili, the Rivers State... (GunPolicy.org)

The same Arlen Specter who awaits his expected coronation as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has a long record of betraying both his party and America's gun owners. To hear Specter talk, his fellow Republicans count on him. They do. Senate Republicans count on Arlen Specter to vote their way only until his vote is absolutely critical to the issue at hand. When he is most needed on the political battlefield, Arlen is either AWOL or preening in the enemy's... (GunPolicy.org)

A schoolboy pointing a toy gun at a block of flats was seized by police and hauled into court. Rory Casey's plastic replica was a fairground consolation prize worth no more than £1 — and legal costs topped £1,000. The case ended with Rory getting an absolute discharge. His mother Philippa said: "It's so laughable. What he did was foolish, but I don't think it was criminal." Rory, 13, was spotted on CCTV pointing the plastic gun at flats in Newcastle. Officers... (GunPolicy.org)

NEW DELHI — Almost 90% of the firearms used for crime in the city are said to be illegal. And, it's threatening to get worse. The number of illegal firearms seized as well as cases of Arms Act have gone up by almost 30% this year. While 485 such firearms had been seized last year, this year the figure has already gone up to more than 600. Till July 3, in fact, 435 of these guns were seized. From the rudimentary katta — a rusty pipe attached to a crude wooden... (GunPolicy.org)

LUVERNE, Alabama — A mistrial was declared Monday because of alleged jury tampering in the murder trial of a man charged with killing six members of his girlfriend's family. District Attorney John Andrews said a woman was accused of trying to influence at least one member of the jury. A male juror was arrested Monday night and charged with perjury. Sheriff's Department officers said the woman allegedly contacted the juror during the trial, though the extent of... (GunPolicy.org)

WASHINGTON — Gun-control advocates lost ground in the 2004 elections, ending any shot that Congress will renew a federal ban on assault weapons in the next two years. "My general reading is that neither side wants it to come up," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4. The 10-year-old ban, which Shays co-authored, outlawed 19 semi-automatic weapons as well as guns with certain military-style features such as folding stocks, bayonet mounts or flash suppressors. A clause... (GunPolicy.org)