18 Reasons to Ban Guns in America: My Response to All 18
Gregory Kielma • July 6, 2024
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18 Reasons Why Americans Should Relinquish Their Guns
And my Reasons to the Contrary
Gregg Kielma
Guns are always a controversial issue, but there are plenty of reasons why we should consider hanging up our holsters for good. Let's look at 18 of them. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to give up your guns; we're just giving you some reasons that might make you think about things differently.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” After reviewing the 18 suggestions below I have given my thoughts and insights. As a responsible firearms owner one would have thought these people are really reaching for reasons to take or eliminate your Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms. As stated above of course, this doesn't mean you have to give up your guns; then why pen this article? My thoughts below each reason not to give up your firearm”. Please remember it's not the firearm.
Lower Household Risk
You never know what could happen if a gun goes off by accident at home, and it's not just a small risk. Houses with guns have seen more of these scary accidents than you might think. We'd all be a lot safer if our homes were free from those firearms, as nobody needs that kind of danger in their lives.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” Not true, firearms in a home make the home safer. Your ability to defend yourself is paramount to you and your family’s safety. As times continue worsen, have a way to protect your family safely”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Lower Harm Rates
Places with fewer guns tend to see fewer suicides, as having immediate access to a gun allows people to make impulsive decisions that are tragically irreversible. If giving up guns could save lives from despair, then surely, it's something worth talking about. We could encourage people to talk about their mental health instead.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” drugs, knifes, baseball bats, razor blades, plastic bags, the list goes on and on. If someone wants to end their life, they’ll find a way”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Safer Schools
Lots of guns from home end up in schools, and fewer guns around could mean schools become safer places for kids. Instead of worrying about staying safe, kids could just focus on learning and growing. Keeping schools safe helps them to just study and enjoy their school days without fearing for their lives.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” wrong, bad children or young adults will always find a way to hurt ot kill other children. Gun free zones don’t work. A teacher trained in the use of a firearm can save life’s”. There are several ways schools can defend the campus. I have fool proof ways to make the campus safe. It's not cheap but neither is a $1,000,000.00 football field. Administrators', security of a football field? Please remember it’s not the gun.
Decreased Urban Violence
In big cities, more guns often mean more gun violence, so just think about what it would be like if city streets were safer and less intimidating for everyone. Fewer guns might just help us get there by helping everyone feel at ease. This way, the city becomes a place of fun and community and less about watching your back.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma, ”I believe this one is truly awful. Do you really think nefarious people are going to continue their criminal ways. No way. You will never rid urban areas of crime. Ever”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Lower Law Enforcement Fatalities
Every traffic stop or house call could be less risky for our police officers if there were fewer guns. In places with strict gun laws, fewer officers lose their lives, so reducing the number of guns helps us respect their safety as they work to protect ours. This can help fix the relationship between communities and law enforcement by creating a sense of mutual respect.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma, ”LEO are trained to defend themselves. They know how to identify signs of criminal behavior. They take the necessary precautions. Again, this is another bad guy doing bad things. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Reduced Gun Theft
If fewer guns are around, there's less chance that someone will steal them and use them for the wrong reasons. This would seriously help to reduce crime rates and lower the potential for criminals to have guns, as there would just be fewer of them. It's a win-win situation, really.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” lock up your gun. Don’t leave it in the car. Put them in a safe and secure spot in your home. Think.” Please remember it’s not the gun.
