(Follow Up) Congress Told of ATF Seizures, Threats to Gun Buyers

[Desertdog]

Congress Told of ATF Seizures, Threats to Gun Buyers
By Jeff Johnson
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
February 17, 2006

(CNSNews.com) - Agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), allegedly acting without warrants or legislative authority to do so, seized firearms from at least 50 gun show patrons in Virginia according to congressional testimony and an agency document made public Wednesday. Witnesses also testified that African-American and female gun buyers in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa., were profiled based on their race or sex and some in Pittsburgh were threatened with arrest by ATF agents for alleged actions that are not violations of law.

Rep. Howard Coble (R-N.C.) chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on
Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over ATF. While he supports the agency's mission, Coble questions some of its tactics.

"ATF reports that 206 [gun show] participants were stopped and interviewed while it confiscated firearms from another 50 participants," Coble said, referring to gun shows in Richmond, Va. "Although most of the firearms were ultimately returned, the purchasers were notified via official letter from ATF that [they] were ordered to appear at the local ATF office to discuss their transactions. In addition, the letter explained that failure to appear could result in an arrest warrant being issued for the alleged charges."

Complete story with related web sites included in story at;
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewSpecialReports.asp?Page=\SpecialReports\archive\200602\SPE20060217a.html

 

[Can'thavenuthingood]

http://www.gopusa.com/news/2006/february/0217_atf_gunsp.shtml

Rep. William Delahunt (D-Mass.) said he had not intended to attend the hearing, which was held immediately after a subcommittee vote on an unrelated bill, but stayed because he was fascinated by the witnesses' testimony.

"These must be the dumbest ATF agents in the entire agency," Delahunt said. "I am absolutely shocked that they could be that stupid.
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Delahunt is from Mass., I'd thought he'd applaud.

They do seem to be astounded by ATF's actions both in Pittsburgh and Richmond.

Maybe a good time to send in a resume?

Vick

 

[MN_Strelok]

Delahunt is from Mass., I'd thought he'd applaud.

He did. That quote is out of context.

He repeatedly implied that the allegations were either fabricated or based on an "aberration" in ATF activities. He also said that, if Richmond didn't want them, the ATF was welcome in Massachusetts... It was really quite nauseating.

If you're interested, the video is at http://judiciary.house.gov/oversight.aspx?ID=214. Delahunt's comments are about 55 minutes into it.

 

[Can'thavenuthingood]

He did. That quote is out of context.

I couldn't get the video webcast to download. Apparently I need another player of sorts. Working on it.

In the meantime I went over to the GOPUSA site where I pasted the article from and sent a letter to the editor. Told him of the misunderstanding the article left me with until I was corrected. I used your sentence regarding Delahunts implied allegations at the hearing.

Once again I'd have thought the editor would have checked out the story rather cut and pasting from CNSnews.com as it leaves the wrong impression of Delahunt.

They sure know how to make things appear different from reality.

Vick

 

[LAR-15]

ATF representatives present at Wednesday's hearing reluctantly identified themselves by raising their hands when asked to do so by Coble. They would not respond to the new allegations raised in the hearing, but referred questions to their press office. ATF officials are expected to testify on the issues raised Wednesday in a second hearing scheduled for Feb. 28.

 

[LAR-15]

What player do I need to view this?

Thanks

 

[Desertdog]

What player do I need to view this?

It is working on Real Player for me.