Gregory Kielma • July 22, 2023
Are you and your FamilyPrepared?

Are You and Your Family Prepared?
The 5Ps — Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
July 29, 2023
By James Tarr
Says Firearm Instructor and FFL Gregg Kielma, " It doesnt matter what we are preparing for to stay safe and most importantly, alive. In Florida, we prepare for Hurricanes. Mid-west Tornado's, Northern States, snowstorms. In California, fire, rain , snow, earthquakes, the list goes on and on. We live in a great country; however, each geographic area has its unique challenges. Being prepared (5 P’s) is critical to you and your family's survival. This philosophy is well known it has a name, the 5Ps — Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Stay safe, stay alert and follow all emergency personal directions and Be Prepared!
Now that I’ve gotten your attention with an inflammatory title let me clarify. For decades, the media has portrayed anyone who stocks up on an extended supply of food and/or other daily essentials as a little kooky at best. The nation’s recent experience with the Coronavirus, the resulting panic, and the government’s ensuing restrictions, has shown not just “preppers” but everyone the value of having an extended supply of what you and your family might need. Many people now realize it makes sense to have on hand a supply of food and necessities in case of the power going out or the grocery stores are closed, or the Governor issues a month-¬long “shelter-¬in-¬place” executive order.
We all saw people panic-¬buying bulk packs of toilet paper and water bottles, but the worst time to buy necessities is in the middle of an “event.” Your grandfather would have referred to that as “closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.” The purpose of this article is to provide general guidelines on not just how to “hoard” supplies ahead of time, but to help you figure out exactly what you’ll want to have on hand for you and your family, “just in case.”
To Stock Up
As to the how, there are two basic ways to stock up on the essentials. The first is my preferred method I call the “One More Rule.” When I first heard there was a run-on toilet paper due to the Coronavirus panic, I rightly assumed food would be next. So, I looked around my house. We had enough paper goods, spare light bulbs, batteries, medicine, etc. to keep us going for months. Some would look at me as a dirty hoarder by having enough food on hand to feed my entire family for probably 3+ months. And by food, I mean actual, normal, everyday food that normal everyday people like to eat. Not weird and expensive “survival” food. Now, this didn’t happen because one day I decided to go out and spend an exorbitant amount of money on food.
My “hoard” wasn’t the result of any bulk purchases, but rather one simple rule: If it’s something you already use/consume, and it’s not something that spoils quickly, buy one more than you normally would. Then you simply stick the extra one in the pantry/closet/basement/freezer. Spend an extra five or ten bucks, that’s it, but buy “one more” every time you go to the store. You’ll hardly notice the extra expenditure, but in no time at all you’ll have enough extra to keep your family supplied for a month. If you keep at it you’ll soon have supplies for six months, then a year.
Look around your house. What are you out of? What is in short supply? Whatever it is put it on your next shopping list. You don’t need to buy fifty and break the bank, just buy one or two. The next time you head out buy one or two of something else. The only real problem with this method is it takes time. It’s not a method to use during the hurricane/ice storm/pandemic/power grid failure. This is a long--term accumulation method. Plan for the future. If you do, there’s no need for panic.
I am not advocating buying a year’s worth of supplies, sticking them in a dark corner of your basement, and then forgetting about them until the next emergency two or ten years from now. That is a great way for half your food and a quarter of your batteries to be unusable. Do not keep your “just in case” supplies as a separate entity. These are things that you use, so use them. But … continue to buy more to replace what you’ve been using and put the new stuff in the back. By shopping in this manner, you are always cycling through your stock. This way you always have on hand what you want/need, and it’s as fresh as possible.
The second method of accumulating supplies is to (when there isn’t a panic stripping the shelves bare) make big purchases. Every three, six, or twelve months, set aside a chunk of money to buy in bulk. Make this part of your household budgeting. Whether it’s a giant Conex container-¬sized package of toilet paper or a fifty-¬pound bag of rice, buying in bulk is almost always cheaper per piece. So, it is economically smart. This is where a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club comes in handy. However, you will need a certain amount of money to do it. So, you need to plan for that expense.
