Gregory Kielma • August 6, 2024
Billionaires Laura and John Arnold – through Arnold Ventures, a Houston-based for-profit corporation are Anti Gun and funding Flawed Research
Laura and John Arnold
Billionaire Backing Biased Anti-Gun Research
“In this world, you get what you pay for,” said Kurt Vonnegut in Cat’s Cradle, his fourth novel. And when billionaire philanthropists are involved, Mr. Vonnegut is more than right. Nowadays, billionaires get exactly what they pay for.
An investigation by the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project reveals how a former Enron trader and his wife are quietly paying millions of dollars every year to colleges, universities, think tanks and other groups for biased anti-gun research, which is then cited as gospel by the corporate media and used as propaganda by anyone who wants to infringe upon law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
Billionaires Laura and John Arnold – through Arnold Ventures, a Houston-based for-profit corporation the couple founded to “proactively achieve social change” and their nonprofit, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation – are quietly bankrolling research that promotes and supports their radical anti-gun views. Their Foundation has more than $3.5 billion in assets.
Despite their predilection to work in secret, the couple’s actions have not gone unnoticed.
“Arnold Ventures is the gun control backer most Americans have never heard of. They quietly work behind the scenes, unlike Michael Bloomberg. However, their influence on trying to shape gun control policy rivals that of the biggest backers of antigun efforts. They regularly donate money to think tanks and academia to propel biased research into the policy arena. Arnold Venture’s philanthropic outreach sounds well-intentioned, but they’re serving up snake oil when they peddle firearms as a disease,” Mark Oliva, public affairs director for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said last week.
The Arnolds’ massive financial clout creates an unholy alliance between grantor and grantee. Their paid researchers publish findings that support the couple’s views, or they risk the cash spigot being turned off and the loss of millions of dollars to their organization.
When it comes to their donations, it is clear who determines where the money goes.
“Laura and John established the Laura and John Arnold Foundation in 2010. They believe philanthropy should be transformational and should seek through innovation to solve persistent problems in society. As co-founders, Laura and John actively engage in the organization’s overall direction and daily execution,” the group’s website states.
John Arnold started as a trader for Enron, according to Influence Watch. He quit before the company imploded and was never accused of wrongdoing. In addition to gun control, the couple supports health care reform, criminal justice reform, prison reform and several nonprofit media groups.
The RAND Corporation is a major recipient of the Arnolds’ funding. RAND now maintains a gun-policy page. Much of their research is sponsored by the Arnolds.
According to the Laura and John Arnold Foundation’s 2022 IRS form 990, the couple paid RAND at total of $2.8 million, of which $1.7 million was for anti-gun research, including:
• $1,261,269 “to conduct research on how to reduce gun violence.”
• $99,000 “to support the first national conference on gun violence prevention research.”
• $89,000 “to support a convening relating to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Bruen case.”
• $283,546 “to provide objective information about firearm violence and how state laws reduce or exacerbate this violence.”
That same year, the couple paid more than $1.8 million for anti-gun research from other groups, including:
• $28,040 to the National Opinion Research Center “to support the NORC expert panel on reducing gun violence and improving data infrastructure.”
• $219,122 to the University of California at Berkeley “to evaluate the advance peace gun violence reduction program.”
• $1,065,933 to Princeton University “to develop a research infrastructure that helps cities better understand and respond to waves of gun violence.”
• $475,093 to the University of Maryland “to support the center for study and practice of violence reduction.”
In total, the Foundation donated more than $185 million, according to their 2022 IRS Form 990.
Arnold Ventures public relations director, Angela Landers, declined to be interviewed for this story, arrange an interview with the Arnolds or discuss the gun-control research they funded. Instead, Landers chose to send a written statement, which is unedited and reprinted in its entirety:
“Philanthropy can play a unique role in supporting research regarding the impact of many public policies, including those related to gun violence. In this instance, Arnold Ventures partnered with RAND Corp., a nonpartisan and widely respected research institution, to conduct scientific research that offers the public and policymakers a factual basis for developing fair and effective gun policies in the interest of public safety. Sound research is an important part of building evidence-based solutions,” Landers said in her statement.
