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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Retail Safety & Business Safety: Protecting People, Property, and Peace of Mind By Gregory Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms Safety isn’t a luxury in business—it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re running a small retail shop or managing a large commercial operation, the goal is the same: create an environment where employees feel confident, customers feel welcome, and risks are minimized long before they become incidents. In my work training individuals and organizations, I’ve seen one truth repeat itself: safety succeeds when it’s intentional, consistent, and built into everyday habits. The Foundation: Awareness and Prevention Most safety failures don’t happen because people don’t care—they happen because people get comfortable. In retail and business settings, that comfort can lead to blind spots. Strong safety starts with: • Clear expectations for staff • Consistent routines that reinforce good habits • A culture where people speak up when something feels off When employees understand why safety matters, they take ownership of it. Retail Safety: Protecting the Front Line Retail environments are unique. You’re balancing customer service, inventory, cash handling, and public interaction—all at once. That creates a mix of risks that require proactive planning. Key priorities include: • Customer flow and store layout: Clear aisles, visible exits, and well lit spaces reduce accidents and deter theft. • Employee training: Staff should know how to handle suspicious behavior, de escalate tense situations, and respond to emergencies. • Inventory and cash controls: Simple procedures—two person counts, secure storage, and limited access—go a long way. • Slip, trip, and fall prevention: The most common retail injury is also the most preventable with routine checks and quick cleanup. Retail safety is about protecting both the people who walk in the door and the people who keep the doors open. Business Safety: Systems, Structure, and Accountability Beyond retail, every business—office, warehouse, service provider—faces its own set of risks. The principles stay the same, but the scale changes. Strong business safety includes: • Emergency planning: Fire, medical, weather, and security responses should be practiced, not just posted on a wall. • Workplace ergonomics: Proper lifting, workstation setup, and equipment use prevent long term injuries. • Access control: Know who belongs in your building and who doesn’t. • Technology and cybersecurity: Physical and digital safety go hand in hand. A breach in one often leads to a breach in the other. • Leadership involvement: Safety only works when management models it and supports it. A safe business is an efficient business. When people feel secure, they perform better. The Human Factor: Training Makes the Difference Policies and equipment matter, but people make safety real. Training—hands on, scenario based, and relevant—builds confidence and competence. Employees should know how to: • Recognize hazards • Respond to medical emergencies • Use fire extinguishers • Communicate during a crisis • Protect themselves and others When training is practical and relatable, it sticks. Safety Is an Investment, Not an Expense Gregg Kielma
Gaston Glock Engineer and Innovator (Deceased) Why I Consider the Glock One of the Best Firearms Made My Personal Experience's and Recommendation Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/5/2026 Agree or disagree these are my thoughts on Glock Firearms. Let's take a look. What are your thoughts? As a firearms instructor, business owner, and someone who has spent countless hours on the range with shooters of every skill level, I’ve learned that a “good firearm” isn’t defined by hype, price tag, or trends. It’s defined by performance, consistency, and the ability to support responsible ownership. That’s exactly why Glock stands out as one of the best firearm platforms available today. I've carried the exact same Glock Gen3 9x19 as my CCW for the past 40 years and never, ever a jam or malfunction. 30K plus rounds and counting. GLOCK Unmatched Reliability in Real Conditions A firearm’s first job is to work every single time. Glock pistols have earned their reputation for reliability because they function in heat, cold, rain, dirt, sweat, and stress. I’ve seen student's limp wrist, under grip, or run low quality ammo — and the Glock still cycles. That level of consistency builds confidence, especially for new shooters. Simple, Safe, and Intuitive Design Glock’s design philosophy is straightforward: fewer parts, fewer failure points. Their Safe Action System provides consistent trigger pull and built in safety without unnecessary complexity. For training, this matters. Students learn faster, retain skills better, and spend more time focusing on fundamentals rather than fighting the gun. Easy to Maintain, Easy to Trust A Glock can be field stripped in seconds, cleaned quickly, and put back into service without special tools or advanced gunsmithing knowledge. For responsible owners, this means less downtime, lower maintenance costs, and a firearm that stays ready. Ergonomics That Work for Real People Glock frames are designed to fit a wide range of hands, and their grip angle promotes natural point of aim. Whether I’m working with a