Medical Marijuana Card in Florida and Firearms: Still Illegal

Mistakes People Make When Carrying a Handgun Gregg Kielma Carrying a handgun is a significant responsibility that requires preparation, safety, and sound judgment. Many people make serious mistakes with firearms, which can lead to legal trouble or accidents. A handgun is a tool—not a guarantee of safety—and must be handled carefully. Here are ten common errors people make when carrying a handgun and advice on how to avoid them. 1. Poor Trigger Discipline The most fundamental firearms safety rule is to keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. Poor trigger discipline can quickly lead to accidental discharges, especially during drawing or re-holstering. To prevent this, practice keeping your finger along the frame until you're aiming, making it an automatic habit. 2. Carrying Without a Proper Holster Carrying a gun in your waistband or pocket without a holster is risky—the trigger remains exposed, and the firearm can shift or snag, potentially causing accidental discharge. A proper holster secures the gun, covers the trigger, and ensures safe, consistent draws, much like a seat belt does for driving safety. 3. Not Checking Your Gun Before Carrying Many people carry a firearm without checking it first. Failing to ensure it’s loaded and maintained can lead to malfunctions in emergencies. Always inspect the chamber, magazine, and overall condition before carrying, and make regular cleaning part of your routine for safety. 4. Carrying in an Inaccessible Position Your handgun is only useful if you can access it quickly. Carrying at the small of the back, deep in a waistband, or strapped to an ankle might seem comfortable or discreet, but when seconds count, those positions can slow you down. Imagine needing your firearm and fumbling to reach it. By the time you manage to draw, the situation could already be out of your hands. Accessibility should always be the top priority. Whether you prefer inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, or appendix carry, choose a position that lets you draw smoothly and naturally. 5. Leaving Your Gun Unsecured Responsibility with firearms extends beyond carrying them. Leaving guns unsecured in vehicles or around the house can lead to theft or accidents. When not in use, always store firearms in a locked holster, lockbox, or safe—quick-access safes offer both security and convenience. If you’re not controlling your gun, keep it locked. 6. Failure to Regularly Train Owning and carrying a firearm does not automatically result in proficiency. Developing skills requires ongoing training, beyond occasional target practice. Effective preparation includes practicing holster draws, stress reloading, and shooting while moving. Without proper training, individuals may not respond efficiently during emergencies. Regular range sessions, instructional classes, and scenario drills are important components for building necessary muscle memory and readiness. 7. Improper Concealment Concealed carry is about keeping your handgun hidden. Printing or accidental exposure can make you vulnerable or break laws. Choose loose shirts, secure belts, and good holster placement to prevent detection—no one should know you're armed unless you choose to reveal it. 8. Thinking You’re Always Safe Because You Carry Many carriers mistakenly think having a gun makes them safe, but it's only a last-resort tool. Staying alert and making smart choices are your true defenses; relying solely on a handgun breeds complacency and risk. 9. Carrying With the Safety On (When It’s Not Necessary) Safeties have a purpose, but many carriers misuse them. Carrying with the safety always engaged can slow your reaction in emergencies. Instead of abandoning safety, get to know your firearm. Some pistols are built to carry safely without manual safeties; others require training to quickly disengage the safety during your draw. Avoid delays that could cost you valuable seconds. 10. Not Understanding Your Firearm’s Safety Features Handgun safeties—thumb, grip, trigger—operate differently, and many users don't fully understand their function. This knowledge gap can be dangerous; unfamiliarity may prevent effective use in stressful situations. Before carrying, learn your firearm thoroughly with dry fire practice, manual review, and hands-on experience.

Firearm Safety: 4 Key Golden Rules Gregg Kielma Safety should always come first when handling firearms, whether at a shooting range or elsewhere. The four main rules of firearm safety reinforce responsible use and secure storage, and everyone is accountable for following them. Supervising beginners and emphasizing safety—especially with children and those unfamiliar with firearms—is essential. 1. Always Keep Firearm Pointed in a Safe direction Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, especially when loading or unloading. A safe direction is one where no one can be hurt, even if the bullet ricochets or passes through barriers. Never aim at anything you don't intend to shoot, whether the weapon is loaded or unloaded. Stay aware of the muzzle's direction at all times, as you are solely responsible for safe handling. 2. Treat All Guns as Though They are Loaded By treating every firearm as if it is loaded, a habit of safety is developed. Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. Whenever you handle a firearm, or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately, and visually check the chamber, receiver and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition. Always keep actions open when not in use. Never assume a gun is unloaded — check for yourself! This is considered a mark of an experienced gun handler! 3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger until You are Ready to Shoot Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot, including during loading or unloading. Never pull the trigger if the safety is engaged or partially engaged, as the firearm may discharge unexpectedly when the safety is released. 4. Always Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It Only shoot when you are certain of your target and what lies beyond it. Remember, bullets and shotgun rounds can travel significant distances—over a mile for many firearms—posing risks beyond your aim. Always consider where a missed or ricocheting bullet may go. Practice these safety measures and make firearm safety your responsibility.

