Colorado Democrats are coming for your firearms, It's only a matter of time before they come to get yours

Gregory Kielma • April 1, 2024

Colorado Dems push sweeping gun control laws that are flying under national radar: 'Public is fed up'This is a subtitle for your new post

Colorado Govenor Jaris Polis 

Colorado Dems push sweeping gun control laws that are flying under national radar: 'Public is fed up'

Story by Emma Colton


Colorado Democrats are pushing a series of gun control bills that mirror policies in liberal states such as California but have overwhelmingly flown under the radar in the media, Second Amendment experts say. 

"This should be making national news as it doesn’t just impact Colorado, but the nation as a whole," Ava Flanell, a firearms instructor in Colorado Springs, told Fox News Digital. "Lawmakers are using these outrageous bills as blueprints, changing the state names and implementing them across the country at a state level because they don’t have the votes to do it nationally. 

"Last year, it was Washington where they all passed, and the laws are decimating gun stores without a single positive impact on crime. Today, it’s Colorado. These same bills will show up in other states tomorrow if we don’t come together as a whole to fight this."

State Democrats are pushing a gun control blitz this year, including a bill that would ban so-called "assault weapons," which is typically understood as a semi-automatic rifle, like an AR-15; enact an 11% tax on gun and ammunition sales; and increase standards for concealed handgun training classes. Another bill would prohibit gun owners from carrying in "sensitive" areas, such as parks, banks and college campuses. 

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The bills are under consideration by lawmakers in the state’s General Assembly, where the Democratic Party controls both chambers. The state’s governor, Jared Polis, is also a Democrat, meaning the party has a Democratic trifecta in the Centennial State. 
 
The state’s House Judiciary Committee in March advanced a bill that would ban "assault weapons," sending the bill to the full House, where it’s anticipated to receive support from the Democratic majority. 

Out of the legislation introduced this year, Flanell took issue with the state’s move to ban types of semi-automatic firearms. 

"The so-called 'assault weapons' ban bill is the most concerning, but they all have tragic consequences for law-abiding citizens. The ‘assault weapons’ bill is incredibly deceptive. They want to ban not only every kind of ‘scary’ gun like ARs and AKs, but also 80-90% of semi-automatic firearms popular today, including handguns and shotguns," Flanell said. 

She said the language in the bill is broad and would ban not only the guns, but also firearm features such as "a foregrip, adjustable stock, pistol grip, barrel shroud."

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"The bill sponsors claim these features increase lethality, when, in fact, they don’t. They’re merely cosmetic. A muzzle brake, which could be interpreted as a compensator, is another characteristic lawmakers have decided to make a firearm 'more lethal.' Muzzle brakes are one of the most popular features to tame recoil and are growing in popularity among female shooters, those who lack upper body strength or have physical limitations." 

Antonia Okafor, the founder and president of a nonprofit firearm education group called EMPOWERED, told Fox News Digital Colorado’s moves to ban guns such as AR-15s would leave women especially vulnerable to crime. 

"After seven years of training women, it is abundantly clear that women prefer an AR-15 for the defense of their home, their family and themselves," Okafor, a sexual assault survivor, told Fox News Digital. 

"Despite the anti-gun rhetoric pushed by the media and gun control organizations, the AR-15 allows women to have a larger firearm without having to physically absorb as much recoil as a smaller, handheld firearm. The AR-15 makes it easier for those who have a physical disadvantage to have an upper hand against an attacker and creates a larger perimeter of protection. Simply put, a firearm levels the playing field." 

The bill, co-sponsored by Democratic state representatives Elisabeth Epps and Tim Hernandez, both from Denver, defines an "assault weapon" as a "semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine, or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine, and has one or more of the following characteristics," including features such as a pistol grip or thumbhole stock and "any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
 
"The bill defines the term ‘assault weapon’ and prohibits a person from manufacturing, importing, purchasing, selling, offering to sell, or transferring ownership of an assault weapon," the bill’s summary states. "The bill further prohibits a person from possessing a rapid-fire trigger activator. A person in violation of the prohibitions will be assessed a first-time penalty of $250,000 and $500,000 for each subsequent violation."

Hernandez said the bill becoming law would protect the community from mass shootings.

"The vast majority of Americans and over 80% of Democrats support an assault weapons ban and are fed up with weapons of war in our communities," Hernandez said after the bill passed through committee. "My entire childhood, I was afraid to die in school because adults wouldn't be bold enough on guns, and those fears only grew when I became a teacher and I saw my students struggle with those same anxieties. We must take action to protect our communities, especially our students, from the death and destruction assault weapons inflict on so many innocent people."

