 Image from Nico Rich on YouTube Fox News spoke with BJ Baldwin, Las Vegas racer who was involved in a self-defense shooting at Las Vegas In-N-Out in April. He said his girlfriend noticed two hooded men pointing a gun at her and charging in her direction from across the parking lot. Once she was able to alert him, the men were 15 yards away with the gun pointed at her and smiling, he said. He said they appeared intent on doing harm. The gunman fired two shots at his girlfriend and six shots at Baldwin, he said. The incident erupted fast and the bad guy already had the "drop" on Baldwin when the latter reacted. "I knew there was a high probability that he would miss because I was returning fire and getting hits on him," Baldwin said. "I wish I wasn't at the wrong place at the wrong time, but I'm glad it was me instead of a less-skilled defensive pistol practitioner." Baldwin was not charged as the DA ruled the incident self-defense. Baldwin's experience is a major testimonial for good training and continual practice. While this In-N-Out is in what is considered to be a "safe" part of town, you never know when violence may strike. Be ready for it.  The Forest Service has asked us to help spread the word about how you can help prevent wildfires. Safe target shooting is still okay (see below); Campfires and open flame are prohibited; Gas stoves are okay (you may need a permit). Target shooters: have a shovel, water, and fire extinguisher with you when you shoot. No shooting of tracers or exploding targets (Tannerite). Don't shoot into rocky areas that could cause ricochets and sparks. Avoid flammable dry grass too. Steel targets can also cause sparks. Visit NevadaFireInfo.org for more information.   It's becoming clearer that Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court is the one holding up Second Amendment cases and punting on them. A portion of the justices, appointed for life to be impartial and above such things as being swayed by public opinion, seem to be influenced by just that. So what is John Roberts afraid of? I argue that Roberts is afraid that the four other conservative justices will find that "shall not be infringed" means what it says. To one degree or another, they will dramatically liberalize the gun control laws across the country. Nothing too dramatic to those of us in free states, or in states with constitutional carry. I believe that one of the things he is most afraid of is that he would be forced to join a concurring opinion that the Second Amendment cannot be restricted by licenses; everyone would have the ability to carry a gun without prior government permission. That might make things harder for police and crime might happen, which may look bad for Roberts. Roberts is afraid of the people have the right to bear arms unfettered and is squeamish at the idea that liberty often comes with danger. I can't help but think Roberts is a member of a camp where only certain rights, well-fenced in to prevent harm, are allowed to be exercised a little. The world is more comfortable to soft tyrants like him when the rest of us are restrained to in little bubbles. Perhaps another conservative justice replacing Ginsburg might give him an additional vote to go along with. Roberts could just be afraid of being the swing vote and want the comfort of the crowd. Time will tell.   The Clark County Shooting Complex opening has been pushed back two weeks, apparently due to issues getting Range Safety Officers, RSOs, scheduled. From Facebook: IMPORTANT UPDATE- PUBLIC OPENING IS DELAYED TWO WEEKS! SHOOTING COMPLEX WILL RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC JUNE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020. We apologize for this delay due to unforeseen circumstances bringing our prior, and experienced, staff back onboard. Our number one goal is for the safety of all our valued patrons and staff. Proper Range Safety Officer (RSO) placement is by far the most critical element in the operation of a public range. There is simply no room for error. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing everyone in two weeks.  We're issuing a correction to an earlier post. RGJ columnist Quest Lakes reached out to us after upset over missing a distinction that she was only speaking about part of the protesters at the governor's mansion a few weeks ago. We'll let the email correspondence speak for itself. Quest Lakes (emphasis original): I noticed that you lied about what I wrote in my recent column on your blog. You know that I did NOT write that the ReOpen protesters in Carson City on May 2 were "white supremacists who sow chaos" etc. I wrote that the adherents to the Boogaloo movement, some of whom drove up from Las Vegas and were in attendance on May 2, "are white suprmacists who sow chaos and create political tension." Here's what I wrote that you purposely misquoted: "But the thing that really caught my attention about this gathering were the boogaloo fans in the crowd. These are accelerationists who hope to incite an armed rebellion in the U.S., which they refer to as Civil War 2: Electric Boogaloo (boogaloo for short). They’re white supremacists who sow chaos and create political tension. The boogaloo goal has become increasingly popular with right-wing militias and self-described patriot groups that share a lust for a violent uprising targeting their political opponents, minorities, and law enforcement." Nevada Carry's response: You give us too much credit for being malicious. "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence." We'll concede we should have stated that "some" of the protesters, specifically those you call "adherents to the Boogaloo movement" were maligned as as white supremacists. Again, the good news is that according to Lakes, only "some" protesters are white supremacists, and, unless we read it wrong, all of the "boogaloo fans."  