brand-new shooter or a seasoned professional, the platform adapts well. Add in interchangeable backstraps and accessory compatibility, and you have a firearm that grows with the shooter. Proven Worldwide Law enforcement agencies, military units, and civilian defenders across the globe rely on Glock. That level of adoption isn’t accidental — it’s earned through decades of performance under pressure. When professionals trust a tool with their lives, it says something. A Platform That Supports Training and Growth From dry fire practice to advanced defensive courses, Glock pistols support skill development at every level. Their predictable recoil, consistent trigger, and durable construction make them ideal for building accuracy, speed, and confidence. Kielma’s Parting Shot: A firearm should be dependable, safe, and practical. Glock checks every box. It’s a platform I trust, a platform I teach with, and a platform I recommend because it empowers responsible owners to protect themselves and their families with confidence. If you want a firearm that performs when it matters, grows with your skills, and stands up to real world use, a Glock is one of the best choices you can make. Gregg Kielma
Six Reasons Why I Chose Not to Participate, Advertise, Sell At or Attend Gun Shows By Gregory Kielma 04/05/2026 I get asked this a lot, and people are often surprised when I tell them I don’t go to gun shows. As someone who lives and breathes firearms education, safety, and responsible ownership, you’d think I’d be the first one through the door. But the truth is simple: gun shows don’t align with the standards I expect for myself or for the people I train. 1. Safety Standards Are Inconsistent My entire profession is built on safety—real, disciplined, accountable safety. At gun shows, the environment is crowded, rushed, and full of people handling firearms with varying levels of experience. I’ve seen too many fingers on triggers, too many muzzles pointed in unsafe directions, and too many vendors who assume everyone knows what they’re doing. When you run a training business, you don’t get to “hope” people follow the rules. You need structure, control, and consistency. Gun shows simply don’t offer that. 2. I Prefer Verified, Traceable, Professional Transactions As an FFL and instructor, I take compliance seriously. Every transfer, every background check, every piece of paperwork matters. At gun shows, the culture often leans toward speed and convenience over clarity and compliance. Even when everything is legal, the environment can feel rushed and chaotic. I’d rather deal with reputable shops, trusted distributors, or direct manufacturers—people who value professionalism as much as I do. 3. The Information Isn’t Always Accurate One of the biggest issues I see is misinformation. You’ll hear people giving advice that ranges from outdated to downright dangerous. Whether it’s legal interpretations, self-defense myths, or technical claims about firearms, gun shows can become an echo chamber of bad information. My job is to teach people the truth—about safety, about the law, and about responsible ownership. I can’t endorse environments where the loudest voice often wins over the most accurate one. 4. I Don’t Need the “Gun Show Culture” There’s a culture at gun shows that just doesn’t fit who I am or what Tactical K Training and Firearms stands for. I’m not interested in the theatrics, the bravado, or the “look at me” attitude that sometimes shows up in those spaces. Firearms aren’t toys, props, or personality boosters. They’re tools that demand respect. I’d rather spend my time with people who want to learn, grow, and handle firearms with maturity and purpose. 5. My Time Is Better Spent Serving My Community Between teaching classes, maintaining equipment, staying current on laws, and running a business, my time is valuable. I’d rather invest it in my students, my range, and my community—not wandering aisles looking at gear I don’t need and listening to conversations I don’t agree with. 6. I Already Have Access to Better Resources As an instructor and FFL, I already have access to quality firearms, parts, and equipment through trusted channels. I don’t need to dig through tables hoping to find a deal. I’d rather buy once, buy right, and know exactly where my equipment came from. Kielma’s Parting Shot: In the End, It’s About Standards I’m not saying gun shows are inherently bad. Plenty of good people go to them. Plenty of vendors run honest tables. But for me—for the standards I hold myself to and the example I set for my students—they just don’t make sense. I’d rather operate in environments where safety is non-negotiable, information is accurate, and professionalism is the baseline. That’s what Tactical K Training and Firearms is built on, and that’s what I stand for. Gregg Kielma