RAND’s Response
While there were infrequent gun-related projects over the years, the RAND Corporation as a whole did not research “gun violence” until 2016, when there was a mass-shooting near their California office, according to Andrew R. Morral, PhD, a senior behavioral scientist at RAND and the Greenwald Family Chair in Gun Policy.
“A lot of our staff were rattled by it, as were RAND trustees and friends of RAND,” Morral told the Second Amendment Foundation last week. “They contacted our president and asked what we were going to do about it.”
RAND set aside some internal funds because the work was not yet sponsored and investigated, Morral explained. In 2018, they released their first tranche of research.
“Arnold Ventures picked it up and has funded us since then,” he said.
Today, Arnold Ventures is RAND’s largest sponsor of gun-control research. Together with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the two groups pay RAND more than $1.5 million annually, Morral said. Federal grants from the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Justice provide additional “gun-violence” research funding.
None of RAND’s estimated 1,900 employees are researching gun-control full time, Morral said. Although he estimated between six to eight staffers are studying gun-control topics “as part of their research portfolios.”
Morral denied that Arnold Ventures or any other donor interfered with their research.
“We are very careful to not allow that to happen,” he said. “We haven’t experienced any pressure and we have not been asked to share our findings with Arnold Ventures or any other sponsor. We aren’t held accountable for producing results in a certain direction. Our donors, generally, are interested in us being neutral and objective, which is part of the reason they came to RAND.”
Still, Morral acknowledged that their sponsors can use their research however they see fit.
“We realize it’s used for advocacy, of course. We’re producing scientific results. We can’t control how they’re used. People will use that in a variety of ways. Our results are used by both advocates for more restrictive gun laws as well as advocates for less restrictive gun laws.”
Morral said RAND takes no position on the right to keep and bear arms. “We don’t have policy positions on that or on gun laws or anything else,” he said. “We don’t advocate. We don’t do any advocacy.”
However, it is RAND’s opinion and Morral’s that “gun-violence” constitutes a public health crisis.
“I certainly think there’s a crisis in terms of the number of people dying and being injured each year,” he said. “The numbers are high enough to call that a crisis.”
RAND, Morral said, stands by the validity of their gun-violence research, “subject to the limitations reported in our reports. All research has limitations, and we try to be upfront about that,” he said.
RAND’s position on two frequent gun-control targets is clear, concise and published on its website.
• Concealed-carry laws increase homicides rates: “Evidence shows that concealed carry laws – when states implement more permissive concealed carry laws, there’s a small increase in homicide rates. Our own research has found evidence of that – some suggestive evidence,” Morral said.
• Stand-your-ground laws increase homicide rates: “The current evidence is that when states implement stand-your-ground laws, firearm homicide rates increase,” he said.
RAND researchers published a report last Wednesday, which was funded by Arnold Ventures and a National Institute of Health grant, titled “State Policies Regulating Firearms and Changes in Firearm Mortality.”
Morral was one of the scientists involved in the project.
The objective was to estimate the effects state firearm policies have on gun-related deaths. The researchers examined six policies: “background checks, minimum age, waiting periods, child access, concealed carry, and stand-your-ground laws.”
The findings were mixed. Child-access prevention laws can reduce gun deaths by 6%, and stand-your-ground laws can increase firearm deaths by 6%, the authors claimed.
“Our finding that most of these individual state-level firearm policies have relatively modest and uncertain effect sizes reflects that each firearm policy is a small component of a complex system shaping firearm violence. However, we found that combinations of the studied policies were reliably associated with substantial shifts in firearm mortality,” the authors noted.
All of the authors – Terry L. Schell, PhD; Rosanna Smart, PhD; Matthew Cefalu, PhD; Beth Ann Griffin, PhD and Morral – work for RAND at either its Santa Monica, California, or Arlington, Virginia, offices.
All of the authors except Morral disclosed conflicts of interest: “Dr Schell reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism during the conduct of the study. Dr Smart reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures and the National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study. Dr Cefalu reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures during the conduct of the study. Dr Griffin reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures during the conduct of the study. No other disclosures were reported.”