Flanell told Fox News Digital Colorado’s "anti-gun lawmakers are undoubtedly out of touch with Americans' support of the Second Amendment," citing how the U.S. recently became a constitutional carry majority nation. 

"Twenty-nine states currently have constitutional carry. While over 50% of the country recognizes the Constitution, states like Colorado are going backwards," Flanell said. "Our homicide by firearm rate has surpassed the national rate for the first time in over 40 years, while states who have passed constitutional carry are seeing a decrease.

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"This comes after Colorado lawmakers have already enacted gun control measures such as universal and expanded background checks, magazine capacity limits, safe storage, red flag laws, etc. And the state has even created their own Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The same trend of higher crime with more restrictive gun laws has been proven repeatedly in other states, and politicians refuse to recognize that the firearm violence occurring is overwhelmingly not from legal firearm owners."
J
ust last month, Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed 30 gun control bills, including one that would have made it a misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, purchase or transfer so-called "assault firearms" and another that would have banned guns on college campuses and buildings owned by public universities and institutions of higher education. Democrats in that state hold control of the General Assembly but do not have enough votes to override the Republican governor's vetoes. 

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Flanell is the founder and owner of Elite Firearms & Training in Colorado Springs, which she opened in 2013 after the death of her mother, who also was a gun instructor in the state, Flanell told Fox News Digital. 

"In 2012, my mom, who was a firearms instructor, sadly passed away. I moved back to Colorado from New York City, where I had been living for eight years, to help my dad with the family businesses. A week before my mom passed away, I shot my first firearm with her instruction. At that point, I knew very little about firearms and was determined to learn as much as I could, so I could help keep my parents’ businesses alive and thriving," she said. 

She told Fox Digital that from what she heard from fellow law-abiding gun owners and supporters of the Second Amendment, "the public is fed up" with the state’s push to enact further gun control measures. 
 
"Roughly 600 people signed up to testify against the ‘assault weapons’ ban bill, and testimony was cut at 12 hours with hundreds still waiting to testify," Flanell said. "Colorado has over 2,500 federal firearms licensees, which means they have a license to sell firearms. In my opinion, every one of these people should have been standing at the Capitol fighting this as it will undoubtedly decimate their business if this law passes. Understandably, many feel exhausted by the constant assaults on their rights, but right now is not the time for any gun owners or stores to be complacent."

Yet another bill under consideration, HB 24-1310, would repeal an existing exemption and prevent school staff such as teachers from carrying on school grounds. 

"Colorado law currently allows for individual school districts to determine their own armed security protocols, something that is often utilized by charter schools and rural districts across the state," Flanell said. "I’ve personally certified school employees to carry on school grounds. One particular school is located over 20 miles from their sheriff’s office. If there’s an active shooter, children and staff don’t stand a chance if they relied on law enforcement response."

Flanell cited research showing most mass shootings unfold in "gun-free zones" where criminals are less likely to be confronted by an armed good Samaritan. 

The "assault weapons" ban bill, combined with a bill that would assess gun and ammo sales with an 11% tax and a bill that would prevent legal gun owners from carrying guns in areas defined as "sensitive," such as college campuses, parks and places of worship, resembles legislation signed into law in California. 

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The Golden State earlier this year called on a federal circuit court to reverse a lower court’s decision on California’s ban on semi-automatic weapons after the law was found unconstitutional. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom last year also signed into law an 11% state tax on guns and ammo and another bill that prevents gun owners from carrying in areas described as "sensitive." California is the only state in the nation with the additional tax.

Washington state also went on a recent gun control blitz, with the governor signing bills into law that banned "assault weapons," enacted a 10-day waiting period to buy a gun and requires gun makers and dealers to take "reasonable steps" to keep guns from "dangerous individuals."
 
Flanell said the bill that would ban "assault weapons" is the "scariest" piece of gun control legislation but noted she’s watching the other bills as well. She argued the bill that would tax gun owners 11% to purchase guns and ammo would have drastic effects on lower-income Americans who want to protect themselves. 

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"Most of these proposed bills in Colorado will hurt the underprivileged the most, ensuring only the wealthy can protect themselves or express their constitutionally protected right," Flanell said. "Firearms are not inexpensive, averaging a little more than $500 each. When you add an 11% tax to that and on ammunition, it adds up quickly. Especially for someone to maintain proficiency with their firearm. They need to practice, and they can’t afford it at a time when most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck." 

