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Des Moines police report that there are more guns on the streets than ever before. According to the Des Moines Police Department, guns were the most-used weapon in the city's 25 homicides of 2017. Advertisement Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said he is worried that the trend could continue in 2018. “We live in a society now where people just shoot people for no reason,” Parizek said. Parizek said the majority of guns used in crimes are stolen. More than 30 guns were taken from gun stores in Urbandale and Clive in November. "For years, if I caught a gang member thug and he had a gun, I could pretty much bet my paycheck that gun was going to be stolen,” Parizek said. In a growing trend, Parizek said police have been confiscating an increasing number of guns that are legally purchased but end up in the wrong hands. “This is something we haven't seen in years prior,” Parizek said. Authorities say legislation could be to blame. In 2010, Iowa became a conceal and carry state. This past July, stand your ground became law and suppressors became legal. Iowans have the right to carry guns, but Parizek said that can create a gray area for authorities. “I don't know what your license is to carry that gun,” Parizek said. “I don't know what your intentions are." In just six months, a Des Moines Police Department special task force has seized 54 weapons. Parizek said getting even one gun off the streets can make a world of difference. “No matter how many times that gun changes hands, you're probably going to change a life eventually,” he said. Parizek said the special task force’s efforts to get guns off the street, combined with the cold weather has kept Des Moines homicide-free for the past two months.

Anatomy of an Anti-Gun Media Hit Piece

Dan Zimmerman - January 3, 2018 56