This Week In Guns 343 – Texas, Florida, Pink Pistols, and not relying on the police

Welcome to This Week in Guns! This show offers commentary on the latest firearms industry news, information and buzz.  I’m your host Matthew Larosiere and I’m here with my co-host Shawn Herrin.

Texas legislator wants to diminish the right to home defense

According to Texas State Representative Terry Meza, Texans shouldn’t have the right to use lethal force when defending their homes. Meza filed HB 196 in anticipation of the Texas Legislature’s next session with the purpose of repealing Texas’ well known Castle Doctrine. 

Florida bill would require background checks for ammo purchases 

Florida State Rep. Dan Daley of Coral Springs has again submitted a bill that would require background checks for ammunition purchases. “The proposal would apply to all sales of ammunition if it becomes law and would close what gun control advocates refer to as the ammunition loophole,” Daley said.

Former Gun Control Proponent Starts LGBTQ Gun Rights Chapter

In Salt Lake City, Utah, Ermiya Fanaeian reopened the Salt Lake Chapter of the Pink Pistols, a pro-gun, pro-LGBTQ group. She’s now 20, but at 17 she co-founded the Utah chapter of March for Our Lives. It seems she’s had a change of heart, though. 

“The left’s idea of a ‘gun nut’ typically is white men who are upper class and see this as a hobby that will make their egos bigger, but the reality is this is a form of empowerment for me.” “As far as legislatively trying to do things such as ban assault weapons, or ultimately make it harder for regular everyday folks to access guns only so rich elitist people can access them … I’m completely against those initiatives.” 

This is in contrast to Equality Utah, the state’s “premiere LGBTQ civil rights organization,” whose executive director said “As an organization we support the Second Amendment. We draw the line, however, at military grade weapons in the hands of civilians.”

Why you can’t always rely on the police

Another one in Florida. A fort Lauderdale man, seventy year old Bill Norkunas, had a man trying to beat down his door. The man stood, on crutches, holding a gun in his trembling hand after calling the police, who, instead of coming to the door to stop the attack, the brave boys of Broward County Sheriff’s office waited 500 yards down the street while Norkunas and his neighbors flooded 911 with calls to help for nearly 15 minutes.

“Bottom line, my life could have ended that night. Or the attacker’s life could have ended, while more than a dozen well-armed deputies did not respond to my house,” Norkunas said.

Ohio appeals court strikes down Cincinnati’s Bump Stock Ban

Cincinnati banned “trigger activators,” which included stuff like bump stocks, in April of 2018. Now that law has been struck down as unconstitutional by Ohio’s First Appellate Court. On top of that, the city was ordered to pay the attorneys’ fees of the appealing party.

The crux of the case was whether the items would be considered “accessories” or “components,” as it is reflected under Ohio law that local governments cannot restrict firearm components, but is silent on “accessories.” The Court seems to be of the opinion that, since they combine with other parts to make up a firearm, they are thus components under the term’s common meaning.

Matthew Larosiere is a civil rights lawyer and gun nut. You can connect with him on Twitter @MattLaAtLaw, on instagram, and other social media.