Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Democratic MO Senate nominee Lucas Kunce held an event where there were numerous safety concerns. Kunce was too close to the targets, and when he fired his rifle, metal fragments flew off the metal target, striking a reporter in the arm.

Great day at the range today with my friend @AdamKinzinger. We got to hang out with some union workers while exercising our freedom. Always have your first aid kit handy. Shrapnel can always fly when you hit a target like today, and you’ve got to be ready to go. We had four first… pic.twitter.com/Qu4YxfrtrU

— Lucas Kunce (@LucasKunceMO) October 23, 2024

Journalists Daniel Desrochers and Jonathan Shorman examined court records and found that Chad Everett Downs, who claimed to have set up the event, was facing felony charges. However, the current status of the case remains unclear. The issue is a felon is prohibited from owning a firearm, and “His ex-wife in a court filing earlier this month alleged the man owns or has access to guns in violation of his bond conditions.”

Downs claimed to be a firearm training counselor, and according to his reported statements, he was involved in setting up the range and owned the guns.

So Kunce’s stunt at the fake gun range – where he shot the reporter – was organized by a criminal? Who is not supposed to have access to firearms? What is going on here pic.twitter.com/TrNmMS7Cup

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 24, 2024

In a written statement, Kunce said, “I was grateful for the opportunity to talk to union workers about our freedoms at the range,” “Safety is important to us which is why the range was set up and run by a NRA Training Counselor. But any time you are handling weapons, you need to be prepared. We acted quickly and I’m glad the reporter was okay and able to keep reporting.”

Kunce’s campaign did not share the name of the NRA training counselor, but Downs told The Star that he was the counselor.

From the Star: “Before the event, Downs spoke with a Star photojournalist, saying that the range was his but that the event was taking place at his neighbor’s residence. Downs said he lived “across the way” and said his neighbor allows him to shoot on the property. He showed The Star firearms that were on the table that belonged to him.

Missouri court records show that Downs was charged with 17 counts of felony perjury in August. He has been issued a criminal summons and waived his preliminary hearing. His ex-wife, in a court filing earlier this month, alleged the man owns or has access to guns in violation of his bond conditions. Downs said there are no restrictions on his firearm ownership or possession.”

“The allegations of perjury involve statements Downs made in a felony child abuse case, according to a probable cause affidavit.”

When The Star called the Ray County Circuit Clerk’s Office, the person who answered said the case had been dismissed. After a reporter identified himself, a voice was heard in the background instructing the person not to speak, saying, “That is not an open record.”
Downs asked The Star to contact his defense attorney, but the person who answered the phone said they couldn’t comment.

Kunce’s campaign did not respond to questions about Downs.

I bet you’ve never seen a dog read his rights before the police questioned him, though.

I bet you’ve never seen a dog Mirandized before???? pic.twitter.com/Zx7wexGoUB

— no context memes (@weirddalle) September 22, 2024

Minrande Right Include

• Right to Remain Silent: “You have the right to remain silent.”
• Anything You Say Can Be Used Against You: “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”
• Right to an Attorney: “You have the right to an attorney.”
• Appointment of an Attorney if You Cannot Afford One: “If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”

The warning is to ensure that whatever you say is voluntary, protecting your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and your Sixth Amendment right to an attorney.

I bet for a dog treat, he would have given in and talked.

What is the 5th Amendment?

The 5th Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, a collection of the first ten amendments to the Constitution. It protects you from self-incrimination, meaning you don’t have to say anything that could get you into legal trouble.

In simpler terms, no one can force you to testify against yourself. When interacting with law enforcement, this is a big deal because what you say can and will be used against you in court. By staying silent, you’re protecting yourself from unintentionally giving information that might be misunderstood or twisted.

Origin of the Miranda Warning

Miranda rights stem from Miranda v. Arizona, a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case. Law enforcement officers arrested Ernesto Miranda and charged him with kidnapping and rape. After hours of interrogation, Miranda confessed, but the police did not inform him of his right to remain silent or to an attorney. Initially, the courts upheld his conviction, but upon appeal, the Supreme Court ruled that his statements to the police could not be used as evidence against him because they had not informed him of his rights.

When Should You Use Your Right to Remain Silent?

Many people feel the urge to explain themselves or talk their way out of a situation. It’s natural! But sometimes, the more you talk, the more complicated things get.

For example, imagine you’re carrying a firearm legally, but you get pulled over for a traffic violation. The officer might ask you questions about your gun. Now, while you should comply with legal requirements to disclose your firearm, but you’re uncertain about why he pulled you over, it’s okay to invoke your right to remain silent politely. Simply say something like, “I’m going to remain silent and would like to speak to my attorney.”

Don’t be rude or confrontational; instead, be respectful. It’s about protecting your legal rights, not avoiding responsibility.

Why Is the Right to Remain Silent So Important?

This right isn’t about hiding anything or “acting guilty.” Under stress, we all make mistakes, and it’s easy to misstate facts or say things out of order.