Let me amend my above point. Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper, provided you’re actually going to use/consume what you buy. Some people love SPAM, but if you hate the stuff, don’t buy a case of it on the off-¬chance the world might end. The world never actually ends, and you’ll never eat it. If you do not eat it, whatever money you spent on it is wasted. Plus, it’s taking up room. Buy in bulk things you regularly use and/or eat, and that brings us to the second category.
What To Stock Up On
If you’re the warrior who braves the aisles of the grocery store every week, you know what your family eat/uses, and what sits on the shelf for six months without being touched. Whatever your family regularly uses, whether that’s toilet paper, batteries, Band-¬Aids, peanut butter or bar soap, those are the items you should always have extra on hand. The best commercial “long-¬term food storage device” is the can. Your pantry should be stuffed with cans of food. The expiration dates on cans usually will be next year, if not years in the future, and whether it’s soup, vegetables, tuna, chili, whatever, you can find it in can form. Better still, canned food is affordable, if not downright inexpensive.
Buy what your family eats, and when trying to stock up for the “Just in Case” days (without breaking your budget, whenever possible) buy what’s on sale. I don’t have SPAM in my pantry, or MREs, but I have half a dozen cans of Dinty Moore beef stew because they were on sale one day. The same goes for tuna, Progresso soup and kidney beans.
Bread, fruits and vegetables and dairy products all spoil in a relatively short period of time. But you’d be surprised at the shelf life of many regular foods, and how many foods freeze very well that otherwise spoil quickly. Stored properly, dry rice and beans will last for years, as will most “baking” supplies like flour, cornmeal, pasta, etc. Learning how to cook using basic baking supplies will help you make the most of your money. Remember, making it yourself is always cheaper than buying prepared food.
Long-¬lasting but not necessarily “long term” products are known as “shelf stable” items, and whether that’s bar soap, bleach, ketchup or pretzels, you need them in your life and in your home. Don’t forget spices and seasonings, which have a very long shelf life. Salt, pepper, sugar, honey, dried herbs, etc. are all good to have on hand. Another thing you’ll need is cooking/vegetable oil of some sort. Coconut oil has perhaps the longest shelf life at two years. Perhaps most importantly, coffee! If you need coffee in the morning, make sure you have extra in your pantry.
Even more important than food is water. Now, chances are you’ll never be in a situation where water is completely unavailable, but there’s a good chance at some point in your life you’ll experience some sort of bad weather or utility disruption that results in a “boil water advisory.” Having a month’s supply of drinkable water on hand is a good idea (one gallon per person per day is the general rule). Cases of water bottles are everywhere, but not cheap, and not the best for long term storage. The bigger the container, the cheaper it is per ounce. Remember, those five-¬gallon jugs of water meant for office coolers are great, and they usually have built-¬in handles. However, also having some sort of water purifier is a must, if only because it is portable and can go with you if you have to travel.
Food and water are the Big 2, but they’re not the only concern. Extra toilet paper is nice to have, yes, but you know what is more important? A vehicle that works. For that, you need gasoline. I still remember the massive power outage in the summer of 2003 that lasted, in some places, for weeks. If the power is out, guess what? Pumps at gas stations do not work. If you need to drive somewhere, chances are the only gasoline you’ll have is what’s in the tank of your vehicle. This situation might last for maybe a day or maybe a week or longer. Not good, but don’t panic.
If you have a lawn, that means you’ll already have a gas can somewhere for your mower. Next time you’re heading to the hardware store, buy a spare can or two. I’d recommend having at least five spare gallons on hand although one entire refill for your vehicle would be better. Steel five-¬gallon “Jerry cans” of the type traditionally used to store gasoline are available for sale online, and I highly recommend them. Five gallons isn’t much, it won’t even fill the tank of your car halfway, but if you need to run someone to the hospital it might be enough to save a life. However, gasoline doesn’t age well. So, every six months or so I’d recommend using the gas in the cans to fill up your tank. Then simply refill them at the local station.
How are you going to buy gas or groceries in the middle of an emergency? Using your credit/debit card? That’s great, as long as the power isn’t out. But sometimes the power goes out, or the internet goes down. Due to this I recommend having an emergency stash of cash. I know, lots of people are living paycheck-¬to--paycheck, but when saving up cash use a variation of the “One More Rule.” Every paycheck, take out $5, $10 or maybe $20 extra in cash and stick it into an envelope somewhere safe. Before you know it, you’ll have hundreds if not thousands of dollars in cash ready for use in case of emergency.