Economic Benefits
The cost of gun violence is emotional, but it also hits our wallets. For example, medical bills and lost work can get expensive, and cutting down on gun violence could really help us. We could save some serious cash and spend it on improving our communities with better parks, schools, or even roads. Less violence means we have more funds for those.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” not true the current administration (Biden) will just come up with more reasons to tax you and take your money and give you less. They don't care about you, me or the municipalities they serve. This reason is truly bad and false. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Improved International Image
Lots of places in the world see America as being a place with constant shootings and guns everywhere. Fewer guns could help us fix our image abroad by showing other countries that we value safety and peace just as much as anyone else. This might also boost tourism and foreign investment, which could help us out even more.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” I don’t care what the international community thinks. It’s none of their business what we do in America. And don’t worry, the same countries that are complaining will still have their hands out wanting your taxed money”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
More Community Trust
In neighborhoods with fewer guns, people tend to trust each other more. After all, it's easier to bond and build friendships when you're not worried about violence. This trust can make neighborhoods happier places to live, and we all know how strong communities, the backbone of a successful society, are.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” I was at a business meeting with local community business owners. When I was introduced as an FFL, Firearms Instructor and Gunsmith the woman sitting next to me said she felt safer. Enough said”. Oh and by the way, my community knows I'm an FFL and Instructor. They come to me with questions and for training. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Lower Mass Shooting Rates
The US has a lot of mass shootings, and there's practically one every day. If there were fewer guns, these tragic events could become a lot less common. Of course, they wouldn't disappear completely, but fewer guns could mean fewer headlines that break our hearts. That'd be a huge win for everybody.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” the last time I checked, my gun never hurt anyone. Guns don’t kill, deranged people kill”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Non-Violent Conflict Resolution
When guns aren't an option, people have to find other ways to settle their arguments, which often leads to more talking and less shooting. This could force people to resolve their issues more peacefully because we'd encourage dialogue over violence. Eventually, we might even better understand each other with more lasting resolutions.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” like drugs, knifes, baseball bats, razor blades, plastic bags, the list goes on and on. People are going to kill no matter what the weapon is…Think about what just happened in New York… a CAR!” Please remember it’s not the gun.
Promotes Public Health
With fewer guns, we could start treating gun violence as a public health issue instead. This would mean healthier mental and physical communities as we start looking out for each other's well-being on a larger scale. Healthier communities lead to a stronger country, and who doesn't want that?
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” so removing firearms from the community is going to make my community healthier and mentally more stable. Site statics? Explain exactly how. I say guns make a community healthier just from the personal protection aspect”. Times are not getting better. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Decreased Accidental Child Deaths
No parent should ever go through the pain of losing a child to an accidental shooting. Fewer guns could mean these devastating accidents become rare stories instead of things that you hear about on the news every day. Every child deserves to grow up somewhere safe, and reducing the number of guns could help make that a reality.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” be responsible lock up your guns. It’s your duty to you and your children. Also, you and your children can take a class through the USCCA called Children’s Firearms and Safety Fundamentals. Teach your children to be safe. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Less Domestic Violence Deaths
In domestic arguments, a gun can turn a bad situation into a deadly one. If we take out guns from these equations, then we could see a huge drop in deaths from domestic violence, which would give more families a chance to heal. They could resolve their issues without any lethal consequences hanging over their heads.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” if you have domestic violence issues, you’re not permitted to own a firearm. If you had prior domestic issues background check will not permit you to own a gun. If you do own a firearm and use it to commit domestic violence you’re going to jail. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Lower Insurance Costs
Did you know that high gun ownership can drive up insurance costs? Fewer guns might mean lower premiums because there's less risk of gun-related injuries and deaths, so it'd benefit both your safety and your wallet. More money in your pocket and less worry on your mind sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” another inconsistency. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. Save a little here and increase all the other insurance we pay. It’s just a vicious cycle”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Reduced Police Misconduct
Less fear of guns could mean the police could respond more calmly in tense situations. After all, without the added stress of facing a firearm, they don't have to escalate situations unnecessarily. This could make everyone feel a bit safer during those high-stress moments and lead to more peaceful resolutions.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” Bad LEO is bad LEO no getting around that. Thank goodness most are outstanding officers. The very few that are bad will continue to be bad. Remember, these bad LEO have guns. Do not argue with them on the side of the road, your home or place of work. You will not win. Do as they say. Deescalate the situation. If you feel you were wronged, resolve it in court. Please remember it’s not the gun.
More Effective Emergency Response
Likewise, paramedics wouldn't have to worry about running into armed individuals; they could focus purely on saving lives and helping people during crises. Faster and safer responses can make a big difference when every second counts. This could genuinely help to save people's lives during emergencies, and that's something we all can get behind.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” Taking firearms off the street will not make this any safer for LEO or first responders. As a ERT member and First Aid Fundamentals Instructor this is just plain nonsense”. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Strengthens Democracy
If you feel safe, you're more likely to participate in democracy. Helping people feel less worried about violence would make them more likely to vote or even participate in community activities. This would create a safe environment where everyone can have their say in what's happening.
