So this happened: Secret Service spoke to Trump campaign about 2nd Amendment comment – “A US Secret Service official confirms to CNN that the USSS has spoken to the Trump campaign regarding his Second Amendment comments. ‘There has been more than one conversation’ on the topic, the official told CNN. But it’s unclear at what level in the campaign structure the conversations occurred. The campaign told the USSS that Donald Trump did not intend to incite violence, according to the official. ‘No such meeting or conversation ever happened,’ Trump tweeted in response to CNN’s report.” And so it goes.
ATF Responds to 4473 Comments and Apparently Does Not Care that It Violates Its Own Regulations – “Essentially, ATF said that they don’t care the regulations, which they drafted, require that book be updated but rather they would change the language so the individual signing the form would not need to certify they relied on that book for information.” L’Etat, c’est moi.
Thanks, Obama. Concealed gun permits soar 215%, record 14.5 million, ‘explode under Obama’ – “Americans now holding permits to pack a concealed weapon in public has soared 215 percent since 2007 to over 14.5 million, a record, according to a new report. The Crime Prevention Research Center said that last year alone a record 1.73 million were approved in states requiring them.”
Longtime militia and ‘Patriot’ leader Mike Vanderboegh dies at 64 – “The Second Amendment activist and blogger from Pinson, Ala., was known for pushing the envelope when it came to gun rights, from organizing an armed protest at the Washington state capitol to mailing standard-capacity gun magazines to governors of states that banned them. ‘He was a voice that this movement needed,’ said Bob Wright, a comrade and commander of the New Mexico Militia. ‘Already, we’re feeling the loss of that voice.’”
Fall’s just around the corner: Stevens Launches 12-Gauge Model 320 Waterfowl Camo Pump Shotgun – “Stevens’ new Mossy Oak Shadow Grass camo 320 series 12-gauge pump shotgun offers solid, affordable performance that is sure to excite any waterfowl hunter anticipating the upcoming season. Shipments of this new product are being delivered to dealers. The new shotguns boast the same great features as Stevens’ other 320 field-grade models, including dual slide bars, a rotary bolt, rugged synthetic stock, vent rib barrel and a five-round capacity. It features interchangeable chokes, green fiber optic front sight and is available in both standard length-of-pull and compact versions.” MSRP: $273
Curiouser and curiouser. Trump campaign hit with lawsuit over gun-wielding staffer – “Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is facing a lawsuit in a North Carolina court after allegedly failing to discipline a staffer who threatened several of his coworkers with a gun. Earl Phillip, the North Carolina state director for Trump’s campaign, allegedly pointed a pistol at five fellow aides during his time with the campaign while senior staff members ignored complaints from victims.”
Gun safety really isn’t that hard. You just have to give a damn. Gun instructor, daughter indicted in gun-shop killing – “Mark T. Montgomery, 47, of Amelia, has been indicted on a felony reckless homicide charge. His daughter, Katie Dunham, of Mariemont – who prosecutors say was assisting with the class – was indicted on a misdemeanor negligent homicide charge. James Baker, 64, was shot in the neck by a bullet fired while the class was practicing a gun ‘malfunction drill,’ officials said. A class participant fired a handgun, officials said. That person has not been named.”