The authors claimed that neither Arnold Ventures not the NIH exercised any control of their work.
“The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication,” the report states.
RAND’s NIH Grant of $790,100 was awarded Sept. 25, 2020, and is ongoing.
“Don’t Get Mad About Guns …”
Three months ago, the Trace – the propaganda arm of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun empire – announced they were creating a Gun Violence Data Hub, which would “help journalists access data on one of America’s most critical – and opaque – public health crises.”
“The Data Hub is a multiyear project to increase the accessibility and use of accurate data on gun violence in journalism. Its team of editors, reporters and researchers will proactively collect and clean datasets for public distribution, write and share tip sheets, and serve as a resource desk to other newsrooms, assisting journalists in their pursuit of data-informed reporting,” the Trace reported.
Arnold Ventures was one of the Data Hub’s top sponsors.
To be clear, Arnold Ventures has radical anti-gun views. The group believes “firearm violence” constitutes a public health crisis. “Gun violence,” it claims, has become the leading cause of death of “young people,” not children, the group states on its website. By referring to young people rather than children, they can include 18- to 20-year-olds in their data set to make the numbers work.
Arnold Ventures wants to bridge the gap in anti-gun research, which they say was created by the 1996 Dickey Amendment, which prohibits the federal government from conducting anti-gun research.
Don’t Get Mad About Guns — Get Funding for Research, the group offers on its website.
“It isn’t enough to get mad about gun violence,” Asheley Van Ness, Arnold Ventures former director of criminal justice, wrote in The Houston Chronicle.“Change starts with adequate funding for research, or else policymakers may end up spending time and money on programs that simply don’t work.”
In 2018, to streamline its funding efforts, Arnold Ventures launched the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research (NCGVR). Its mission is to “fund and disseminate nonpartisan, scientific research that offers the public and policymakers a factual basis for developing fair and effective gun policies.”
“At Arnold Ventures, we use our resources to confront some of the most pressing problems facing our nation,” Arnold Ventures President and CEO Kelli Rhee stated on the group’s website. “Five years ago, we, like many others, recognized that our understanding of gun violence was suffering from a severe lack of investment in research, and we joined together with our partners to try and fill some of the gap. While more investment from both public and private entities is undoubtedly needed, the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research has made significant progress in building the gun policy evidence base.”
Since 2022, the NCGVR has issued more than 50 grants, including “13 dissertation research projects and seven post-doctoral research fellowships, as well as awards for large new studies on domestic gun violence, officer-involved shootings, harms to firearm owners associated with gun laws, gun suicides, gun policy analysis and urban gun violence.”
Arnold Ventures chose RAND to administer the NCGVR, and RAND put Morral in charge. Today, Morral co-leads the NCGVR, which he says brings RAND “a couple hundred-thousand dollars per year.”
“It was an opportunity to improve research in the field,” Morral told the Second Amendment Foundation. “It was something that seemed like an interesting project to work to elevate. There wasn’t much research going on, and it was an area we were trying to make some headway in with our own funding. We recognized there was a gap in knowledge about gun policy that wasn’t being studied.”
Takeaways
There is certainly nothing unlawful about a well-heeled couple sponsoring gun-control research or research of any kind. The Arnolds are free to spend their millions as they see fit. However, since their largesse can negatively impact the civil rights of millions of law-abiding Americans, the Arnolds should be prepared to answer for their philanthropy.
The couple has created a pipeline of sorts, cash goes in one end and anti-gun propaganda comes out the other.
The risks they’ve created are dire.
“When a cable TV news actor cites some farcical statistic about guns or gun owners, it’s important to understand how that number made it onto the teleprompter,” said Second Amendment Foundation founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “It starts with donor dollars sent to researchers at left-leaning colleges, universities or other groups, who publish reports that mirror their donors’ views, which are then regurgitated by the corporate media. It’s a factory-like process. We don’t have anything like that. We don’t need it. We simply rely upon the truth.”