Says FFL, Firearms Instructor, and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma,” I continue to shake my head on a lot of these. Democracy has nothing to do with firearms. Will be happy when guns are removed from society? Some will, most will not. What are we going to do next? Ban hammers, axes, knifes, cars, ect. Please remember it’s not the gun.
Last but not least and I continue to say this, please remember it’s not the gun.
What risks do concealed carry permit holders face if they decide to act during an active shooter event? What Would You Do? Kielma says, my plan and exactly my thoughts and how I will proceed and deal with this. Here are a few; • Being mistaken for being a part of the active shooter assault • Getting killed by the First Responders because they think that you’re an accomplice • Getting killed by an actual accomplice because they don’t want you to be the hero who stops their murderous rampage Kielma’s PLAN, In the end, if I am carrying concealed, and some nut-job starts shooting innocent people, I will draw and I will take him out. Positive actions, performed quickly, will save lives. Once the perpetrator is down and or dead, I will put my pistol back into concealment, and check on the victims. I will render first aid until the First Responders arrive. I would continue to scan the scene to make sure there isn’t a second bad guy. When the cops arrive, I will render a full report, and let them know what happened, and when.
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A gun confiscation finally goes into effect and police are going door-to-door. Your home is next.... Let's see what Robert Andrews plan is. What would you do? Ensure that the Coffee cans and pipe full of nails, glass, some fecal matter to cause massive infections and smokeless powder are all in place and wired up so that when the Unconstitutional Gestapo stack their teams beside any possible entry point, they get their legs blown off. Then as the survivors look for cover, their cover will turn into an ambush before their very eyes. Explosive charges to be command detonated placed months or years before where they will seek cover and where they will park vehicles. Once they bring in a Chopper, Charges will be launched simultaneously with cable between each to foul rotors. They can reach an estimated height of 1500 to 2000 ft. Meanwhile, I will be inside, in a below grade Reinforced concrete room, with switches and detonators for all in place explosives. I have 48 hours of supplied air, Plus Filtration that will easily handle CS Gas, 90 days of water, and enough MRE’s to last years, and the required tobacco sauce as well. Will I survive through a scenario such as Robert proposes, probably not. But I am 1 Man, and I can easily cost the gun grabbers 25–50 men and possibly much more. And I am only 1 man, and every home within 15 miles of my home, is owned and lived in by my kin. So, the question is How many gun grabbers are willing to die to come collect my weapons? Because I know that I am willing to take as many as possible with me when I go.
Vicki Lynn Frantz...A true "Bagger" What A Mutt! Fulton County (Ga.) Sheriff's Office Corrections employee, caught with pants down in office with inmate, says she's the victim in shocking prison scandal... Sure A corrections employee allegedly was about to have sex with an inmate when a security guard busted her — but she claims her life was threatened. A former corrections employee in Georgia is accused of attempting to have sexual relations with an inmate and selling cigarettes to another prisoner, according to authorities. Vickie Lynn Frantz, 56, also known as hot lips and hot pants... was terminated from her job as a purchasing assistant at the Atlanta Transitional Center — a correctional facility — on Monday. 'My client is the victim of the whole situation, and yet she is falsely accused of those charges.' The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Frantz, and she was booked into the Fulton County Jail on Monday. Frantz was hit with felony charges of criminal intent to commit a felony and trading with inmates without the consent of the warden or superintendent, according to jail records. A judge set her bond at $30,000. WSB reported that an investigation was launched after a security guard reported witnessing Frantz welcome an inmate into her office. Frantz — of Rome, Georgia — was about to have sex with an inmate in her office, police said. The affidavit of arrest that Blaze News obtained from the Georgia Department of Corrections states that the witness saw the inmate enter Frantz's office around 1:30 p.m. on June 30. "Accused Vickie Frantz committed criminal attempt to commit custodial sexual assault by allowing an inmate of the Georgia Department of Corrections into her office, then taking off her pants to allow sexual activity," the affidavit stated. The affidavit added, "But a security staff member intervened before any sexual acts occurred. Vickie Frantz was caught in her office lying on an inmate bed mat with no pants on and an inmate standing over her." Go Vickie, oink oink!!!! Let's see what the courts say. Innocent, who knows. Frantz also is accused of selling cigarettes to another inmate. "Vickie Frantz unlawfully accepted a payment of $50 via Chime to bring five packs of cigarettes into Atlanta Transitional Center," the affidavit stated. Despite the former corrections employee being in a position of power over inmates, Frantz's public defender said his client was the "victim." "She was under duress, and she was threatened with her life actually to comply with the demand by the complaining witness," assistant public defender Jae Kim told WSB. "My client is the victim of the whole situation, and yet she is falsely accused of those charges." Heath told WSB, "As we continue to demonstrate, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety. The actions of this individual do not reflect the hundreds of officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