Flanell argued the tax is a "sin tax," adding, "self-defense is not a sin; self-defense is a human right."

"Another pending bill, HB24-1270, requires gun owners to get liability insurance," Flanell said. "Not only does this increase the cost for gun owners, but I think it will be difficult to find a company that will cover them, making the few companies that do a monopoly. As we’ve seen with banks, many merchants refuse to do business with gun stores and gun-related accessories and training, often dropping accounts without notice. 

"My goal was and has always been to help people learn in a safe, fun environment, but I really wanted to be a resource and role model for women." 

Original article source: Colorado Dems push sweeping gun control laws that are flying under national radar: 'Public is fed up'

Top 18 States That Infringe on The Second Amendent

By Gregory Kielma • February 21, 2025
What are the states that infringe on your Second Amendment rights? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Says Firearms Instructor and FFL Gregg Kielma “What do all these states have in common? I bet everyone knows the answer. Here are the top 18, from bad to the most egregious: 18. Colorado: 17. Iowa: 16. Oregon: 15. Virginia: 14. Washington: 13. North-Carolina: 12. Delaware: 11. Michigan: 10. Pennsylvania: 9. Illinois: 8.Hawaii: 7. Rhode-Island: 6. New-York: 5. Maryland: 4. Connecticut: 3. Massachusetts: 2. New-Jersey: 1. California:

2 Year Old Child Dead From Playing With a Firearm

By Gregory Kielma • February 20, 2025
2-Year-Old Tragically Shoots Himself and Dies In Florida Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales No excuse for this kind of “accident”, says FFL and Firearms instructor Gregg Kielma . I’m truly saddened by the boyfriend and girlfriend letting a child “play with a firearm let alone it not be secured in the home. These tragedies do not and should not ever happen, period. Kielma continues, if you’re a parent who owns firearms with children in the home, and you don’t understand how to teach them firearm safety at a very young age you’re doing a disservice to you and your children. Classes are readily available through the USCCA and instructors like me who specialize in this type of training. Lastly Kielma says, firearms protect our families in the right hands. Educate yourself, your family and children. Get the proper instruction and training from instructors like me and the USCCA. Let’s Take A Look A 2-year-old child was playing with a gun while in the bedroom with his mom in their Florida home. The mother, leaving the child to toy with the lethal weapon, wasn't paying attention. The gun then discharged and shot the child. The boy was declared dead at the scene. The gun belonged to the woman's fiancée. It had been left unsecured and within arm’s reach of the child. Because of this, the 2-year-old was able to shoot himself. In Florida, the law states that a weapon must be secured and locked away. Consequently, the parents of the child will be held responsible. The police chief released a statement. "This is Florida, and you know Floridians like their guns - and that's wonderful. However, responsible gun ownership cannot be understated. Guns have to be locked up and secure." 2-Year-Old Shot Himself Is One Of Thousands In 2021 there were 2,590 deaths by shooting for children under 17 in the US, according to the Pew Research Center. This is due to a few factors, including suicides, mass shootings, and of course, accidental situations like this. The 2-year-old fits into a specific category of child shooting fatality. In this case, the child was playing with a gun, resulting in them shooting themselves. This accidental shooting category has more than a thousand cases a year. Unattended weapons in the US are a huge cause of injury and death in children. With the sheer number of guns in the country, people become blase about them. In cases like this, the deadly weapon is left lying around unsecured. Nobody can blame a child for picking the weapon up thinking it was a toy. The 2-year-old that shot themselves were behaving like any other kid would. Curiosity got the better of him or her, and the negligence of the parent led to his death. In Florida, the law states that a gun must be locked and secured. But, in other states, this is often not the case. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales

Police and Rendering Help: What Would Do?