Why Some Lawmakers Target Law Abiding Firearm Owners: Understanding the Motives Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/3/2026 From my perspective as a firearms instructor who works every day with responsible, vetted, law abiding gun owners, it’s frustrating to watch certain lawmakers push policies that seem to single out the very people who follow the rules. When legislation focuses on restricting or burdening lawful ownership rather than addressing criminal behavior, it raises an important question: why are responsible citizens being treated as the problem? Several motives are commonly discussed by critics of these policies. 1. A Belief That More Regulation Equals More Safety Some lawmakers operate under the assumption that increasing restrictions on ownership will reduce violence. Critics argue that this approach oversimplifies the issue and ends up targeting people who already comply with the law, rather than those who ignore it. 2. Political Pressure From Advocacy Groups Gun control organizations often lobby aggressively for sweeping restrictions. Lawmakers who align with these groups may support policies that appear tough on guns, even if those policies primarily affect lawful owners rather than criminals. 3. A Misunderstanding of Firearm Culture and Training Many legislators proposing strict regulations have limited experience with firearms, training, or the realities of responsible ownership. Without firsthand knowledge, it’s easy for them to view all gun ownership through the lens of fear or unfamiliarity, rather than skill, safety, and personal responsibility. 4. A Focus on Symbolic Legislation Some proposals are designed to “look” like action is being taken, even if the measures don’t meaningfully address crime. Magazine bans, licensing schemes, and restrictions on common firearms often fall into this category. Critics argue these laws create political talking points rather than real solutions. 5. A Shift Toward Government Control Over Individual Rights Another concern raised by opponents is that certain lawmakers view the Second Amendment as outdated or overly broad. Instead of seeing it as a fundamental right, they treat it as a privilege that should be tightly regulated. This mindset naturally leads to policies that burden lawful owners while doing little to deter criminals. 6. Urban Centered Policy Making Many of the strongest gun control proposals come from lawmakers representing dense urban districts where gun ownership is less common and crime is more visible. Their constituents may support strict laws, even if those laws negatively impact rural or suburban residents who use firearms responsibly for sport, training, or protection. Kielma’s Parting Shot: The Bottom Line From my point of view, the issue isn’t that lawmakers “hate” lawful gun owners — it’s that many of them misunderstand who we are and what responsible ownership looks like. Instead of focusing on criminals, they often default to regulating the people who already follow the rules. That’s why it’s so important for trained, responsible firearm owners to stay informed, stay engaged, and continue educating the public about what real safety and responsibility look like. Gregg Kielma
ATF Members Recognized at DOJ Awards Ceremony WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) personnel were presented awards during the 73rd Annual Attorney General Awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Justice March 25 at the Robert F. Kennedy Building. ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll and Deputy Director Rob Cekada joined Attorney General Pam Bondi to honor twelve outstanding ATF employees and two K-9s for their exceptional service to the Department of Justice. From dismantling a large-scale sex trafficking ring to detecting ballistic evidence that links violent crimes, these dedicated professionals exemplify the highest standards of excellence, professionalism, and sacrifice. “I’d like to personally congratulate the ATF recipients of the 73rd Annual Attorney General Awards. The Attorney General’s Awards recognize exceptional achievements by our folks for the Department of Justice and the American people,” said ATF Deputy Director Rob Cekada. “Your dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice exemplify ATF’s unwavering commitment to protecting the public and serving our nation.” Sean Davis received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. He was honored as a member of the Michael Pratt Investigation Team for the relentless pursuit and successful dismantling of a large-scale sex trafficking ring that victimized over 573 individuals. Brandon J. Leach, Gregory W. Dreaper, Christopher Bailey, Katherine E. Brady, Richard M. Nieto, John Cook, and Cory Schleyer (retired) received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Technology or Privacy. The team was recognized for their innovative development of real-time mobile and case management technologies to track criminal and terrorist organizations, and enforcement data. Amanda L. Walmsley received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Administrative Support. She was honored for her outstanding administrative support in efforts to combat violent crime in New Mexico. Jim Osburg and K-9 Lady received the Attorney General’s Award for Top K-9 or K-9 Team. They were recognized for exceptional service linking violent crime cases through K-9 ballistic evidence recovery in Houston. Michael McGrath and K-9 Diggs received the Attorney General’s Award for Top K-9 or K-9 Team. They were honored for their training, intuition, heroism, and courage that saved countless law enforcement officers’ lives. Michael J. Carpentier received the Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee. Recognized for his courage and expertise in high-risk operations and complex federal investigations during his first years of service. These individuals’ commitment strengthens ATF’s mission to protect the public and serve the nation.