Imagine being in a high-pressure situation where the police ask rapid-fire questions. You might not remember every detail clearly, but if you answer incorrectly, even by accident, it can lead to trouble. The 5th Amendment allows you to avoid that risk by staying quiet until you’ve had time to think clearly and talk with an attorney.

How Does This Apply to Firearm Owners?

If you’re ever involved in a self-defense incident, adrenaline and stress can cause you to speak without thinking. That’s why I always tell people: if you’re ever involved in a shooting, talk as little as possible at the scene. Cooperate with law enforcement by identifying yourself and stating you were defending yourself. Make sure they are aware of any evidence that may benefit you later, like someone who recorded what happened, but that is it for now. This can make an enormous difference in how things play out legally for you.

How to Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

It’s easy to invoke your 5th Amendment rights. You simply need to state that you want to remain silent and consult an attorney. Something as simple as “I want to speak with my lawyer before I answer questions” will work. Once you do that, law enforcement must stop questioning you until you have legal counsel present.

Your 5th Amendment right to remain silent. Miranda rights are one of the most important tools for protecting yourself, especially as a responsible gun owner. It’s not about avoiding accountability; it’s about ensuring you’re treated fairly and legally. Remember, in high-stress situations, the less you say, the better.

Always be polite, comply with the law, and know when to stop talking. You have the right to protect yourself, both physically and legally.

Requirements for Obtaining a FOID Card:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Background Check: The Illinois State Police will check against the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Disqualifications include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, or being subject to an order of protection.
• Application Process: You must submit fingerprints via an online or paper application. A FOID card costs $10 and is valid for ten years.
• Renewal: Since January 1, 2022, a FOID card is typically valid for ten years. If you’ve submitted fingerprints, there’s an automatic renewal process, simplifying the renewal by extending your card’s validity upon a firearm transaction if your background check remains clear. If you don’t buy a firearm, you must renew online. However, the card has no expiration date printed on it, so you’ll need to watch the website to find out when your renewal is due.
• Non-Resident Exemption: An interesting aspect is that non-Illinois residents with a valid firearm permit from their state are exempt from needing a FOID card in Illinois.

Can you carry a gun in Illinois with a FOID card?

You can not carry a gun in Illinois with just a FOID. You must take a 16-hour class and then apply for a concealed carry license (CCL).

“(430 ILCS 65/2) (from Ch. 38, par. 83-2)
(a) (1) No person may acquire or possess any firearm, stun gun, or taser within this State without having in his or her possession a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card previously issued in his or her name by the Illinois State Police under the provisions of this Act.
(2) No person may acquire or possess firearm ammunition within this State without having in his or her possession a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card ……”

FOID Legal Implications and Controversies:

The FOID card requirement has faced legal challenges, with arguments over its infringement on Second Amendment rights. Possessing a firearm or even ammunition without a valid FOID card in Illinois can lead to criminal charges, and most firearm owners argue it’s an unnecessary burden on law-abiding citizens.

The FOID card is unique to Illinois law. An Illinois Circuit Court Judge ruled that the requirement for possessing a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card to possess a gun in the home is unconstitutional, but for now, the state has not changed the law to comply.

Is banning certain items like guns and knives the solution, or is cracking down on criminals the solution?

Yesterday’s mass stabbing was west of Chicago in Rockford, IL. It started with a home invasion, and when a “good Samaritan” stepped in, the attacker went to other homes in the neighborhood, continuing to stab people. Things might have turned out much differently if that good Samaritan had been armed.

No matter how many weapons you try to ban or regulate, criminals will find something to use. Bottles and other blunt objects are common, and we live in a world where almost anything can be turned into a weapon.

• There was over 4600 stabbings and slashings occurred in New York (not counting the number of crimes that resulted in no injuries) in 2023.
• In 2023, Chicago had over 27,000 violent crimes, with 2501 people shot and another 576 killed.
• Strong gun laws in England didn’t stop Wednesday’s attack. Last year, London had around 13,000 reported stabbings (36 per day). Two-thirds of the 103 homicides were stabbing-related.

The average age of an offender in the London homicides was in their 30s, and they were 40% black, 20% declined to define ethnicity (I would like to know how this category is possible), and 18% were white.

The stabbing victims were 43% white, 35% black, and 18% Asian.

This isn’t a gun issue; it’s a criminal issue.

Apparently, someone put me on the Customs and Border Protection job opportunity email list, so I’ll bump this topic to the top. As part of my research while working undercover for non-profit organizations, aiding individuals crossing borders illegally, I investigated the extent of proper screening procedures.

Most people in law enforcement I’ve talked with think the system needs a significant overhaul. From what I saw, the system is not working as it should if you do the math.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that 760 of 1028 asylum officer positions were filled in a meeting on September 19, 2023. Askyum officers conduct credible fear interviews and decide whether to allow a person to remain in the US. Mayorkas later said he was sending another 1,000, but that’s not statistically likely, so I’ll use 500 as a number.