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Home and Business Security & Safety: Building Peace of Mind Gregg Kielma Kielma advises, security is more than locks and alarms, it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, prepared, and confident. Whether protecting your family at home or safeguarding your business, proactive measures make all the difference. Let’s take a LOOK. Home Security Essentials • Layered Protection: Combine physical barriers (locks, reinforced doors, secure windows) with modern technology (cameras, alarms, smart sensors). • Lighting Matters: Motion-activated exterior lights deter intruders and increase visibility around entry points. • Secure Entry Points: Deadbolts, strike plates, and reinforced garage doors add critical layers of defense. • Family Awareness: Teach household members to lock doors, verify visitors, and practice situational awareness. Business Security Priorities • Access Control: Use keycards, codes, or biometric systems to limit entry to authorized personnel. • Surveillance Systems: Modern cameras provide real-time monitoring and cloud storage for evidence if needed. • Employee Training: Staff should know emergency procedures, recognize suspicious activity, and understand their role in maintaining safety. • Cybersecurity Integration: Protect digital assets with strong passwords, firewalls, and regular updates—physical and digital security go hand in hand. The Human Factor Technology is powerful, but people make the difference. Responsible security practices, situational awareness, and ongoing training ensure preparedness for the unexpected. At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we emphasize education and readiness so our clients can protect what matters most, safely and responsibly.
Glock Firearms: A Standard of Excellence in Modern Shooting By Gregg Kielma These are my thoughts about Glock Firearms, in my opinion one of the top firearms in the world today. Please remember these are my thoughts and yours maybe different. At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we believe that responsible ownership begins with education and the right equipment. Few firearms embody reliability, innovation, and trust as strongly as Glock. For decades, Glock pistols have set the standard in performance, making them a preferred choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters worldwide. 🔹 Reliability You Can Count On Glock pistols are engineered to function in the harshest conditions. Their reputation for durability and consistent performance ensures that whether you’re training at the range or relying on your firearm for personal defense, you can trust it to perform when it matters most. 🔹 Innovation That Changed the Industry When Glock introduced its polymer-frame pistols, it revolutionized the firearms world. Today, Glock continues to lead with designs that emphasize ergonomics, modularity, and adaptability features that benefit both new shooters and seasoned professionals. 🔹 Simplicity and Safety With fewer parts than many competitors, Glock pistols are easy to maintain and operate. This simplicity not only enhances safety but also makes them ideal for training environments where clarity and confidence are key. 🔹 Trusted Worldwide From police departments across the United States to military units abroad, Glock has earned global recognition. Its widespread adoption reflects a commitment to quality that resonates with professionals and responsible owners alike. 🔹 Building Skills and Community At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we use Glock pistols as part of our instruction because they embody the values we teach: safety, responsibility, and precision. Beyond their technical excellence, Glock firearms help foster a strong community of shooters who value tradition, innovation, and responsible ownership. Tactical Training and Firearms Commitment At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we don’t just provide instruction, we empower our clients with knowledge, confidence, and respect for the tools they use. Glock firearms align perfectly with that mission, offering a platform that is safe, reliable, and trusted worldwide. Gregg Kielma
The Gun Industry: Innovation, Responsibility, and Community by Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms, we’re proud to be part of an industry that represents more than just tools — it embodies craftsmanship, responsibility, and tradition. 🔹 Innovation and Craftsmanship The firearms industry continues to advance with precision engineering, improved safety features, and cutting-edge optics. These innovations ensure that owners and professionals alike benefit from reliable, high-quality equipment. 🔹 Commitment to Safety Education is at the heart of responsible ownership. At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we emphasize proper handling, storage, and respect for firearms. By empowering our clients with knowledge, we help build a culture of responsibility that strengthens our community. 🔹 Economic and Community Impact The gun industry supports local businesses and skilled professionals across the country. Here in Florida, we’re proud to contribute to that growth by offering training and services that benefit both individuals and the broader community. 🔹 Tradition and Recreation From hunting and sport shooting to professional training, firearms connect people to tradition, discipline, and camaraderie. These activities foster respect, responsibility, and a shared appreciation for skill and safety. My final thoughts, at Tactical K Training and Firearms, we believe the gun industry is a positive force — one that blends innovation with responsibility, and tradition with community. Together, we continue to uphold the values of safety, professionalism, and respect. Gregg Kielma