By Gregory Kielma • February 19, 2025
If a police officer is alone and fighting a person, how do I let the officer know that I’m there to help him/her and not make him/her think I’m going to attack them? From an Avid Reader of The Blog: What Would You Do? He or she will be focused on the fight. If you KNOW you can be some help, just dive in. Grab an arm or other flailing appendage and help control the person. Do not pull a knife or gun unless it’s clearly already a deadly force situation. Now is not the time to figure out how to use the 9mm that you bought to carry but have never shot. I would also add one caution though: it’s not without risks. You could be hurt or killed doing this, and you’re on your own when it comes to paying your bills. | In addition, you could end up sued. It happened to a friend of mine. 2am at a lonely country gas station. Deputy pulls over some guy likely high on meth, they get into it. The guy is clearly about to get the better of the deputy and is pulling on his holstered firearm. So, my friend got the meth dude from behind in a full nelson and took him to the ground. They stayed there until more deputies arrived. He was never on top of the guy and never put a mark on him. Deputies arrived, it took four taser hits and five cops to get the guy in handcuffs and in a car. Three months later, the guy found an attorney and sued him for a million dollars for excessive force. And yeah, he included my friend on the lawsuit. So, he had to hire an attorney and pay a lot of money before they finally let him out of it. The moral of that story is that if you are ever inclined to help in that situation, it’s best if you just hop back in your car and make like it never happened once they have it contained.

Turning In A Neighbor For Excessive Firearms? Really?

By Gregory Kielma • February 19, 2025
Neighbor’s reports gun stash to the ATF because no civilian needs that many. From an Avid Reader of the Blog: What do you Think? Colin Graham is our latest anti-gun crusader who believes he will change the world. Many have come before you and you think you are the torchbearer for change that if you rail against guns long and loud enough, others will flock to your cause. This is the most charitable description I can come up with. Another involves describing a pustulant troll. Regardless, I know this question is utter bovine excrement, smelly and piled high, for one very simple reason… I’ve actually had the BATFE in my house looking at my gun collection! If my “gun stash” was a problem, I’d know it. I know there are no legal limits to the number of firearms one may possess. Know it rather well. Now I’m above-average but not exemplary in that regard. I know there is no hotline to call because there is nothing to report. No law is violated even if I have guns stacked floor-to-ceiling in every available space. So, Colin, why don’t you point out the law you think is being violated? Or crawl back under your bridge, rock, sewer or wherever your breed of pathetic troll considers its natural habitat because it sure isn’t the civilized world I live in!

Florida Man Going To Prison Felon-Drugs-Firearm Bad Move

By Gregory Kielma • February 19, 2025
SWAT team found drugs and a gun. Now Bradenton man is headed to prison, prosecutors say By Michael Moore Jr., A Bradenton man is headed to prison after pleading guilty to firearms and drug charges, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced. A federal judge sentenced Terry Lavon McDonald Jr., 32, to seven years and six months in prison for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and possession of a firearm for a drug trafficking crime, according to a news release. The sentence comes after McDonald previously pleaded guilty to the charges in November, federal prosecutors say. The court also ordered McDonald to forfeit a Smith & Wesson handgun and ammunition. McDonald faced a mandatory minimum penalty of five years with a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison, the Bradenton Herald previously reported . Bradenton man arrested during Manatee County SWAT raid In October 2023, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team raided a Bradenton house in the 3300 block of 20th Street East, where they found McDonald inside a white Ford Explorer backed into the driveway, according to arrest records. After searching the vehicle, detectives say they found a loaded black nickel-plated Smith & Wesson handgun, fentanyl, cocaine and a digital scale. Law enforcement said they found 20.8 grams of rock cocaine and 4.4 grams of powder cocaine, the Bradenton Herald previously reported. Detectives say after running McDonald’s criminal history, they found he had 14 felony charges with six convictions, including previous firearms charges, drug-related charges and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.

