Author: Gunner Quinn
Lexington Green today is a surreal place. If one didn’t know any better, one might mistake it as a simple suburban park, no different than any of the other carefully manicured havens of nature preserved among the sprawling network of roads, shops and houses that characterize many of America’s rapidly growing urban areas. A constant drone from the passing cars breaking off Massachusetts Avenue onto Bedford Street disrupts any sense of calm, even to early-morning visitors who tread the field, hoping to gain some semblance of atmosphere resembling the quiet dawn of April 19, 1775. However, on hallowed ground, there…
In the wake of the tragic shooting at Florida State University, where two people lost their lives, gun violence survivor Whitney Austin offers her perspective on the mental health challenges faced by survivors. Having endured 12 gunshot wounds in 2018, Austin emphasizes the need for emotional support for those affected, stating, “Regardless of which camp you’re in, you’ll need mental health support.” As the founder of the Whitney Strong foundation, she advocates for the CARR (Crisis Aversion & Rights Retention) bill in Kentucky, which aims to allow temporary removal of firearms from individuals in distress while ensuring their rights are…
(Continued from Part 3. This concludes the article.) More Stupid Things “This ain’t Dodge City, and you ain’t Bill Hickock.”— Quigley Down Under (1990 movie) The most obvious stupid thing is willingly getting involved in illegal or immoral activity. I’ve watched several people destroy careers, relationships, and everything they cared about by involvement in what at first probably looked like a quick and easy way to make some extra money. The majority of these cases involved the illegal drug trade, and their families often suffered even more pain than the individuals committing the illegal acts. Another bad mistake that can…
A Putnam County jury convicts Edarian Price of second-degree murder in the killing of Jermarien Edwards, which occurred at a Palatka home in April 2023. At just 17 years old, Price fatally shot Edwards after entering the residence, where tensions escalated into violence and ultimately led to the tragic shooting witnessed by multiple individuals present at the scene. This conviction is part of a broader initiative called Operation Young Guns, aimed at addressing the alarming rise in gun-related violence among teenagers and young adults. With Price scheduled for sentencing on June 10, 2025, he faces a potential life sentence, underscoring…
April 19th is always the most heavily laden date of the year for our Top Notes. I do not believe that this is mere happenstance. Some events appear to have been orchestrated by folks with an obsession for numerology. April 19, 1506: The Massacre of the Jews:, in Lisbon. On April 19, 1591, the French city of Chartres surrendered to King Henry IV. Today is the original Patriot Day which marks the multiple anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, known as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”, on April 19, 1775. Note that due to corporate bureaucracy, the Patriot…
A Montgomery County judge has sentenced Larry Williams, the leader of a Philadelphia-based gun ring, to decades in state prison for orchestrating an operation that functioned with military precision. From his home in Kensington, Williams managed a network that was noted for its alarming efficiency in supplying firearms, drawing concern from law enforcement officials about the scale and sophistication of the illicit operation. The judge’s ruling highlights the growing threat posed by such organized crime networks in urban areas, escalating violence and illegal arms trafficking. Authorities had long been tracking Williams as they uncovered the breadth of his operation, which…
A 39-year-old man from Oshkosh is in custody on suspicion of attempted first-degree intentional homicide after allegedly firing a gun inside a business, injuring one individual. The shooting occurred early Friday morning, prompting a swift response from Oshkosh police, who arrested the suspect shortly thereafter with the help of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. The injured victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive, highlighting the potential for a far more tragic outcome in this case. As the police continue to investigate, they urge anyone with information to come forward, raising concerns about public safety in…
A Florida State University student, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, opens fire on campus, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. The suspected shooter reportedly used a handgun that was previously issued to his stepmother, Jessica Ikner, a sheriff’s deputy. The incident occurred around lunchtime near the student union, and the motive remains unknown. This tragic shooting follows a history of campus violence at FSU, raising urgent questions about campus safety and gun access in similar tragic events. Among the deceased were non-students, and authorities have yet to release their identities. Read full story at www.bbc.com Read the full article…
In response to alarming statistics that reveal firearms as the leading cause of death for American children, a new training program focuses on teaching students essential gun safety and violence prevention skills. The initiative gained urgency following two mass shootings this week, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence in schools and communities. Dr. Celine Gounder reports on how the program emphasizes firearm education for young people who have prior exposure to guns, aiming to cultivate responsibility and awareness from an early age. By reinforcing safe practices and preventive strategies, these courses seek not only to educate but to instill…
Raelynn Rodriguez, a 20-year-old from Pierre, is sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in an attempted armed robbery at Hiebs Cenex gas station in Reliance. After pleading guilty to aggravated felony assault with a dangerous weapon, Rodriguez faces two years in prison after eight years are suspended, alongside a $500 fine and credit for time served. The incident occurred on January 21, 2025, when Rodriguez entered the gas station armed with a rifle and demanded money from the clerk. A physical struggle ensued as bystanders intervened, leading to the clerk suffering significant injuries requiring 20 stitches. Law…