I'm just putting this out there for what it's worth. This is an un-vetted, unverified, uncorroborated rumor from social media. Some people in political circles are stating that the Legislature is being called into a special session over the COVD-19. This information supposedly comes from legislators directly. A state income tax, details unknown, is planned to be announced. The state constitution requires two votes, in separate sessions, so a 2020 special session would be the first vote and the second vote would be in the 2021 regular session. Following that, the income tax must be approved on the ballot by the voters before it becomes law. As for any details about guns, that's unknown. Special sessions can only deal with the reason they are called, the COVID-19 crisis, and it would be difficult to work a gun control bill in, but not impossible. A week ago, the Nevada Appeal speculated that despite the fiscal emergency declaration Sisolak was not calling a special session. We will let you know if we receive additional information. A Message From Steve Carmichael (Complex Manager) RE: The Shooting Complex – Re-Opening Operational Plan Phase #1- May 20, 2020 The following plan outlines The Shooting Complex Operational Plan Phase #1 of opening on May 20, following the temporary closure. Outdoor shooting is a fresh air, low-density recreational activity which includes social distancing. The Shooting Complex goal is to serve the residents of Clark County & Las Vegas with best in class service while maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Phase 1 will include all venues; shotgun, rifle/pistol, and archery, plus Registered User Group activity, and online RV reservations. The only unavailable services during Phase 1 are equipment rental, redemption of Groupon certificates, and use of Education Center classrooms. • Phase 1 hours-Public SHOTGUN and Archery will be 7am-11am, Wednesday through Sunday. • Phase 1 hours for Public RIFLE/PISTOL CENTER will be 7am-1pm, Wednesday through Sunday • Customer Service Centers at Shotgun and Rifle/Pistol Center will open at 6:30 am. • Phase 1 hours for REGISTERED USER GROUPS at the Education Center Ranges- 7am-4pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Building Safety • Shotgun and Rifle/Pistol Center buildings will be open on a limited basis with only four customers allowed in the building at one time. All CDC protocol will be followed. Acrylic shields have been installed over the customer service counters. • Indoor bathrooms will be available at all buildings Range Safety • All firing points at the Public Range, Education Center Ranges, and Archery Range are on 10’ centers which allow proper spacing according to CDC guidelines. Non-family units will be restricted to only one person at the firing point or table to assure proper spacing is maintained. • Spacing between shooting stations on trap fields follows CDC guidelines. Skeet and Sporting Clays shooters will be responsible for maintaining spacing between shooters in those groups. Roadkill Grill II • Closed until further notice Beverages • Vending machines are located inside the Shotgun Center and outside the Education Center • Beverage and snacks are available at the Rifle/Pistol center. • It’s recommended that all guests bring their own beverages Clays Carts • Clays Carts will be available. Non-family groups are limited to two occupants; one in front, one in back • Clays carts will be thoroughly wiped down at all touchpoints following each use • Customers will be encouraged to empty their own trash from cart • Coolers- bring your own • Scorecards and Pencils provided on cart Misc. Items • Microphone handles, remote release systems, off/on switches, gun racks, tables & benches will be sanitized as needed following CDC guidelines • Extra signage will be placed around buildings and venues to remind customers of social distancing and health & safety guidelines • Ammo purchases at Rifle/Pistol Center limited to 100 rounds • Ammo purchases at Shotgun Center limited to 250 rounds  There have been three recent shooting in Las Vegas which may have been defensive gun uses. In the first incident on May 15, a security guard shot a burglar who may have been armed. On May 13, shots were fired at a gas station over "some sort of property exchange." No further details as available as of this writing. Finally on May 10, a man was killed after getting into a fight with a resident at an apartment complex. Final word from police about whether the incidents were being investigated as self-defense is pending, however, the lack of other circumstances (gang ties, arrests, etc.) tends to indicate self-defense may have been a possibility in these shootings. The Clark County Shooting Complex is making good progress to re-opening. From Facebook: We’re still in the process of final approval for opening the Shooting Complex next Wednesday, May 20. Same days and hours as shown in previous update, except Public Rifle/Pistol range will extend operational hours until 1:00 pm instead of 11:00 am, At this point everything hinges on the proper number of returning staff. Your safety, along with that of our staff and volunteers, is our greatest concern. Stay tuned for another update in the next 24-48 hours. Thanks again for your great patience and continue to stay safe! |
Archives
September 2020
Categories |
RSS Feed