ATF NEWS: Georgia Felons in Arms Sooner or Later The ATF Will Find You

By Gregory Kielma • February 19, 2025
Multiple Defendant Indicted on Federal Gun Charges Tuesday, February 11, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Georgia Cases include illegal machine gun possession. DON"T DO IT! Soon or Later You're Going to Jail! SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include charges alleging felons illegally possessed firearms, while other defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. “Getting guns out of the hands of those who can’t legally possess them is a vital part of the effort to reduce violent crime,” said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligent work in keeping our communities safe.” The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns. Those indicted in February include: • Taron Charleston, 20, of Dublin, Georgia, charged with Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun • Shanan Lee Grover, 35, of Wrightsville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; • Timothy Lee Cheeks, 37, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; • Charles Harmon Porter, 54, of Savannah, charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. Also previously indicted are: • Stephen Joseph Sala, 33, of Augusta, charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (referring to a short-barreled rifle) • Jahmz Ransom, 24, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include: • Nathan Sparks, 27, of Savannah, was sentenced to 130 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol in Sparks’ waistband during a traffic stop. • Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police in January 2024 found Miller in possession of a pistol while investigating a domestic disturbance. • Barry Christopher Carpenter, 44, of Gainesville, Ga., was sentenced to 84 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Carpenter was arrested on state charges in Columbia County during a burglary investigation and found to be in possession of two firearms. • Corinthian Lamar Colonel, 26, of Savannah, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Officers from the Savannah Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision found two firearms in Colonel’s residence during a September 2023 search. • Maleak J. Parrish, 24, of Savannah, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police fund a pistol in Parrish’s possession during a traffic stop. • Eddie Robertson, 30, of Savannah, was sentenced to 52 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found Robertson in possession of a handgun after a December 2023 traffic stop and foot chase. • Anthony Orlando Jones, 34, of Augusta, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies and the U.S. Marshals found Jones in possession of a semiautomatic pistol in November 2023 while serving him with an arrest warrant on a state felony charge. • Pedro Walker, 24, of Savannah, was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers investigating a reported disturbance found Walker had been in possession of a pistol. • Willie Dunbar, 45, of Villa Rica, Georgia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Machine Gun. During a January traffic stop, Wheeler County deputies found Dunbar in possession of a Polymer80 “ghost gun” fitted with a device converting it to automatic fire. • Deleon Alexander Jackson, 23, of Augusta, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found Jackson in possession of a rifle while investigating a reported disturbance at an Augusta store. • Stanley Hall, 22, of Savannah, was sentenced to 71 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found Hall in possession of a handgun while investigating a reported attempted vehicle break-in. • Lemar Neil Robinson, 36, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Georgia state troopers and Savannah police found Robinson in possession of a pistol after a vehicle chase and traffic stop. The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473 Contact Barry L. Paschal, Public Affairs Officer: 912-652-4422 Updated February 11, 2025

ATF NEWS: 4473 ATF Form...Do Not Lie

By Gregory Kielma • February 16, 2025
Ardmore Resident Sentenced For Unlawful Dealing In Firearms Thursday, February 13, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Oklahoma MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that David Haskell Moore, age 69, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to five years of probation and 12 months of home detention for one count of Dealing Firearms Without a License. The charges arose from an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On May 9, 2024, Moore pleaded guilty to illegally dealing in firearms. According to investigators, on September 6, 2023, U.S. border agents at the Port of Entry in Donna, Texas, discovered 268 guns hidden behind the wall panel of a utility trailer attempting to gain entry into Mexico. ATF agents investigating the weapons cache traced 24 of the firearms to purchases originally made by Moore from legitimate dealers throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Moore then resold the firearms. At the time of the incident, Moore was not licensed to deal in firearms and had been served a cease-and-desist letter in 2018 by ATF agents warning him not to sell firearms without a Federal Firearms License. “ATF’s commitment to keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of those that shouldn’t have them knows no boundaries. As this case proves, Mr. Moore was knowingly dealing firearms without a license, many of which were eventually found in the hands of criminals throughout the United States. Together with our partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities from violent firearm crime,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “I commend the work of ATF agents, border patrol, and federal prosecutors in their efforts to reduce the unlawful trade of firearms,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States. Updated February 13, 2025

