Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma Kielma January 2025 Blog Happy New Year! Why can’t I take a concealed carry gun everywhere I go including work? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales As a highly trained firearms instructor in several disciplines, I get asked this question a lot. I’m going to answer this on what my wife told me a few months ago. Something happened where a panic was caused inside in a well-known big box retailer. According to my sources, people were screaming. Was there an active shooter and were there sounds that resembled gunshots? Depends on who you ask. My wife was put in a situation where she did not know if there was an actual shooter, and she was focusing on trying to find a safe location. She didn’t have her firearm despite her constant training and ability to carry a firearm. She was at work and her employer forbids employees having a firearm during business hours and we never leave a firearm in a car, ever. More on my thoughts in the last paragraph. If something were to have happened my wife could not have protected herself as well as anyone around her. No knife, no firearm, nothing. The woman I love the most was put in a potentially dangerous situation. My wife could have been killed or seriously injured. This is the reason why we own and carry guns. It’s the lifestyle we live. Not because we want to hurt someone, but because the unexpected can happen. I know there are people who, given a chance, can hurt us, however, we’ll never give them an opportunity EVER AGAIN. I conceal carry to keep myself as well as the people I love safe. I carry a gun so hopefully if put in a situation I can go home at the end of the day. I carry to protect myself, loved ones and community. I’m legally able to, I’m responsible, I'm a reasonable person, I have a plan, and I’ve trained heavily for years with firearms. (key here training and trained) Says Kielma, “I’m a Firearms Home Defense/ CCW/Countering The Mass Shooter/Woman and Firearms/Children and Firearms/Range Safety Officer/Hand Gun/Long Gun Coach/ Range Safety Officer and First Aid Fundamentals Instructor. It's my belief I should have the right to carry it everywhere I want including my place of employment. However I'm not. The laws need to change, and the laws need to supersede company policy. My personal belief, as a highly trained firearms instructor I should be able to carry a gun with me concealed at work or anyplace I choose to go. If you want this "right" be highly trained. again, t he key here is you must be highly trained. Not having a way to avoid, escape or defend is now out of the question. Employers and businesses must change their thinking. In my opinion this is unconstitutional and a breach of our personal safety. Some college campuses are starting to get, it’s time for employers to also “get it”. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales
The ATF has stated their intention to require all pistol-based firearms to be registered as NFA items. Millions of gun owners who previously owned these without needing to register them have vowed not to register. How does will this play out for ATF? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales From an avid reader of our blog: It may take a couple of years, but if it gets to SCOTUS, it most likely will end the way West Virginia vs. EPA did this year, with the court saying that bureaucracy and the SCOTUS is not a law-making body and reminding Congress, again, that if they want a law THEY have to pass it, not dump it off into bureaucratic “Regulations.” Is it going to take correcting laws by the Executive Branch on a case-by-case basis, or will they eventually get the message and start fixing things voluntarily BEFORE the Court steps in? Your Yhoughts? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales
President Trump and Blake Masters Trump Eyeing Masters for ATF Top Job While Dettelbach Defends His Record By Doug Howlett December 30, 2024 Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales Blake Masters and Donald Trump during a political rally in Arizona. Shutterstock Photo President-elect Donald Trump has signaled a shakeup at the ATF, pledging to replace current Director Steve Dettelbach on his first day in office. While Dettelbach defends his record of reducing violent crime and modernizing gun regulations, speculation about his replacement has ignited debate within Second Amendment circles. Blake Masters Emerges as a Controversial Candidate According to the Arizona Daily Independent News Network, Blake Masters, a failed congressional and senatorial candidate in Arizona, is being considered for the role of ATF director. Masters, a Trump loyalist, has met with the president-elect’s transition team and expressed interest in the position. However, his potential appointment has drawn mixed reactions. Critics within Arizona’s Republican circles highlight Masters’ controversial political campaigns and defeats, particularly his 2022 Senate race loss to Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly, a staunch gun control advocate. “Masters is not the kind of leader gun owners can trust with power over firearms regulation,” one Arizona campaign consultant told the Arizona Daily Independent. Some Second Amendment supporters suggest alternatives, such as Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who gained praise for resisting COVID-19 restrictions and advocating for constitutional rights. “If Trump wants an Arizonan to lead the ATF, someone like Sheriff Lamb would be a far better choice,” the