Gregg Kielma Why Felons, Glock Switches, and Full Automatic Weapons Aren’t Worth the Risk for Law Abiding Citizens By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/3/2026 As a firearms instructor, an FFL, and someone who works every day to promote responsible gun ownership, I see a lot of confusion about felons, Glock switches, and fully automatic weapons. Some of that confusion comes from social media, some from misinformation, and some from people simply not understanding how serious federal firearms laws really are. Kielma continues, let me be clear: for a law-abiding citizen, getting involved with illegal conversion devices or prohibited possession is never worth the risk. The consequences are life changing, and not in a good way. Felons and Firearms: The Law Is Absolute Under federal law, a convicted felon cannot possess, own, purchase, or have access to a firearm or ammunition. There are no shortcuts, no “loopholes,” and no exceptions for “just holding it for a friend.” If a prohibited person is caught with a firearm: • They face federal prison time, not county jail • They lose any chance of restoring their rights • Anyone who knowingly provides them access can also be charged For law abiding gun owners, the takeaway is simple: Never hand a firearm to someone who is prohibited. Even innocent intentions can turn into a felony charge. Glock Switches: A One Way Ticket to Federal Prison A Glock switch—also called an auto sear—is a tiny device that converts a semi-automatic Glock into a fully automatic machine gun. Because of that function, the ATF classifies the switch itself as a machine gun, even when it’s not installed. That means: • Possessing the device alone is a felony • Buying, selling, printing, or installing one is a felony • There is no legal civilian pathway to own one People see these devices online and think they’re “just a part.” They’re not. They’re a federal machine gun charge waiting to happen. For a responsible gun owner, the risk is enormous and the benefit is zero. Full Automatic Weapons: Legal, But Not the Way People Think Full auto firearms can be legally owned by civilians—but only if they were manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986. These are called transferable machine guns. Here’s the reality: • They cost tens of thousands of dollars • They require a deep background check and ATF approval • They must remain properly registered • Any mistake in storage, transfer, or paperwork can lead to serious charges For most people, the cost and responsibility make them impractical. For anyone thinking about “making” one or “converting” one—don’t. That’s a guaranteed felony. Why Law Abiding Citizens Should Stay Far Away from Illegal Modifications Responsible gun owners already have enough challenges—public perception, political pressure, and the constant need to demonstrate safety and professionalism. Illegal devices like Glock switches only make things worse for everyone. Here’s what you risk by getting involved with illegal conversions: • Federal felony charges • Loss of gun rights for life • Loss of career opportunities • Financial ruin from legal fees • Damage to the firearms community as a whole Nothing about a Glock switch or an unregistered full auto is worth sacrificing your freedom, your rights, or your reputation. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Responsible Path Forward At Tactical K Training and Firearms, I teach people how to be safe, skilled, and confident gun owners. That means understanding the law, respecting the law, and staying far away from anything that puts you—or the firearms community—at risk. If you want to shoot full auto, do it the right way: • Visit a licensed range that offers legal machine guns • Train with qualified instructors • Learn how these systems work safely and legally There’s nothing wrong with enjoying firearms. There’s everything wrong with risking your freedom for a device that turns a good person into a felon in seconds. Gregg Kielma
Illegal Alien From Vietnam Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms Possession Tuesday, March 31, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia USADC.Media@usdoj.gov WASHINGTON – Hieu Trung Vu, 37, a previously convicted felon and illegal alien from Vietnam, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with drug trafficking from a Georgetown Airbnb as well as being a previously convicted felon in possession of two guns, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Vu pleaded guilty before Judge Amit P. Mehta to one count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, amphetamine, and fentanyl, and to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2026. Because of his illegal status, Vu is subject to deportation to Vietnam following the completion of his sentence. “Vu was operating a drug trafficking scheme out of a Georgetown Airbnb while armed with two loaded pistols. He had no legal right to be in this country, no legal right to possess firearms, and no right to endanger our communities with these deadly narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This prosecution will reinforce that he has no right to victimize our citizens ever again.” According to court documents, on Dec. 4, 2025, Metropolitan Police responded to an emergency call from a woman who reported that a man in her Airbnb had narcotics in his possession. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence on the 1400 block of Wisconsin Ave. NW. Officers executed the warrant that afternoon and discovered a tan backpack in the rear bedroom containing two handguns. In the kitchen, officers found a black backpack containing, among other items, a black and tan Coach bag. Inside the Coach bag were narcotics packaged in multiple bags, drug paraphernalia, and a debit card bearing Vu’s name. Lab testing confirmed the drugs were methamphetamine (about 48 grams), cocaine (about 14 grams), cocaine base (about 2 grams), amphetamine (about 6 grams), and fentanyl (about 10 grams). Vu admitted that he possessed all five substances with the intent to distribute them. The two handguns were a Glock 43X, 9mm pistol, and a CZ Model 27, 7.65mm pistol. The Glock was loaded with nine rounds in a 10-round capacity magazine. Vu admitted that both firearms belonged to him. Vu was previously convicted in 2022 in Fairfax County, Virginia, of possession with intent to manufacture or sell narcotics and sentenced to five years in prison with two months and four months of the sentence suspended. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing any firearm. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss and Caelainn Carney. This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. 26cr55 Updated March 31, 2026
Justice Department Announces Operation Not Forgotten 2026 Thursday, April 2, 2026 FBI surges personnel and expands investigative resources and partnerships across Indian country The Department of Justice and FBI announced today a personnel surge in support of Operation Not Forgotten 2026, the latest deployment under Operation Steadfast Promise demonstrating the FBI's sustained commitment to addressing violent crime and improving public safety in Indian Country. In its fourth year, Operation Not Forgotten focuses on unresolved cases in Indian Country with a priority placed on cases involving violence against women and children, including those who are missing or murdered. Operation Not Forgotten is a major initiative under FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise, a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases, while working to improve public safety measures impacting Tribal communities. The FBI, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tribal and other federal law enforcement partners, is working across multiple territories to bring investigative aid to cases and resolution for victims and their families. “We will never accept the high rates of violence suffered by American Indian and Alaska Native people,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This surge will comprehensively address Indian Country violent crime – from gangs, guns and drugs, to domestic and sexual violence – while strengthening partnerships and public safety in Tribal communities.” “For far too long our tribal partners have been forgotten while their communities suffer unacceptably high rates of violent crime,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year’s Operation Not Forgotten was a tremendous success in delivering the resources long needed in Indian Country – and we are just getting started. This FBI will continue working together with our Tribal and federal partners to again surge personnel to block violent actors who think they can act lawlessly within these revered communities.” “This surge represents the federal law enforcement at its best; coordinated, intelligence-driven, and focused on delivering justice,” said the ATF Deputy Director Rob Cekada. “ATF is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring the full weight of our investigative and forensic capabilities to fight violent crime in Indian Country. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no community is overlooked and that every victim receives the justice they deserve.” “Operation Not Forgotten reflects the Department of the Interior’s unwavering commitment to Native families and the strength of our partnership with the FBI to deliver justice where it is long overdue,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Established during President Trump’s first term, the Bureau of Indian Affair's Missing and Murdered Unit has brought national focus to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis—driving stronger investigations, tighter coordination across jurisdictions, and renewed attention to cases that for too long were left unresolved. That work continues with urgency and purpose today, as we stand alongside the FBI to pursue answers for families and uphold our trust responsibility to Native communities.” Building on prior deployments that have provided investigative support to more than 700 cases, resulting in the recovery of child victims, arrests, and federal indictments, Operation Not Forgotten 2026 represents the Bureau's continued commitment to ensuring that the most serious unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country receive the full weight of federal investigative resources. Surged personnel, including investigative, intelligence and victim service support, will be deployed on rotating temporary duty assignments across Indian Country in eleven FBI field offices, in Albuquerque, Billings, Detroit, Denver, Jackson, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Portland