Why You, friends and Family Should Consider a Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) By Gregg Kielma Your decision to obtain a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit is one rooted in personal responsibility, safety, and preparedness. While firearms ownership itself requires discipline and respect for the law, carrying concealed adds another layer of accountability that benefits both the individual and the community. Personal Protection A CCW empowers law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their loved ones in situations where law enforcement may not be immediately available. Emergencies unfold in seconds, and having the ability to respond can mean the difference between vulnerability and safety. Legal Responsibility Holding a CCW demonstrates a commitment to following the law. Permit holders undergo background checks, training, and often continuing education, ensuring they understand both the legal and ethical responsibilities of carrying a firearm. Community Safety Responsible concealed carriers act as deterrents to crime. Criminals are less likely to target individuals or communities where citizens may be armed and prepared. This doesn’t mean vigilante justice—it means fostering a safer environment through lawful readiness. Confidence Through Training Most CCW programs require instruction in firearms safety, marksmanship, and situational awareness. This training builds confidence, reduces accidents, and ensures that carriers are prepared to act responsibly under stress. Here Is My Final Parting Thought as A CCW Instructor: A CCW is not just about carrying a firearm—it’s about embracing responsibility, protecting oneself and others, and contributing to a safer society. For those who value preparedness and accountability, obtaining a CCW is a meaningful step toward ensuring peace of mind in an unpredictable world. Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms
Tactical K Training and Firearms Once Fired Brass Before Processing New Factory AMMO vs. Reloaded AMMO By Gregg Kielma I often get asked about reloading ammo with new or once-fired brass. Personally, I only use new or once-fired brass—never more than that—and I prefer Hodgdon powder and CCI primers. Some reloaders reuse brass several times, but I don't. Factory ammo is convenient and reliable; reloading saves money and allows customization. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize consistency and convenience or cost savings and flexibility. I reload all my own brass for range and self-defense use. Kielma says, LET’S TAKE A LOOK, my thoughts. New vs. Reloaded Ammunition: A Practical Comparison What Is New Ammo? New ammunition, often called factory ammo, is produced by manufacturers using brand-new components—fresh brass casings, primers, powder, and bullets. It is packaged, quality-tested, and ready to use straight out of the box. Key advantages: • Reliability: Factory ammo is manufactured under strict quality control, reducing the risk of misfires or inconsistencies. • Convenience: No time investment—simply purchase, load, and shoot. • Consistency: Ideal for defensive use, law enforcement, and competitive shooting where reliability is paramount. Drawbacks: • Cost: Factory ammo is generally more expensive, especially for high-volume shooters. • Availability: During shortages or price spikes, certain calibers may be difficult to find. What Is Reloaded Ammo? Reloaded ammunition—also called handloaded ammo—is made by reusing spent brass casings and replacing primers, powder, and bullets. Shooters either reload themselves or purchase reloads from trusted suppliers. Key advantages: • Cost Savings: Reloading can cut costs significantly, especially for rare calibers or high-volume shooting. • Customization: Reloaders can fine-tune loads for accuracy, recoil management, or specific firearms. • Independence: Less reliance on factory supply chains, which is valuable during ammo shortages. Drawbacks: • Time & Equipment: Reloading requires specialized tools, knowledge, and patience. • Safety Risks: Poorly reloaded rounds can cause malfunctions or damage firearms if not done correctly. • Inconsistency: Quality depends on the skill and attention of the reloader. Side-by-Side Comparison Factor New Ammo (Factory) My Reloaded Ammo Cost Higher per round Lower long-term, especially for rare calibers Reliability Very high Depends on reloader’s skill Convenience Ready to use Requires time, tools, and knowledge Off the shelf pretty box's Reloaded- Customization Limited Highly customizable (powder charge, bullet type, etc.) Best For Defense, duty, competition Practice, hunting, precision shooting, cost saving. Please note I make extremely reliable self-defense rounds, just like what comes off the shelf. Time and quality control are a must and my standard. Risks and Considerations • For defensive use: Some experts recommend sticking with factory ammo due to its proven reliability and legal defensibility. • For training and hunting: Reloads can be an excellent choice, offering affordability and tailored performance. • For beginners: Reloading requires careful study of manuals, adherence to safety practices, and investment in equipment. Kielma’s Conclusion New ammo is best when reliability and convenience matter most, while reloaded ammo shines for cost savings, customization, and independence. Many shooters use a mix—factory rounds for defense and reloaded ammo for practice or hunting. As a firearms instructor, and professional reloader, this comparison is meant be a teaching point for my students, friends and family: I empathize safety and reliability with factory ammo while introducing the benefits of reloaded ammo for those interested in deeper technical knowledge.