ATF NEWS: New York and Florida Bad Guys Doing Bad Things

By Gregory Kielma • February 16, 2025
Individuals from Staten Island and Florida Charged with Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of Machine Guns Friday, February 14, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York Defendants 3D-Printed More Than 25 Untraceable “Ghost Guns,” Including at Least 10 Machine Gun Conversion Devices Earlier today, a nine-count superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Justin Nudelman, his brother Brandon Nudelman, Ronnie Mershon and Michael Daddea with conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to obstruct justice, possession of machine guns and related firearms counts. Three defendants were arrested this morning. Brandon Nudelman and Mershon are being arraigned this afternoon in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho, and Daddea is making his initial appearance in federal court in Tampa, Florida for removal proceedings to Brooklyn. Justin Nudelman had previously been charged with possession of machine guns and unregistered firearms in the underlying indictment and will be arraigned at a later date. John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges. “The defendants’ use of 3D printers to make untraceable, fully automatic weapons poses an extremely serious threat to public safety,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “My Office and our federal and local partners are working tirelessly to protect our communities by preventing these guns from making their way into the hands of violent criminals.” Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the United States Secret Service and the NYPD Intelligence Division’s Major Case Team and Intelligence Analytical Team for their work on the case. “Illegally manufacturing and distributing privately made firearms and machine gun conversion devices is a direct threat to public safety,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Miller. “This indictment underscores our unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the flow of illegal firearms that fuels violence in our communities. Through strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are taking proactive action against those who endanger public safety. We commend the work of ATF New York, NYPD Ghost Gun Team, ATF Tampa, United States Secret Service, N.Y. State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Richmond County DA’s office and EDNY. Every illegal firearm taken off the streets is a step toward protecting innocent lives and ensuring safer neighborhoods. We remain steadfast in our mission to combat gun violence.” “These individuals thought they could evade law enforcement by using 3D printers to churn out illegal ghost guns and endanger our streets — but they were wrong” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The NYPD, along with the ATF, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and all our partners, will not tolerate criminals wreaking havoc in New York City with untraceable, deadly weapons — and we will bring down anyone brazen enough to try.” As alleged in the superseding indictment and in court filings, between approximately January 2023 and September 2023, the defendants conspired to illegally manufacture and traffic firearms. Mershon and Justin Nudelman used 3D printers and parts sourced from online retailers to assemble privately made firearms, commonly called “ghost guns.” These 3D-printed firearms included at least 10 devices called “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons and are considered machine guns under federal law. The defendants made firearms that did not have a serial number, unregistered ghost guns that they assembled available for sale without obtaining a license or otherwise notifying government authorities. To date, 23 firearms have already been seized, and the investigation has revealed that the defendants made numerous others. Justin Nudelman and Brandon Nudelman are also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. As alleged, on September 7, 2023, law enforcement officers sought to seize Justin Nudelman’s phone pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. Both Justin and Brandon Nudelman took steps to conceal the phone and render its contents inaccessible to law enforcement. The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist David Harrison. The Defendants: JUSTIN NUDELMAN Age: 30 Staten Island, New York BRANDON NUDELMAN Age: 32 Staten Island, New York RONNIE MERSHON Age: 27 Staten Island, New York MICHAEL DADDEA Age: 29 Tampa, Florida E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-437(S-1) (AMD) Contact John Marzulli Danielle Blustein Hass United States Attorney’s Office (718) 254-6323

ATF NEWS: West Virgina Felon Going to Jail

By Gregory Kielma • February 16, 2025
Summers County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crimes Friday, February 14, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia BECKLEY, W.Va. – Matthew Harris England, 38, of Meadow Bridge, was sentenced today to one year and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 3, 2023, law enforcement responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at England’s residence in Meadow Bridge. When law enforcement entered the residence, they found and seized a Savage model Stevens 94F, 20-gauge shotgun with a modified and shortened barrel and a modified and shortened stock on a chair in the living room. England was arrested, and told officers he knew the firearm was in the residence and that the length of its barrel appeared to be illegal. The short-barreled shotgun was not registered to England in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law. Federal law also prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. England knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for aiding and abetting the possession of stolen firearms in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on May 9, 2014. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Summers County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case. 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-93. Updated February 14, 2025

ATF NEWS: Idaho Felon Travels With a Firearm

By Gregory Kielma • February 16, 2025
Idaho Man A Convicted Felon Sentenced To 18 Months For Possessing A Firearm In Checked Luggage Friday, February 7, 2025 U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida Says FFL and Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma, “this felon should be in jail for a long, long, time. Throw away the key”! Brilliance is not his attributes . Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger sentenced Dedric Dwayne Rivers (52, Moscow, Idaho) to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony. Rivers pled guilty on October 22, 2024. According to court documents, on April 27, 2024, Rivers arrived at Jacksonville International Airport to board a flight traveling to Idaho. During a routine screening process of checked luggage Transportation Security Administration officers identified an undeclared firearm and ammunition located in a checked suitcase bearing Rivers’ name. Law enforcement cut the cables to the gun case inside the suitcase and found an undeclared FN509 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing 10 rounds of live ammunition inserted into the magazine well. The gun case also contained three extended magazines loaded with 70 rounds of live ammunition distributed among the three magazines. In a voluntary interview, Rivers said he thought the gun case only contained ammunition. However, in a telephone conversation the next day, Rivers admitted to his mother that he had previously travelled with a firearm to Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to possessing the firearm, Rivers had had been convicted of multiple felonies, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Therefore, he is prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Transportation Security Administration, the Jacksonville Airport Authority, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron. This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Updated February 7, 2025
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