If you or a member of your family has a medical condition that requires pills to be taken every day, prescription or otherwise, having an extra week or month’s supply on hand seems to me a very smart idea. Some medicines have a surprisingly short shelf-¬life, so pay attention to those expiration dates. Most doctors will not have a problem writing a prescription for an extra couple weeks’ worth of medication, just in case. As for the rest … as long as it’s not a drug likely to be abused/resold, you doctor should have no concerns refilling your prescription early because the full bottle of pills you just picked up from the pharmacy accidentally got flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash.
Storage
If you only want to have a month’s worth of supplies on hand, you will probably be able to fit it into whatever space you’re using for storage right now. However, if you want to keep six months or a year’s supply of food and household supplies, you will need a dedicated food pantry/closet and a separate full-¬size freezer. Having a spare freezer is always a good idea, no matter the size. The small cube--style freezers hardly take up any room, and are very affordable. In certain situations having that overflow freezer capacity makes a huge difference.
Do a little research and learn which foods store better and how to store certain kinds of food. For everything except those products requiring refrigeration or freezing, a pantry, closet, or basement will do just fine for storage. Whether its rice, peanut butter, or batteries, you will want them stored in a place with somewhat stable temperatures and humidity. If the packaging your food comes in isn’t that great for the long term, think about sticking it in Ziploc bags or airtight containers with lids. This can greatly extend its life.
As I write this, I’ve got a news story open on my computer detailing how the FBI as part of the Justice Department’s COVID-¬19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force confiscated N95 masks and other medical supplies from private companies “hoarding” them. In plain English that means these companies legally bought these supplies following the 5P philosophy, but when there was an emergency, the government decided to seize them.
My point: whether its food, water, guns, ammo, masks, medicine, or other supplies you’ve bought “just in case,” no one outside of the people those supplies were bought for needs to know you have them. Whether we’re talking panicked neighbors or government agencies who have temporarily forgotten what “private property” means. If no one else knows you have them, then they won’t try to take them away. Remember, the idea isn’t to stock up to survive the Apocalypse. It’s simply to plan, so that during the next societal disruption, big or small, your family has all the things it needs to live life as normally as possible.
About the Author
James Tarr is a longtime contributor to Firearms News and other firearms publications. A former police officer he is a USPSA Production Division Grand Master. He is also the author of several books, including CARNIVORE, which was featured on The O’Reilly Factor. His current best-selling novel, Dog soldiers, is available now through Amazon.

DOJ Pam Bondi Scranton Man Sentenced To 12 Years For Possession Of A Machine Gun Tuesday, February 24, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Naim Mustafa House, age 28, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 24, 2026, to 144 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a machine gun. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 8, 2024, Scranton Police Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that House was a passenger. House fled on foot and was found hiding under a rear porch of a residence. During a search incident to arrest, police found marijuana packed for resale on his person and inside his backpack found 30 additional grams of marijuana and a Glock 7, 9mm handgun equipped with a device to transition the firearm from a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm. The firearm also had an extended magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Scranton Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

Brazilian National Unlawfully in the United States Sentenced for Selling 14 Firearms Without a License Thursday, February 26, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts Defendant sold AR-15 style rifles and large capacity magazines BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Worcester has been sentenced to prison for selling firearms without a license. Joao Vitor Dos Santos Goncalves Pimenta, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to 27 months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In August 2025, Goncalves Pimenta pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. Between July and September 2024, Goncalves Pimenta sold 14 firearms without the required license in exchange for cash. The firearms included pistols and AR-15-style rifles and large capacity magazines. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case

Gregg Kielma A Message of Gratitude Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms 2/28/2026 To everyone, my friends, family and new friends that do not know me, who have never known me and trusted me with your firearms training—thank you. To show my appreciation, I am having a pig roast at my outdoor range where you trained. The new range is located at the same location and will be ready for use in April. NOTE: I have to count on the front-end loader company to show up. The date of the pig roast will be in the early part of May. Please keep checking back to the website for more information or feel free to call me. Whether you were brand new to shooting, sharpening advanced skills, training with family, or preparing for real world responsibility, you chose to spend your time with me on the range. That trust is something I never take lightly. Every class, every question, every moment of growth reminds me why I do this. You’ve helped build a community centered on safety, responsibility, and confidence—and I’m grateful for every one of you. Thank you for attending. Thank you for learning. Thank you for trusting me with something so important. I’m honored to be part of your journey. More training, more growth, and more safe, responsible gun ownership ahead. Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms 941 737-6956