Gregg Kielma: A Dedicated Leader in Firearms Training and Personal Protection By Steve Smith 12/20/25 Gregg Kielma has built a respected reputation in the world of firearms education, personal protection, and responsible gun ownership. As the owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms, Kielma brings more than three decades of experience in concealed carry, shooting sports, and self-defense instruction to students across the United States. Kielma is a USCCA certified instructor with credentials spanning decades in concealed carry and home defense, countering the mass shooter threat, children’s firearms safety, women’s firearm self-defense, range safety operations, real estate agent safety, first aid fundamentals instructor to include CPR/Defibrillator, range safety officer/trainer, electronic control device instructor, prepping for survival, security consultant home and business, FAA drone pilot and is an outdoor range operator. His broad certification portfolio reflects a commitment to empowering individuals and families with practical, lifesaving skills. Beyond instruction, Kielma is also an FFL dealer, a professional engineer /project manager, and an experienced gunsmith, adding technical depth to his training programs. His background includes expert marksmanship and drone piloting, further demonstrating the diverse skill set he brings to the firearms community. Students and clients consistently note his professionalism, patience, and ability to translate complex safety principles into clear, actionable guidance. Whether working with first time gun owners or seasoned shooters, Gregg Kielma’s mission remains the same: to promote safe, confident, and responsible firearm handling.
Purchasing a Firearm: A Responsible Buyer’s Guide By Gregg Kielma FFL- Firearms Instructor- Gunsmith- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor Buying a firearm is a significant decision—one that carries legal, ethical, and safety responsibilities. Whether someone is purchasing their first firearm or adding to an existing collection, approaching the process with preparation and awareness ensures a safer and more confident experience. Understand Your Purpose Before stepping into a gun shop, it helps to be clear about why you want a firearm. Common reasons include: • Home or personal protection • Hunting or sport shooting • Collecting historical or specialty firearms Your purpose will influence the type, size, caliber, and features that make sense for you. Know the Law Firearm laws vary by state and sometimes even by county or municipality. Buyers should familiarize themselves with: • Eligibility requirements • Background check procedures • Waiting periods (if applicable) • Storage and transportation laws • Any required permits or training Understanding the legal landscape ensures compliance and prevents accidental violations. Choose a Reputable Dealer Purchasing from a licensed firearms dealer provides several advantages: • Assurance that the firearm is legally transferred • Access to knowledgeable staff • Proper documentation and background checks • Opportunities to handle different models before buying A good dealer will answer questions without pressure and help match the buyer with the right firearm. Handle and Evaluate Firearms When examining a firearm in person, pay attention to: • Ergonomics and comfort • Weight and balance • Sight picture • Trigger feel • Overall build quality A firearm should feel natural and controllable. If it doesn’t, it’s not the right fit. Prioritize Training and Safety Owning a firearm is only part of the equation. Responsible ownership includes: • Taking certified safety courses • Practicing regularly at a range • Learning safe storage methods • Understanding how to maintain the firearm Training builds confidence and reduces the risk of accidents. Secure Storage Safe storage protects both the owner and others in the household. Options include: • Lockable gun safes • Quick access lockboxes • Cable or trigger locks The goal is to prevent unauthorized access while still allowing the owner to access the firearm responsibly. Gregg Kielma FFL- Firearms Instructor- Gunsmith- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor
ATF Building Washington DC The ATF: A Quiet Force Protecting Communities, My Thoughts By Gregg Kielma When most people think about public safety, they picture local police departments or federal agencies with high-profile missions. Yet one agency works steadily behind the scenes, tackling some of the most complex threats to American communities: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Though often operating without fanfare, the ATF plays a vital role in safeguarding the public, supporting law enforcement partners, and ensuring that legal industries operate responsibly. A Mission Rooted in Public Safety The ATF’s core mission is straightforward but essential: protect the public from violent crime. Its responsibilities span several areas that directly impact everyday life: • Combating firearms trafficking and violent crime • Investigating arson and explosives incidents • Regulating the firearms and explosives industries • Ensuring compliance in alcohol and tobacco markets These are not abstract tasks. They’re the kinds of challenges that, if left unchecked, can destabilize communities and endanger lives. The ATF’s work helps prevent that. Expertise That Makes a Difference One of the ATF’s greatest strengths is its deep technical expertise. ATF agents and specialists are among the nation’s foremost experts in: • Firearms tracing and ballistics • Explosives analysis • Fire scene reconstruction • Criminal networks and trafficking patterns Their National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is a prime example. It allows law enforcement agencies across the country to link shell casings from different crime scenes, helping investigators identify patterns and stop violent offenders more quickly. Partnerships That Strengthen Communities The ATF doesn’t work alone. It collaborates with thousands of local police departments, federal agencies, and international partners. These relationships amplify the impact of every investigation. Whether it’s helping a small-town police department solve an arson case or supporting a major city’s efforts to dismantle a firearms trafficking ring, the ATF brings resources and expertise that many agencies simply don’t have on their own. Supporting Lawful Industry Beyond enforcement, the ATF plays a crucial regulatory role. It works closely with firearms dealers, explosives companies, and alcohol and tobacco businesses to ensure compliance with federal law. Most of these businesses want to operate responsibly, and the ATF provides guidance, inspections, and education to help them do exactly that. This partnership-based approach strengthens legitimate commerce while preventing dangerous materials from falling into the wrong hands. A Commitment to Professionalism ATF personnel—agents, chemists, auditors, investigators, and support staff—are known for their professionalism and dedication. Their work often requires patience, precision, and a willingness to take on difficult, sometimes dangerous assignments. Yet they continue to serve with integrity, motivated by a simple goal: make communities safer. A Vital, Often Unsung Agency The ATF may not always be in the spotlight, but its contributions are felt nationwide. From solving violent crimes to preventing illegal trafficking, from supporting local law enforcement to ensuring responsible industry practices, the ATF is a critical part of America’s public safety infrastructure. In a world where threats evolve quickly, the ATF’s expertise, adaptability, and commitment to service make it an indispensable force for good.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Machine Gun Possession Friday, December 19, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, JAHBRELL PRICE (“PRICE”), age 25, of Marrero, Louisiana was sentenced on December 4, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, after previously pleading guilty to the two-count indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged PRICE with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(3). Count 2 charged PRICE with possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). PRICE was sentenced to a total term of 33 months’ imprisonment, consisting of 12 months as to Count One and 33 months as to Count Two, with the terms to be served concurrently. PRICE was further sentenced to three (3) years of supervised release, consisting of one (1) year as to Count One and three (3) years as to Count Two, to be served concurrently as well as a $125 mandatory special assessment fee. According to documents, on January 7, 2024, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives located PRICE at a motel at 6751 Westbank Expressway, in Marrero, where he was arrested on an outstanding Orleans Parish warrant. Detectives secured a search warrant for PRICE’s hotel room and located twenty (20) bottles of promethazine (9,460 ml), $1,375.00 in United States currency, and a Glock model 45 nine-millimeter handgun with an external and visible machine gun conversion device attached to the rear of the slide. 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. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit. Contact Brittany Maique Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana Updated December 19, 2025