consultant added. Dettelbach Defends ATF Record Under Biden Current ATF Director Steve Dettelbach, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, defended his tenure in an interview with NPR. He highlighted a reported 10% decline in violent crime during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. “Since I started at ATF, violent crime numbers have dropped for two consecutive years,” Dettelbach said. “That doesn’t happen by accident.” He attributed the decline to the ATF’s efforts in identifying violent offenders and providing law enforcement with over 200,000 real-time leads in gun crime investigations last year. However, Dettelbach has faced sharp criticism from gun rights groups and Capitol Hill Republicans, particularly for his role in advancing Biden administration gun control policies. These include regulations on so-called ghost guns, devices converting pistols into short-barreled rifles and unlicensed gun sellers and gestapo-like tactics from ATF agents including the killing of Little Rock Airport Executive Director Bryan Malinowski during the execution of a questionable no-knock warrant. Congress recently cut $50 million from the ATF’s budget, and the agency may face further reductions under Republican control. Dettelbach warned such cuts would harm ATF’s ability to support state and local law enforcement and slow firearm trace results critical to investigations. Trump’s Plans for the ATF During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized Dettelbach, calling him a “radical gun-grabber.” He vowed to reverse many of the ATF’s recent regulatory actions, though it remains unclear how far those efforts will go. It also remains clear who he will ultimately name to head the agency, which will go a long way toward possibly restoring some credibility to the agency or could further erode the public’s confidence that the agency servers any purpose beyond suppressing American’s rights. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales
Court Rules Those Convicted Of Nonviolent Misdemeanors Retain 2A Rights By Mark Chestnut December 30, 2024 Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales A Pennsylvania man who pled guilty to food stamp fraud back in 1995 got a great Christmas present two days early. Bryan Range had been denied his right to keep and bear arms for nearly 30 years. But on December 23, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed its earlier ruling that a person who commits a “nonviolent, nondangerous misdemeanor” and hasn’t been incarcerated cannot be deprived of his or her Second Amendment rights. Range’s conviction was classified as “a Pennsylvania misdemeanor punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.” Since federal law generally makes it illegal for anyone convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for over one year, Range wasn’t able to possess or purchase a firearm. In June 2023, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals restored Range’s right to keep and bear arms. But because of a circuit court split, the case was sent to the U.S. Supreme Court, which remanded the case back down to the 3rd Circuit. The latest decision sends the matter back to the Supreme Court for consideration. The pre-Christmas court ruling stated: “Range remains one of ‘the people’ protected by the Second Amendment, and his eligibility to lawfully purchase a rifle and a shotgun is protected by his right to keep and bear arms.” According to court documents, In 1998, Range tried to buy a firearm but was rejected by Pennsylvania’s instant background check system. Range’s wife, who thought the rejection was a mistake, gave him a rifle. Years later, Range tried to buy a firearm and was again rejected. After doing some research, Range learned he was banned from buying a firearm because of his 1995 conviction. Upon learning that, Range sold his rifle to a gun dealer. Part of the discussion in the case was whether Range was one of the “people” referred to in the part of the Second Amendment stating “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. “In sum, we reject the Government’s contention that ‘felons are not among ‘the people’ protected by the Second Amendment.’ Heller and its progeny lead us to conclude that Bryan Range remains among ‘the people’ despite his 1995 false statement conviction. The court then turned to the second aspect of the Bruen standard—whether the government could prove a similar precedent at the time of the founding. “Because the Government has not shown that our Republic has a longstanding history and tradition of depriving people like Range of their firearms, § 922(g)(1) cannot constitutionally strip him of his Second Amendment rights,” the ruling stated. “More than two decades after he was convicted of food stamp fraud and completed his sentence, he sought protection from prosecution under § 922(g)(1) for any future possession of a firearm. The record contains no evidence that Range poses a physical danger to others.” Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales
Why Haven’t Manufactures Done Anything About Their Guns Being Easily Converted To Fully Automatic? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales Another really challenging, interesting question. Please don’t believe all you read on the internet. Let’s take a look. Have I ever personally shot a fully automatic pistol or rifle? I have not. My understanding is you run through a 17- 50 round magazine in just a few seconds, so I’m told. In my opinion, it's nothing but a waste of ammunition and money just to say you fired an automatic pistol or rifle, which is probably illegal in most states unless you're at a range that's legally set up for this activity. If not you’ll go to jail for. Question: What should manufactures do to stop this? 1) They can't. Anything they do to stop this, a person with sufficient skill could find a work-around. 2) Firearm manufacturers have no obligation to prevent people from using their products in a manner that is illegal. How can they? If you have suggestions, please let us know. If you disagree, you are wrong and most likely misinformed. Let’s look at this manufacture example, why doesn't Ford do anything to prevent people from using their cars to commit crimes? They can't, and they have no obligation to do anything about it, just like a firearm manufacture. Do they try? I believe, they do. If this is the case, the same thing must apply to all manufacturers. The makers of baseball bats cannot do anything to prevent a person from using their bat to beat someone to death. The makers of chainsaws cannot do anything to prevent someone from using their chainsaw to murder someone. The makers of kitchen knives can't prevent someone from using their knife to murder somebody. The list goes on and on. My thought, perpetrators will continue to assault, rape and kill innocent people. Whether a chain saw, knife or baseball bat is fully automatic, the insanity must stop now. Protect yourself legally. Take classes, practice, understand the laws. Stay safe friends. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales
Criminal Mastermind Elizabeth Rodriguez Still Baffling: AR-15 Provides Homeowners with Unfair Advantage Over Intruders? By John Boch Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales Sometimes in researching stories to share with TTAG’s audience you come across an old one that still makes you shake your head. Sometimes you come across an old one that makes you shake your head so much you just must share it. After all these years, what this grandfather says, despite his obvious grief, is still a head scratcher. Here’s the story: Years ago, Massad Ayoob once told me, “In a fight for your life, if it’s a fair fight, your tactics suck.” Like many of us, I’ve heard (and used) that same expression countless times. However, a grandfather in Oklahoma apparently thought it should be a fair fight between home invaders like his grandson and innocent homeowners. Grandpa ‘Leroy Schumacher told media outlets that the homeowner’s use of an AR-15 gave him an “unfair advantage” against the gaggle of armed thugs who broke into his home. In the end, three of the thugs are room temperature. Grandpa, using his impressive intellect and reasoning abilities told KTUL at the time that the shooting and killing of the armed home invader teens was “not needed.” From KTUL: COOKSON, Okla., (KTUL) — A family member of one of the three teen suspects killed after breaking into a Wagoner County home Monday is speaking out for the first time. The grandfather of Jacob Redfearn believes shooting and killing the 17-year-old and his friends was not needed. Don’t you love it when the family members of violent criminals speak out to the media, trying to paint their misguided scholar kin as the true victims. Grandpa Schumacher brought a big shovel to continue diggin’. “What these three boys did was stupid,” said Leroy Schumacher. Schumacher agrees his grandson and his friends made a bad decision, but not one worthy of deadly consequences. “They knew they could be punished for it but they did not deserve to die,” said Schumacher. Redfearn, 19-year old Maxwell Cook and 16-year old Jake Woodruff were shot by the homeowner’s son while breaking into the Wagoner County… Schumacher says his grandson didn’t have a chance. The 17-year old, he says, never got into trouble. “Brass knuckles against an AR-15, come on, who was afraid for their life,” Schumacher told the station at the time. Those “boys” – deep in the heart of gun-lovin’ Oklahoma of all places – didn’t work out well for them. And now, the intruder’s grandpa wants to change the law that allows homeowners to use deadly force in the face of a violent and tumultuous forced entry into their home by intruders or recommend which guns are acceptable to defend yourself with so what? The criminals have a chance. “There’s got to be a limit to that law, I mean he shot all three of them; there was no need for that,” said Schumacher. Schumacher does say he supports the right to bear arms and protect your home. But he doesn’t agree with shooting and killing intruders. At least not when his grandson was one of them. Despite sporting masks and two of them carrying weapons, the homeowner should’ve just taken his beating I guess. He only hopes their deaths can be an example for others. “You can’t change history, but you can damn sure learn from it, and maybe some kids will learn from this,” said Schumacher. Grandpa Schumacher said something we can all agree with…maybe some of these little thugs will learn if they “fool” around, they might find out that doing so may have fatal consequences. The Police Report had more information about the incident. (Elizabeth Marie) Rodriguez later went to the police, admitted her involvement and told investigators that she had planned the whole thing. She was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree burglary, as well as three counts of first-degree murder since Oklahoma state law says someone can be charged with murder if another person takes the life of a human being during their commission of a felony, CNN