How to Safely Walk Your Dog or Favorite Pet While Armed by Gregg Kielma and Lee Williams Says FFL, Firearms, First Aid Fundamentals Instructor Gregg Kielma. I get asked this question all the time in my firearms classes. I live in Florida with a lot of ponds with alligators and wild pigs in or around them. Alligators like small dogs, like my seven (7) rescues. So, what do I do? I stay situationally aware all the time. I chose a routes away from any bad areas near ponds or wooded areas. If you have access to a fenced in dog park, that may be a better option. This For Florida Residents in Particular: Or any place you may encounter wild animals that can hurt you or your pet. I walk them during the day when I can see the ponds or wooded areas we are coming up to. I keep them close to me or most likely pick them up. We have sidewalks that run right next to big ponds alligators like to hang out in. (yes live in the country). I have wild pigs that do tremendous damage to property and if not careful to people and dogs. I'm always checking my surrounding for alligators, wild pigs or a bad actor hiding in the tree line that may try to hurt me or my wife. I keep my firearm easily accessible. I practice and can access my firearm in less than .003 seconds. I practice all the time. (Note: Alligators are very fast for short distances, you need to keep your "antenna's" up and always be ready. Wild pigs are very aggressive when there are little piglets around and will attack to save the piglets. They can hurt you or your pet just like an alligator). Dive to a safe area in your neighborhood, park your car and say away from ponds or heavily wooded areas. February through mid to end of April alligators are active. Its mating season and they become aggressive. Have a plan. What are you going to do to stop the threat? Don't wait until the last minute by then it's too late. Stay smart, situationally aware and ready for anything. Check out what Lees has to say and her recommendations. Take it away Lee! I get to walk Willa, our Boston Terrier, seven to eight times per day. I’m not sure who enjoys it more. Her timing is always perfect. After I’ve been writing for more than a few hours, she will jump into my lap or bite my ankles to let me know it’s time to take a break. Living in southwest Florida, the weather is our biggest non-tactical concern. We always avoid the hottest part of the day. I also carry a bottle of water and offer her sips while watching out for excessive panting. Boston Terriers are one of the Brachycephalic breeds, so she is more susceptible to heatstroke than other dogs. It’s crucial to adjust the intensity of our walk, and Willa is never shy about offering input. As to our tactical concerns, some suggestions follow: One of the most important considerations while walking your dog is that you will likely have just one free hand if you’re threatened. If you need to use deadly force, you will be shooting and possibly even reloading using only your strong hand. Practice is key, it’s crucial. Every time I’m at the range, I always shoot two or three magazines using only my strong hand. My weak hand is kept at my side, as if I’m holding her leash. Speed and accuracy are not the same as when I’ve got two free hands, which is why it’s so important to train. One-handed magazine changes are also much slower. I hold my empty weapon between my legs, pull a spare mag off of my weak side with my strong hand, and insert it into the weapon. I have practiced this with Willa dry but have yet to add gunfire to our training. Accuracy is worse than when using two hands, as is speed. Besides, I will likely have a 30-pound dog jumping and going crazy in my weak hand, so you can understand that my maximum effective range will shrink. Generally, the types of threats you may encounter on a dog walk are about the same as if you were walking alone, but there is the added possibility that someone may try to harm or steal your dog. Nowadays, some canines can cost thousands of dollars. Most likely, the bad guy will use some type of weapon. I have never heard of anyone who was victimized while walking their dog and forced to respond with force, being asked why they didn’t let their dog bite the bad guy. Most civilians don’t own attack-trained Malinois. Anyone who says anything different has likely never been in a gunfight. Some additional suggestions: • Always hold your dog’s leash with your weak hand. Keep your shooting hand ready. • I strongly recommend carrying a can of pepper spray for aggressive canines. It works incredibly well and is not permanent. Make sure it is police strength. • Practice drawing and obtaining a sight picture while holding your dog’s leash in your weak hand. • It’s easy to lose your situational awareness while picking up poo. Do it quickly while maintaining your SA. • Watch for additional threats, especially while retrieving poo. • Don’t focus solely on your dog while walking. Don’t zone out. • Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to pet your dog. Tell them your dog is not friendly and may bite. • Change your walking routes often. Do not have a standard route. • Look for threats while walking. Your dog can help with this. • Be concerned about your safety and security, and your dog’s. • Carry spare ammunition – it’s a must. I always carry the same guns and gear. The Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project wouldn’t be possible without you. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to support pro-gun stories like this.