Tips for Purchasing Your First Firearm By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training & Firearms 02/27/28 Buying a firearm is a serious decision, and it should always start with purpose, not impulse. The right firearm is the one that fits your needs, your skill level, and your commitment to safe, responsible ownership. These are the same principles I teach every student who comes through my range. Know Your Purpose Before you ever step into a gun shop, be clear about why you’re buying a firearm. Your intended use drives everything else. • Personal protection: Look for reliability, manageable recoil, and a platform you can control under stress. • Home defense: Full size pistols, shotguns, or pistol caliber carbines offer better stability and capacity. • Recreational shooting: Choose something comfortable, affordable to shoot, and enjoyable to train with. • Hunting: Caliber and platform depend on the game and the environment. A firearm chosen for the wrong purpose becomes a frustration instead of a tool. Fit Matters More Than Brand I tell every student the same thing: the gun has to fit you. Grip angle, trigger reach, weight, and sight picture all affect your ability to shoot safely and accurately. Don’t buy based on what your buddy carries or what’s trending online. Handle several options. If possible, shoot them. The right firearm will feel natural in your hands. Prioritize Reliability A defensive firearm must work every time. Look for: • A proven track record • Simple, intuitive controls • Quality construction • Readily available magazines, holsters, and parts A reliable firearm builds confidence — and confidence builds safe habits. Understand the Legal Requirements Every firearm purchase comes with legal responsibilities. Background checks, age requirements, waiting periods, and carry laws vary by state. Know the rules before you buy. Responsible ownership starts with compliance. Training Is Not Optional Owning a firearm doesn’t make you prepared — training does. Professional instruction helps you build safe habits, understand your equipment, and make sound decisions under stress. I always recommend new shooters take a class before buying; it often saves time, money, and frustration. Plan for Secure Storage A firearm is only as safe as the person controlling access to it. Safes, lockboxes, and other secure storage options protect children, guests, and unauthorized adults. Safe storage is part of responsible ownership, not an afterthought. Kielma’s Parting Shot Good gun shops welcome questions. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. If a salesperson can’t explain a feature clearly, that’s a red flag. You’re not buying a toy — you’re buying a tool that demands respect and understanding.

Why Every Home and Business Needs a Designated Outdoor Meeting Point By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 2/24/26 When an emergency strikes, whether it’s a fire, a home invasion, or a natural disaster — chaos is the enemy. People make poor decisions when they’re scared, disoriented, or unsure of what to do next. One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring order to a crisis is to establish a predetermined outdoor gathering location where everyone can meet and be accounted for. Let's Take a LOOK This single step can save lives. Why a Designated Meeting Point Matters 1. Accountability Prevents Tragedy In an emergency, responders need to know whether someone is still inside a structure or in harm’s way. If family members, employees, or visitors scatter in different directions, it becomes nearly impossible to know who is safe and who may still need help. A designated meeting point gives you a quick, reliable way to confirm everyone’s status. 2. Reduces Panic and Confusion Emergencies create adrenaline, and adrenaline creates tunnel vision. People may run without thinking, hide, or freeze. When everyone knows exactly where to go, it removes guesswork and gives them a clear, simple action to follow. 3. Helps First Responders Do Their Job Firefighters, law enforcement, and rescue personnel rely on accurate information. If you can confidently say, “Everyone is out and accounted for,” they can focus their efforts where they’re needed most. If someone is missing, responders can act immediately instead of wasting precious minutes searching blindly. 4. Works for Every Type of Emergency A meeting point isn’t just for fires. It’s equally valuable during: • Home invasions (after escape) • Severe weather events • Gas leaks • Structural failures • Any situation requiring evacuation No matter the threat, the principle stays the same: get out, get safe, get together. How to Choose the Right Location A good meeting point should be: • Far enough away to avoid danger from fire, debris, or responding vehicles • Visible and easy to describe (e.g., a large tree, mailbox, or corner of the property) • Accessible from multiple exit routes • Safe from traffic or secondary hazard Take attendance make certain everyone is accounted for. For businesses, consider a location that accommodates groups and doesn’t interfere with emergency operations. Make It Part of Your Safety Plan A meeting point only works if everyone knows it. That means: • Discussing it with family members or employees • Posting it in visible areas (break rooms, near exits, etc.) • Including it in your emergency action plan • Practicing it during drills Repetition builds confidence. Confidence saves lives. Kielma’s Parting Thoughts Preparedness isn’t complicated — it’s intentional. A predetermined outdoor gathering location is one of the simplest, most effective tools you can put in place to protect the people you care about. In a moment where seconds matter and emotions run high, having a clear plan brings calm, clarity, and control.