reported. For her part, Rodriguez can face life in prison or even the death penalty, but it’s the homeowner’s son and the AR-15 that Leroy Schumacher seemingly blames for his grandson’s death. “What these three boys did was stupid,” Schumacher admitted. “They knew they could be punished for it, but they did not deserve to die,” he continued. “Brass knuckles against an AR-15? C’mon. Who was afraid for their life?” Authorities didn’t agree with Schumacher’s sentiments. Zach Peters was not charged with any crimes because police say he acted in self-defense. Schumacher was not convinced that the shooting was justified, though, and reiterated his belief that the consequences didn’t fit the crime. “There’s got to be a limit to that law, I mean he shot all three of them — there was no need for that,” he said. Grandpa douche bag, he should’ve probably just shot one of them and hoped the others ran off instead of taking charging at him and using his own gun to kill him. You can’t make this stuff up! To think those three teens apparently committed that violent home invasion under the leadership of their criminal mastermind friend Elizabeth Rodriguez , who eventually pled guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to 45 years for each of her criminal partners killed. All three sentences were to be served concurrently. As for her associates Jacob Redfearn, Jake Woodruff and Max Cook, they will for eternity pay the price for a very stupid decision that they learned too late has very real, long-term consequences. While this incident took place in 2017, it’s a lesson that is still valid today. Grandpa Douche bag , you fool, blind and ignorant asshole. You don’t go in a person’s home with intentions to steal, do harm, or kill, It’s as simple as that. Price has been paid in full! Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor-First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith AED Defibrillator Sales
Columbus, Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Firearms, Including a Machine Gun Wednesday, December 18, 2024 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia Defendant Advertised Machine Guns and Ghost Guns for Sale on Social Media A Columbus resident who was advertising the sale of fully automatic weapons on social media—including ghost guns and machine guns—pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms resulting from a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation. Matthew Azor, 19, pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Dec. 17. Azor faces a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Matthew Azor illegally sold machine guns and ghost guns on social media, making the deadliest of weapons readily available to dangerous individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and law enforcement partners continue to prioritize prosecutions against those responsible for gun violence in Columbus and across the Middle District of Georgia.” “The illegal trafficking of machine guns and ghost guns poses an unacceptable threat to the safety of our neighborhoods,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “ATF will not waver in its mission to stop dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of criminals and will relentlessly pursue those who profit from this lawlessness.” “Illegal firearms, especially machine guns and ghost guns, are a direct threat to public safety,” said Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis. “We remain committed to working alongside our federal partners to remove these dangerous weapons from the streets and hold those responsible accountable.” According to plea agreement and other statements referenced in court, on Jan. 18, investigators with the Columbus Police Department’s Gang Unit contacted Azor, who was advertising Glock switches and firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices for sale on social media. On Jan. 26, an undercover agent (UC) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) contacted Azor and arranged for the purchase of machine guns. Azor confirmed with the UC that he had firearms which functioned as machine guns available; specifically, an AR pistol and a Glock. The UC met Azor in Columbus and paid $1,100 for the following: a Glock model 17 9x19mm caliber firearm with an attached switch to convert the semi-automatic pistol to a rapid-fire machinegun; a privately made AR-styled pistol also known as a ghost gun; and three rounds of assorted 9mm ammunition. ATF agents examined the firearms and determined the Glock model 17 was able to fire fully automatic and the ghost gun was semi-automatic. A few weeks later, the UC arranged for the purchase of a fully automatic firearm and a Glock machine gun conversion device (MCD) that Azor claimed he had for sale. On Feb. 29, the UC met Azor and purchased the following: a PA-15 AR-pistol with a loaded magazine and a purported Glock MCD. ATF agents later examined those firearms and determined both were not machine guns. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department’s Gang Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Bradenton Felon Convicted Of Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses Thursday, December 19, 2024 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Javier Mares (44, Bradenton) guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Mares faces minimum of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been set. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bradenton Police Department began investigating Mares and his brother in 2023. Mares was believed to be supplying large amounts of narcotics from his auto shop business in Bradenton. Investigators dispatched a confidential informant to make several purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mares’ brother. His brother was observed leaving the auto shop prior to the controlled purchases and returning to the location after the transactions. On June 27, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at the auto body shop. Mares and a juvenile were in the shop at the time of the search warrant execution. Investigators located a safe filled with packaged methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana along with drug distribution paraphernalia under the Mares’ desk. Mares’ fingerprint was later discovered on a baggie with 380 grams of methamphetamine found in the safe. A DEA forensic chemist later determined that the methamphetamine was 96% pure. Agents also found a loaded firearm next to several collectible $2 bills in the desk drawer near the floor safe. During an interview, Mares told agents that the office was his, but he had no idea who the safe belonged to, and he did not have a key or code. He also admitted that the $2 bills found in the desk drawer belonged to him, but that he had never seen the loaded gun sitting next to them. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Tolleson Man Indicted for Threats to the President-Elect and Others and for Firearms Offenses Friday, December 20, 2024 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted Manuel Tamayo-Torres, of Tolleson, on four counts of False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, one count of Threats Against the President and Successors to the Presidency, one count of Interstate Threatening Communications, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Subject to an Order of Protection. According to the complaint, Tamayo-Torres was convicted in 2003 in California for Assault with Great Bodily Injury, a felony. In July 2023 a court in Arizona issued an order of protection against him, in effect for two years, which restrains him from harassing, stalking or threatening his ex-wife. Both the conviction and the order of protection prohibited his possession of firearms. Despite this, in November 2023, Tamayo-Torres attempted to purchase firearms on two separate occasions, falsely stating he had not been convicted of a felony and was not subject to an order of protection. The complaint also alleges that in November 2024 Tamayo-Torres made postings on a social media platform threating to harm the President-elect of the United States, including that he was going to kill the President-elect and do violence to his family. In at least one of his posts, Tamayo-Torres displayed a firearm in the context of making threatening statements. That firearm, as well as others, were later located in his home. A conviction for any of the following: False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, Threats Against the President and Successors to the Presidency, or Interstate Threatening Communications carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Tamayo-Torres was previously arrested on the complaint in San Diego on November 25, 2024, and he remains detained pending a detention hearing in the District of Arizona. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Phoenix Field Division, and the United States Secret Service, Phoenix Field Office, are conducting the investigation in this case, with valuable assistance provided by the United States Marshals Service and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-24-2063-PHX-SMB RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-180_Tamayo-Torres
Oklahoma Man and Florida FFL Pleads Guilty In Firearms Trafficking Scheme Monday, December 23, 2024 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christopher John Murchison (52, Oklahoma) has pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in records required to be maintained by a licensed firearms dealer. Murchison faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, Murchison, along with Michael Sawyer and Randolph Swindle, aided and abetted each other to illegally acquire and traffic approximately 177 firearms, which were subsequently sold on the streets for profit. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating the firearm trafficking operation after several firearms were recovered in connection with international crimes in Puerto Rico and Colombia. The investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme involving Sawyer purchasing firearms online and shipping them to Swindle, a federal firearms licensee in Bunnell, Florida. Once the firearms arrived, Sawyer prefilled ATF Form 4473s using his own name, as well as the names of his mother and a friend. These falsified forms were then handed to Murchison, who used them to retrieve the firearms from Swindle. Murchison subsequently rebuilt the firearms into assault-rifle-style pistols, which were then handed back to Sawyer for resale on the street. Between July 2021 and February 2022, the group purchased, modified, and trafficked approximately 177 firearms. Many of these firearms have been recovered in connection with crimes both nationally and internationally. All individuals involved in the scheme have been arrested and have pleaded guilty in federal court. Swindle and Sawyer each pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in records required by a licensed firearms dealer. They face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.