and Phoenix. Working in close coordination with Tribal law enforcement agencies, the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices, together law enforcement will work to advance open investigations and pursue accountability for victims and their families. At the start of this fiscal year, the FBI's Indian Country program carried approximately 4,100 open investigations including death investigations, child abuse cases, and domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations underscoring the persistent and urgent need for sustained resource investment in these communities. The FBI remains committed to standing alongside Tribal communities, federal partners, and local law enforcement to address the violent crime threats that continue to impact Indian Country. To learn more, visit fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/indian-country-crime. The FBI encourages anyone with information related to unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country to contact their local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Updated April 2, 2026
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Machine Gun & Other Firearm Offenses Tuesday, March 31, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida Tallahassee, Florida – James Wiley Kelley, Jr., 51, of Altha, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America is not just a powerful initiative that deploys the full might of the Department of Justice toward targeting dangerous criminals, it is a long-overdue recognition that our citizens deserve safe streets and crime-free communities. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi promised to Take Back America from the perpetrators of violent crime who have plagued our streets, neighborhoods, and communities, and my office will continue to fulfill that promise with every successful prosecution we deliver.” Court documents reflect that United States Customs Border Protection Agents identified a parcel bearing a fictitious name and an Altha, Florida, address while inspecting packages from a flight originating in China. Examination of the parcel revealed a small box purporting to be plastic vent mounts for a smart phone but contained three metal component parts comprising a machinegun conversion device (MCD), which enable a semi-automatic firearm to be converted into a fully automatic weapon. Following a controlled delivery of the MCD, agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, resulting in the seizure of pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition of various calibers, as well as methamphetamine. The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car and possession of a controlled substance. The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @USAO_NDFL Updated March 31, 2026
Former International Trucker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Traffic Guns Purchased in Florida and Found at Canadian Crime Scenes Thursday, April 2, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, Florida – Erhan John Er (35, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to four years and three months in federal prison for his role in an international firearms trafficking conspiracy. Er pleaded guilty on December 19, 2024. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, from February to September 2022, Er worked as a cross-border truck driver, based in Sarasota . Er agreed to purchase firearms for a Canadian co-conspirator and smuggle those firearms into Canada. In July and September 2022, Er bought a total of 28 guns from firearms dealers in Sarasota and Naples, Florida . He took the firearms across the Canadian border and sold them to his conspirator in exchange for his expenses and $1,000 (CAD) per gun. Canadian investigators have since recovered 10 of those firearms from crime scenes in Ontario and Quebec. All of the firearms recovered thus far have had obliterated serial numbers. Investigators have restored the serial numbers and traced them back to Er’s purchases in Florida. “Er falsely claimed to gun dealers that he was buying guns for himself, only to smuggle the guns into Canada, where they were used in multiple crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “Working together with our local, federal, and international partners, this scheme was uncovered and Er has been brought to justice.” “This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of cross border partnerships in protecting our communities. The OPP remains committed to working closely with our Canadian and U.S. law enforcement partners to disrupt organized criminal networks, enhance public safety and prevent illegal firearms from crossing our shared border.” – OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, including ATF’s Attachés in Ontario and Quebec and ATF’s Buffalo and Rochester, New York Field Offices; Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Toronto Attaché; with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Canada Border Services Agency; the Durham Regional Police Service; the Halton Regional Police Service; the Hamilton Police Service; Ontario Provincial Police; the Sûreté du Québec; the Thunder Bay Police Service; the Toronto Police Service; the York Regional Police; the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall. Updated April 2, 2026