Fire Extinguisher Safety for Homes and Businesses By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms.com 02/22/2026 Fire extinguishers are one of the simplest and most effective tools we have for stopping a small fire before it becomes a life changing disaster. Whether at home or in a business, having the right extinguisher—and knowing how to use it—can make all the difference. Choose the Right Extinguisher Not all extinguishers are the same. For most homes and small businesses, a multi purpose ABC extinguisher is the best choice because it covers common fire types: • A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth) • B: Flammable liquids (grease, fuel, oils) • C: Electrical fires Larger facilities or specialized environments may require additional extinguishers, but ABC units are the foundation. Placement Matters An extinguisher is only useful if you can reach it quickly. Keep them: • Near exits • In kitchens, workshops, and garages • In high risk areas like break rooms or mechanical rooms Avoid placing extinguishers too close to the hazard itself—you want to be able to approach safely. Know How to Use It In an emergency, stress takes over. That’s why simple training is essential. The PASS method is easy to remember: • Pull the pin • Aim at the base of the fire • Squeeze the handle • Sweep side to side Just as important: if the fire is spreading, producing heavy smoke, or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and call 911. Inspect Regularly Extinguishers require routine checks. At least once a month, make sure: • The pressure gauge is in the green • The pin and tamper seal are intact • The extinguisher is clean, accessible, and undamaged Businesses should also follow required annual inspections and maintenance schedules. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Preparedness Saves Lives A fire extinguisher is more than a piece of equipment—it’s a layer of protection for your family, employees, and property. Investing a few minutes in training and maintenance can prevent injuries, reduce damage, and give you the confidence to act when seconds matter. Gregg Kielma

Three Teens Arrested in Armed Robbery of Sarasota Gas Station Post Date:02/21/2026 SARASOTA – Three people have been arrested by Sarasota police and are facing felony charges in connection with an armed robbery that happened Wednesday, Feb. 18. Pursuant to Florida State Statute 985.04 (2)(a)1., information about juveniles charged with felonies is public record. Christopher Woo-Piner, 18, of Sarasota; Roberto Gonzalez-Ramos, 16, of Sarasota; and Samuel Medina-Camacho, 15, of Sarasota, were arrested on Friday, Feb. 20. They are facing felony charges of armed robbery with a firearm. On Feb. 18, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the 3500 block of Fruitville Road for a reported armed robbery at a gas station. When officers arrived, the employee working shared that three people entered the store, robbed him at gunpoint and left the store. Surveillance video shows three people entering the store. One person is seen walking around the front counter and pointing a handgun with an extended magazine towards the victim. The suspect is then seen pointing the gun at the victim as he removed cash from the register. At the same time, the two other people are seen taking merchandise from store shelves. All three people ran from the store. A significant amount of cash and merchandise was stolen. “Crime is not tolerated in our city,” said Chief Rex Troche. “Our officers and detectives began investigating immediately upon dispatch. In less than 48 hours, three people were identified and arrested. If you commit a crime in the City of Sarasota, we will find you and you will be arrested,” said Chief Troche. This case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).