760 + 500 = 1260 total asylum officers

In December 2023. There were 249,735 encounters at the southern border, which doesn’t account for everyone because of the classification some border crossers get put into. Plus, you have the “gotaways,” which bring the total illegally entering the US even higher.

That would mean they spend, at the most, 22 minutes per person screening “asylum seekers” using that formula.

Another report said they conducted 1,000 daily interviews using 1,100 asylum officers in May. Approximately 204k people crossed that month, so what did they do with 170k who must not have been screened?

The math simply doesn’t make sense, supporting what I saw while looking over the paperwork asylum seekers gave me at the non-profit organizations. Based on the “asylum seekers” I met with, there appears to be minimal to no screening.

I don’t think the current administration will want me after reporting on how foreign nationals illegally cross the border, but who knows, maybe a side gig.

Harassment or humor, personally, I find it funny that someone put me on the mailing list.

CNET estimates there will be $74 billion worth of packages delivered this holiday season, and the average American receives 3.5 packages a week.

Safewise said there were over 113 million packages stolen in 2022, and according to them, people only reported 21% of the thefts to law enforcement. That leaves a lot of unaccounted-for packages.

Someone sent me this video, and after some digging, a family in Detroit apparently fabricated the prank that went viral in February 2021. They had a few million people believing it was true, though, and rooting for the homeowner with his AR-15. The longer version of the video is here.

The question often arises about using potentially deadly force to stop someone from stealing our belongings. The answer, in almost all circumstances, is NO.

You need to be able to prove the person you used deadly force against had the means, opportunity, and intent.

The next question you should ask is: Is it a good idea to meet someone at your door like that, even if you are pointing a weapon down at the ground? Again, probably not the best plan, because things can quickly escalate out of control.

The video might be entertaining, but it’s not a good example of how to handle someone taking your Christmas gifts.

With any luck, Santa will later drop off a big load of coal on their roof as a gift from the Karma Gods.

In many states, you will have to go through a process to carry a firearm and then get your license permit, etc., depending on what your state calls it, to legally have a gun on you and exercise your Second Amendment right.

In Arizona, it’s a CWP, in Texas it’s an LTC, and in California, it’s a CCW.

List of Constitutional Carry States

Some states allow constitutional carry, and as long as you can legally own a gun, you can carry. As of 2023, the following states allow constitutional carry: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida (concealed carry only), Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota (concealed carry only), Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee (handguns only), Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

In a few states, you have to have permission just to have a gun or ammunition at home, like Illinois, with their Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card requirements. After that, you can apply for a concealed carry license. Places like Hawaii, California, and New York make it extremely difficult to get a permit. As you can see, it gets confusing.

What Do Concealed Carry License Abbreviations Stand For

As you can see, the name of the piece of paper permitting you to carry a gun isn’t short, and the concealed carry license terminology is confusing.

• CCL – Concealed Carry License
• CCW — Concealed Carry Weapon
• LTC — License to Carry
• CHP — Concealed Handgun Permit
• CCP — Concealed Carry Pistol
• CCP — Concealed Carry Permit
• LTCF — License to Carry Firearm
• CWP — Concealed Weapons Permit
• CHL — Concealed Handgun License
• CPL — Concealed Pistol License

You May Need a License to Carry Weapons Besides Guns

Not only does this term include handguns, but it may also include other types of weapons, like knives or non-lethal weapons like pepper spray. Applicants need to know precisely what the term means in their own jurisdiction, and if traveling to different states, make sure you understand how the laws work. When another state recognizes your permit, they call it reciprocity.

Understanding concealed carry license abbreviations like CCL, CHL, CWP, CCW, and LTC is important because whenever you read articles, they refer to them differently and sometimes incorrectly. Knowing what they refer to will help you carry legally and clarify concealed carry laws and the requirements tied to the license.

And people say the police don’t have a sense of humor. The guy’s girlfriend doesn’t believe he got pulled over, and the officer let him Facetime her.

The person being searched is calm and polite, and so are the cops.

We live in a backward world, and the cop has some good advice: “Slow it down and pay attention.” On top of that, he gives the guy a pass on the red right light.

That’s how it’s supposed to work—not take off like a rabbit running down the road.

Give respect, get respect, and hopefully make some friends along the way.

It’s not just when dealing with law enforcement; it applies to everything in life. If you carry a firearm, ensure you know the law in each state and the required requirements for transporting a firearm across state lines. When other states recognize your concealed carry permit (CCP), it is called reciprocity. In some states, you must notify law enforcement if asked that you are carrying.

If you don’t have a concealed carry license (CCL), your gun typically needs to be in a container out of reach of the occupant in some place, like a trunk. Illinois, though, will allow you to have a firearm if it is unloaded and in a glove compartment.

You can research the “duty to inform laws.” USA Carry has an interactive map where you can put the state you live in, and it will show you which states have reciprocity along with state laws.

Stay safe, and don’t get pulled over.