Conclusions in Review~Subject to Change with More Information
#1 Darwin Boedeker of Texas Gun Shows was not the focus of the Thursday, Jan. 14th, meeting. He was not threatened, coerced or intimidated by BATF or the APD. He agreed to allowing only FFL sales at his show, a policy more restrictive than federal or state law and which may not be legal or possible. An FFL must enter any commercial firearm transaction into his log and cannot remove that firearm without completing a NICS check. The FFL becomes a part of the transaction.
#2 Only cities, not counties, have nuisance ordinance authority and nuisance ordinances are broad. However, questions being asked should include: was the gun show held to a different standard from other nuisance calls to this same property or other property in Austin? The North Lamar property houses flea markets and many other venues and we know neighbors call APD regularly on noise and traffic-related issues. TSRA is making an "open records request" on nuisance calls.
#3 How many gun-related convictions came out of these "criminal investigations"? Gun crime convictions would be federal convictions. If there is no conviction, can an investigation be considered a nuisance? How is that ethical? TSRA is making a "Freedom of Information" request on the convictions.
Why weren't either of the gun show promoters told of problems within their shows, the parking lot, or the neighborhood or were given an opportunity to self-correct?
Remember, Mr. Bodeker was not the focus of the Thursday meeting, the possible threat was for a nuisance abatement hearing and only the building owner would be involved.
Finally
The clock has been rolled back for Darwin Boedeker and Texas Gun Shows with their move to a different location. Texas Gun Shows didn't miss a weekend event in Austin.