Indiana Mom Shoots Child Predator to Save Her 12-Year-Old Daughter Mark Chesnut Most people are aware that the maternal instinct in women is so strong that many will do whatever it takes to protect their children from harm. Unfortunately for a convicted child molester in Indiana, he had to learn that lesson the hard way. According to reports at wlfa.com and wthr.com, the man, Bruce Pierce, tried to rape a 12-year-old girl at an Indianapolis hotel in late May. But before he could rip more than her tank top and underwear, the girl’s mother shot Pierce several times, sending him to the hospital with multiple bullet wounds and a sure lesson learned. Details are a little sketchy as to why the mother left her 12-year-old daughter in a hotel room with a convicted child sex offender. According to one report, the child’s grandmother told police the victim and her sister woke her up on May 24 when their mother didn’t come home. They went to the Baymont Inn to look for her and found the mother with Pierce in the hotel lobby. The 12-year-old girl, who was feeling sick, stayed in Pierce’s hotel room while the mother and the other daughter took items to the car. While they were loading the car, the girl said Pierce invited her to sit on the bed. At that time, court documents say she told police Pierce grabbed her arms, pinned them to the bed, and began ripping her clothes off. The victim was able to escape her attacker when her mother opened fire. According to reports, Pierce had a gun on or near him during the assault. Unlike the mother, he apparently wasn’t able to get off any shots during the melee. Court records show Pierce pleaded guilty to child molesting in two separate cases, in Hendricks and Morgan counties, in 2016. Pierce is charged with attempted rape, attempted child molestation, unlawful possession of a firearm and confinement, all felonies in the state Indiana. While anti-gun activists will tell you that normal Americans almost never use firearms to save themselves and their families from violent criminals, this incident reminds us once again that episodes of armed self-defense occur multiple times daily throughout the United States. While the gun-ban group Moms Demand Action works tirelessly to take away gun owners’ rights, this mom in Indiana went into action when her daughter faced imminent harm at the hands of a very bad guy.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime Monday, July 7, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Douglas Lee Brown, also known as “Wiggles,” 56, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Brown on domestic battery and wanton endangerment warrants in Huntington and found he possessed a loaded Taurus model G2C 9mm pistol in his waistband. Officers determined the firearm was reported stolen. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Brown knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for burglary in Franklin County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court on November 15, 2012. Brown has a long criminal history and was on a term of supervision as a result of the burglary conviction at the time of the current offense. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-168.
