Author: Gunner Quinn
A coalition of activists is calling for U.S. authorities to take immediate action against the trafficking of firearms to Haiti, where over 69% of recovered guns originate from states like Florida and Georgia. They argue that the influx of American weapons is aggravating dire conditions on the ground, with escalating gang violence displacing tens of thousands and exacerbating human rights abuses since 2020. Legal experts and human rights advocates highlight the catastrophic impact of U.S. guns, which not only contribute to territorial disputes among gangs but are also used in widespread sexual violence against vulnerable populations. Reports indicate that gangs…
Cincinnati author Randall Daniels combats youth violence with his children’s book series featuring BOBO the Champ, a character inspired by his late mother. Launched in 2022, the series aims to offer young readers “better options, better outcomes” than resorting to violence, reflecting Daniels’ own experiences with hardship after losing his mother at a young age. With eight books now sold in seven countries, Daniels integrates take-home therapy cards, critical thinking exercises, and literacy practice into his program, which is already making a positive impact in local schools. “I want them to learn to think for themselves,” he emphasizes, highlighting a…
The Illinois state legislature debates a contentious measure that mandates firearms be stored in a safe, with a cable lock, or made inoperable, especially to prevent accidental gun use. State Representative Maura Hirschauer emphasizes the bill’s potential to reduce unintended injuries and suicides resulting from accessible firearms, citing that nearly 75% of school shootings involve guns retrieved from home. However, opponents argue that the requirements may infringe on Second Amendment rights and complicate self-defense readiness. Meanwhile, this discussion unfolds alongside the state’s legal battle over its semi-automatic firearms ban, deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge last summer. The state recently…
A recent national study indicates that increased education on gun safety significantly enhances parents’ likelihood of asking about firearms in homes their children visit. The research shows that while only 16% of caregivers who lacked firearm safety information inquired about guns, this number jumps to 79% among those informed by multiple sources, including other parents, school officials, and media. Notably, each new source of gun safety information raises the likelihood of such inquiries by 40%, highlighting the critical role education plays in enhancing child safety. Presented at the upcoming Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, the study underscores the urgent need for…
A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the illegal transfer of four firearms to a leader of a multi-county gun trafficking organization. His admission highlights the ongoing issues related to gun control and illegal firearms trafficking in the region. This case sheds light on the complexities of illegal firearm networks, with the defendant now awaiting sentencing. The implications of such trafficking are significant, raising concerns about public safety and the enforcement of gun laws in Pennsylvania. Read full story at www.pottsmerc.com Read the full article here
Police have identified Andrew Owens, 38, of Boston, as the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on April 19 on Washington Street in Roxbury. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Owens with a gunshot wound around 11:03 p.m.; he later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. In addition to Owens, a second person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and sought medical attention independently. The Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident and urges anyone with information to come forward. Residents can provide tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers, highlighting the police department’s commitment to protecting informants’ identities.…
OA Defense, renowned for producing premium handguns, is set to relocate its headquarters to Robbins, North Carolina, later this year. The company will establish a new 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, marking a significant development for a town that has historical ties to firearms manufacturing dating back to the late 18th century. This move is expected to boost local employment and bring economic growth to Robbins, a community that once thrived as a production site for the Kennedy rifle. As OA Defense transitions to its new base, residents and local leaders are optimistic about the revival of the town’s legacy in the…
Less than 48 hours after public land advocates celebrated the absence of land sales in the House budget proposal, the Natural Resources Committee amended the legislation to include it.The amendment wasn’t introduced until the very end of a marathon markup day in which committee members jockeyed to finalize their portion of the budget reconciliation package. Around 11:30 p.m. last night, Reps. Mark Amodei of Nevada and Celeste Maloy of Utah proposed adding a requirement to sell tens of thousands–potentially hundreds of thousands–of acres in their respective states.In their presentations to the committee, Amodei and Maloy characterized the sales as generating…
The Oakland-based violence prevention program, Youth ALIVE!, faces a significant setback as it experiences federal funding cuts that threaten its operations. Executive Director Joseph Griffin emphasizes the critical role the program plays in addressing gun violence and its profound impact on the city’s youth, who are increasingly at risk of exposure to violence. Griffin highlights that the program has been instrumental in providing support and resources to young people, helping to reduce violence and promote peace in the community. With federal funding on the line, the future of these essential services remains uncertain, raising concerns about the potential resurgence of…
A Dominican national, Emerson Esteban Arias-Polanco, faces serious charges following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Boston for a masked armed robbery that occurred in Massachusetts. He was previously taken into custody by local police in November 2023, but after a detainer request from ICE was disregarded, he was released back into the community. Following pressure from federal authorities, ICE arrested Arias-Polanco on March 20, 2025, in a coordinated effort with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ICE officials emphasized the importance of their ongoing partnerships with local law…