What a Good Concealed Carry Gun Should Look and Feel Like: My Perspective By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 2/17/2026 Choosing a concealed carry firearm isn’t about trends, brand loyalty, or what someone on the internet says is “the best.” It’s about selecting a tool that fits your body, your training level, and your defensive needs. After years of teaching responsible gun owners, I’ve learned that the right concealed carry gun shares a few unmistakable qualities—both in how it looks and how it feels in the hand. It Should Look Purpose Built, Not Flashy A good, concealed carry gun isn’t a showpiece. It’s a defensive tool. From my perspective, the ideal CCW firearm has: • Clean, snag free lines that won’t catch on clothing during the draw. • A modest profile—not oversized, not underpowered, just balanced for daily carry. • Durable, no nonsense finishes that hold up to sweat, humidity, and constant holster contact. • Simple, intuitive controls that don’t require fine motor skills under stress. A carry gun should visually communicate reliability. Nothing about it should look fragile, overly complicated, or designed for anything other than personal protection. It Should Feel Like an Extension of Your Hand The “feel” of a concealed carry gun is where most people make or break their choice. A proper CCW firearm should: • Seat naturally in your grip without forcing your wrist into awkward angles. • Offer enough grip texture to stay secure under stress, but not so aggressive that it tears up clothing or skin. • Balance well—not nose heavy, not top heavy, just stable and predictable. • Provide a trigger you can manage consistently, with a clean break and a reset you can feel. If the gun feels like you’re fighting it, it’s the wrong gun. A carry firearm should disappear into your hand and allow you to focus on the fundamentals, not the ergonomics. It Should Shoot Better Than Its Size Suggests Small guns are harder to shoot well. That’s reality. A good, concealed carry gun overcomes that by offering: • Manageable recoil that doesn’t punish the shooter. • Sights you can actually see, not tiny nubs that disappear in low light. • Predictable accuracy—not match grade, but consistent and confidence building. • A controllable frame that allows fast follow up shots without wrestling the gun. If a student can’t keep rounds on target under stress, the gun isn’t helping them—it’s hindering them. It Must Fit the Mission A concealed carry gun should match the owner’s lifestyle and training commitment. That means: • It conceals well in your actual clothing, not just in theory. • It works with a quality holster, not a bargain-bin afterthought. • It’s a gun you’re willing to train with regularly, not one that hurts to shoot or feels intimidating. • It’s reliable with defensive ammunition, not just range ammo. A firearm that doesn’t fit your daily life won’t get carried. And a gun that isn’t carried can’t protect you. Kielma’s Parting Shot: A good concealed carry gun doesn’t need to impress anyone. It needs to be safe, reliable, and suited to the person who carries it. When a firearm looks clean, feels natural, and performs consistently, it becomes a trustworthy defensive tool—not a burden. That’s the standard I teach, and it’s the standard every responsible gun owner deserves to follow. Gregg Kielma

Bloody 'trans' rampage at boys' hockey game brought to an end by 'Good Samaritan' Joseph MacKinnon February 17, 2026 This is why Rhode Island firearms laws are bad. Could a well-armed citizen might have been stopped the rampage sooner? The dead shooter, who police indicate went by a female name, appears to have rationalized 'trans' rampages. A week after a trans-identifying man went on a rampage in Western Canada, killing six children and two adults, another man who masqueraded as a woman allegedly took aim at innocents — this time at a local skating rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Families, students, and supporters flocked to the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon to watch a boys' high school hockey game between the Blackstone Valley School and Coventry-Johnson co-op teams. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien noted that "what should have been a joyful occasion" was "instead marked by violence and fear." A man dressed as a woman and believed to have been in the possession of multiple weapons fatally shot two people and left another three victims in critical condition. At least two of the victims are reportedly children. Sign up for the Blaze newsletter Coventry Public Schools revealed on Monday evening that all of its students present at the incident "have been accounted for and are safe." Providence Country Day School and St. Raphael Academy also indicated their students were safe. Arena footage shows players rushing off the ice and fans taking cover as roughly 13 gunshots ring out. The Providence Journal noted that 11 seconds after the first series of shots, a final shot can be heard. Police responding to a report of an active shooter around 2:30 p.m. were on the scene within a minute and a half; however, the blood-letting had apparently already come to an end. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves indicated that "a Good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in this scene, and that's probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event." The "Good Samaritan" who was unarmed, apparently tried to "subdue" the shooter, who police said died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) expressed gratitude for the first responders "who rushed to assist, as well as the good Samaritan who confronted and tried to disarm the shooter." Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, and indicated that "he does go by the name of Roberta, also uses the last name of Esposito." The chief noted further that while his motive is presently unclear, "this was a targeted event" and "looked like it was a family dispute." A distraught woman who did not provide her name told WCVB-TV while exiting the PPD station that her father was the shooter. "He shot my family, and he's dead now," said the unidentified woman, adding that the shooter "has mental health issues." Court records reviewed by WPRI-TV reportedly show that Dorgan complained in 2020 to the North Providence Police Department that in the wake of his sex-rejection surgery, his father-in-law was trying to kick him out of the family house where Dorgan had lived for seven years. While the father-in-law was initially charged with intimidation of witnesses and victims of crimes and obstruction of the judicial system, the charges were later dismissed. The same year, Dorgan accused his mother of assaulting him and acting in a "violent, threatening, or tumultuous manner." Although his mother was charged with simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct, the case was similarly dismissed. Around the time of Dorgan's dispute with his father-in-law and mother, Dorgan's then-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, filed for divorce. While she initially cited "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as the grounds for the divorce, WPRI indicates his ex-wife replaced those reasons with "irreconcilable differences, which have caused the immediate breakdown of the marriage." An apparently Rhode Island-based user on X who went by "Roberta Dorgano" posted on May 9, 2019, "Transwoman, 6 kids: wife — not thrilled." In a recent post, the user who the New York Post suggested was Robert Dorgan, noted, "I have a beloved RHONDA." In response to a Feb. 14 assertion by actor Kevin Sorbo that trans-identifying Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) "is a man," the X user wrote, "Keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK." Dorgan appears to be the latest addition to a growing list of recent trans-identifying mass shooters and would-be mass shooters. • A trans-identifying man murdered six kids and two adults in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Feb. 10. • A trans-identifying man shot up a Catholic church full of children in Minneapolis on Aug. 27, 2025, killing two children and injuring 30. • A male-identifying woman planned to shoot up an elementary school and a high school in Maryland in April 2024 but was stopped in time by police — then later convicted. • A trans-identifying teen stalked the halls of a school in Perry, Iowa, on Jan. 4, 2024, ultimately murdering a child and an adult and wounding several others. • A trans-identifying woman stormed into a Presbyterian school in Nashville on March 27, 2023, murdering three children and three adults.

How Long Do You Shoot? Kielma advises, until the threat is over. No more no less. Be the reasonable person. The consequences can be devastating. Police live by different rules, just ask Polk County Florida Sherrif Grady Judge. This response is from an avid reader of my blog. My Question: What would you do? Please comment below! A few years ago a couple of teens tried to rob a drug store in broad daylight. The pharmacist/store owner .. an elderly man…. pulled out his own gun and shot one of the intruders. The other ran off. In the store with him were 2 women. He took after the runner. Thinking about the 2 women and their safety before he went out the door he put another bullet in the one fallen…. killing him. He was not in anyway trained in such situations… he was running on adrenaline and fear. Making sure that the one on the floor was not a threat anymore to him or the 2 women. That elderly pharmacist was sentenced to life in prison. The weird thing is a few months later a guy went on a killing spree. He shot/killed some family members… Shot another guy and stole his truck. Doing all this while video posting on Facebook. The law finally caught up with him. The pickup was put out of service. The guy stepped out of the truck and was shooting at the police while walking towards them. ( This was all recorded from a police helicopter. ) The police shot and killed him. After he fell to the ground 3 lawmen emptied their pistols into him from about 30 feet. With a camera/body cam rolling… the one in front turned and looked into the camera and said… “ We had to make sure he was dead. “ That was law enforcement that did that… Men who are supposed to be trained in handling a situation like that. … “ Just to make sure. “… ( Just like what the pharmacist did. ) They were deemed heroes. From an Anonymous reader.