Charlotte Man Sentenced For Possession Of A Machinegun Wednesday, July 9, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina The Defendant Possessed a Firearm Affixed with a “Glock Switch” CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Joshua Michael Jenkins, 22, of Charlotte, was sentenced yesterday to 88 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a machinegun, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to court records, on October 30, 2022, a trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol attempted to stop Jenkins for speeding on the interstate. Jenkins refused to stop and instead proceeded to drive at a high rate of speed, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour. Court documents show that Jenkins exited the highway and ran a red light, where his vehicle collided with four other vehicles at an intersection. Jenkins then fled on foot and ran toward a shopping center. The state trooper ran after Jenkins and observed Jenkins holding a firearm in his hand, which he pointed at the trooper. Jenkins was eventually apprehended. According to court documents, law enforcement searched a trashcan in a parking lot nearby after a witness saw Jenkins drop something in it. Law enforcement recovered from the trashcan a Glock model 23, .40 caliber pistol, with an affixed machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch.” During the investigation, law enforcement located multiple social media posts of Jenkins posing with firearms that appeared to be equipped with Glock switches, and a video showing muzzle flash and the sound of repeated firing of an automatic weapon. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Huntersville Police Department for their investigation of the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position reflects the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former City of Raleigh Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Drug Trafficking Scheme Thursday, July 10, 2025 Says FFL, Firearms Instructor and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma, this one hurts as a person who studied firefighting and is an instructor in First Aid Fundamentals, I'm extremely disappointed in this former firefighter. We are sworn to defend and assist our fellow citizens, not poison them with drugs. To say I'm hurt is an understatement. Nick betrayed the trust of everyone sworn to keep people safe. Kielma continues, Nick, I trust you'll pay the price. You made very bad choices that reflect on your department and the people you serve. Shame on you. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina Katie Holcomb Vollmer, Public Affairs Officer USANCE.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov RALEIGH, N.C. – A former City of Raleigh firefighter and his wife have pleaded guilty today to running a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving cocaine, methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Nicholas Banister, 36, and Amanda Banister, 36, admitted to using the dark web and cryptocurrency to distribute drugs across Eastern North Carolina. “The defendant, a Raleigh firefighter, served in a position of public trust, but was hiding in plain sight as he and his wife sold numerous types of illegal narcotics around businesses the community frequently visits,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “I’m proud of our federal and state partners at the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE) for their hard work, which is holding these individuals accountable and making our community safer.” “It is unfortunate to see someone we trust to help keep us protected involved in criminal activities that jeopardize public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “ATF realizes the danger and violence associated with drug trafficking, and we’re proud to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to break up those networks and better protect our communities.” “A primary focus for ALE is reducing crime associated with alcohol establishments and protecting the safety of our communities. In this case, undercover ALE special agents conducted a comprehensive investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals — one of whom had taken an oath to protect others but instead chose to put lives at risk,” said Bryan House, Director of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. “We’re hopeful this case, along with our continued efforts, will have a positive impact on our state.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Banister conspired with his wife to sell cocaine and methamphetamine on four occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer at the Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh. The NC ALE executed a search warrant at Banister's residence in Raleigh, where they found 1,324.43 grams of methamphetamine, 844 grams of cocaine, over 7 kilograms of marijuana, 382 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, Xanax and Ecstasy pills, 216 units of LSD, 15 grams of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), two firearms, a digital wallet used to store cryptocurrency and $213,810 in U.S. currency. Banister had been selling cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD every other week for at least a year prior to his arrest. Banister purchased the narcotics from the dark web using cryptocurrency, had them shipped to North Carolina, and then sold them to various buyers, primarily in the Glenwood South area. Banister utilized the Snapchat application to advertise narcotics by providing a “menu” for buyers. Banister was employed with the City of Raleigh Fire Department at the time of the charged offenses. Both Banister and his wife face a mandatory minimum of 10 years' imprisonment when sentenced at a later date. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after arraignment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II. The NC ALE and the ATF investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Aria Q. Merle prosecuted the case. SAUSA Merle is a prosecutor with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-00106-D.
TALLAHASSEE MAN SENTENCED FOR CARRYING A GLOCK SWITCH Thursday, July 3, 2025 Note from FFL, Instructor and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma. A Glock switch is illegal. Don't ask me for one. I don't sell them; dam it, they are illegal! Don't ask me. Should you do, you'll never be a customer of Tactical K Training and Firearms. Continues Kielma, we do everything by the book. You want to go to jail that's fine with me, you're not going to do it here. We respect and cherish our FFL and will never, ever do anything to lose our creditability with the ATF. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jimmy Bender, 19, of Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to 24 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing a machinegun. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. According to court records, officers with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), Violent Crimes Response Team, were patrolling in the southeastern portion of Tallahassee due to complaints of criminal activity in the area. A TPD officer observed Bender commit a traffic violation and then stopped the vehicle. As the officers removed Bender from the vehicle, they discovered a Glock.40 caliber handgun with extended magazine. The handgun was also equipped with a machinegun conversion device, or “Glock switch,” which unlawfully enabled the firearm to shoot multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the hard work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners, our community can rest easy knowing this dangerous individual has been removed from our streets. Criminals considering carrying an illegally converted machinegun should know my office will aggressively prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the TPD Violent Crimes Response Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @NDFLnews