“Constitutional Carry” — Americans In 29 States Can Now Carry Guns Everywhere Without Permits. Here’s What You Need To Know. Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms Gregg Kielma says, what is Constitutional Carry? Is your state a permittless carry state, constitutional carry state? How old do you have to be to own a firearm in your state? Is open carry allowed? How many guns per 1000 people own one? The states are in alphabetical order. Find your state and see whether it’s a permittless (constitutional carry state). Lastly Kielma recommends, if it is permittless and you own a firearm and carry it with you, please take a class and know your rights when carrying a firearm. It’s cheap insurance and could keep you out of major, MAJOR TROUBLE! Call me and sign up for a class today. (classes are on demand and the cost is very inexpensive). Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Constitutional Carry, also known as permitless or unrestricted carry, allows individuals to legally carry a handgun, openly or concealed, without needing a permit. This typically does not apply to long guns. Every state in the U.S. permits the carrying of concealed handguns, but each has its own specific regulations and restrictions governing the practice. The laws regarding the issuance of permits to carry concealed weapons fall into three categories: These categories define the level of regulation around carrying concealed weapons across different states. In the United States, the rules around constitutional carry—meaning the right to carry a handgun in public without a permit—vary by state, with each state’s legislature setting its own laws on the matter. Some states require a permit for carrying handguns publicly, while others do not. Here’s what you need to know about each state. In alphabetical order. Alabama – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 38.7 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Alaska – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 38.5 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Arizona – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 35.6 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Arkansas – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 44.3 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican California – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Prohibited • Registered Gun Rate: 10.4 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Colorado – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 25.7 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Connecticut – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Permit Required • Registered Gun Rate: 20.8 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Delaware – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 6.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Florida – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Prohibited • Registered Gun Rate: 23.8 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Georgia – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over or 18 for military • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 28.2 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Hawaii – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Permit Required • Registered Gun Rate: 6.4 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Idaho – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 40.2 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Illinois – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Prohibited • Registered Gun Rate: 11.4 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Indiana – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 23.1 guns per 100 Iowa – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 17 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Kansas – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 23.8 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Kentucky – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 24.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Louisiana – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 32.9 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Maine – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 15.6 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Maryland – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Permit Required • Registered Gun Rate: 22.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Massachusetts – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Permit Required • Registered Gun Rate: 6.5 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Michigan – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 10.9 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Minnesota – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Permit Required • Registered Gun Rate: 22.7 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Mississippi – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 27.4 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Missouri – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 19 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 18.4 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Montana – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 33.2 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Nebraska – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 22 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Nevada – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 37.9 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State New Hampshire – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 52.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat New Jersey – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Prohibited • Registered Gun Rate: 1.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat New Mexico – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 58.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat New York – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Prohibited • Registered Gun Rate: 4.6 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat North Carolina – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 21.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State North Dakota – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 40 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Ohio – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 17.7 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Oklahoma – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over or in the military • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 25.9 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Oregon – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 23 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Pennsylvania – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 26.9 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Rhode Island – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Permit Required • Registered Gun Rate: 4.5 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat South Carolina – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 23 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican South Dakota – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 72.2 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Tennessee – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 21.7 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Texas – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 34.1 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Utah – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 3.4 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Vermont – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 14.6 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Virginia – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 49 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat Washington – Constitutional Carry = No • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 1.2 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Democrat West Virginia – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 92.8 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican Wisconsin – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 18 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 16.3 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Swing State Wyoming – Constitutional Carry = Yes • Permitless Carry Age: 21 and over • Open Carry Laws: Allowed • Registered Gun Rate: 245.8 guns per 1000 people • Red or Blue State: Republican

Avoid These Dangerous Ammo Mistakes at the Gun Counter Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms Gregg Kielma is an FFL, Firearms Instructor, First aid Fundamentals Instructor and Gunsmith in Florida. Says, Mr. Kielma, I get asked this question quite often, which ammo is best for the range? Can I use range ammo for defense? What’s the best ammo for my firearm? What’s the cost vs reliability? Can I shoot .38 special in a .357? Can I shoot .223 in a .556 and vice versa? Will my firearm shoot my ammo when I need it most? What ammo is considered cheap? I get asked some of these questions daily. Let’s take a look below and dispel some the rumors. As always remember to treat every firearm as it’s loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to pull it and always keep safety at the top of any list when handling a firearm. As always, call me for advice and I'll give you the best information I have on any ammo you may be considering purchasing. And remember I have most rounds available in stock and for sale. If you’ve ever stood at a gun counter staring at boxes of ammo with numbers, acronyms, and names that sound like fighter jets, you’re not alone. Ammo can be incredibly confusing for beginners and even some experienced shooters. But getting it wrong isn’t just embarrassing – it can be dangerous. This guide breaks down the basics of ammo, from components and calibers to bullet types and special-purpose rounds. If you’re new to firearms or just want to sharpen your knowledge, this could help you avoid mistakes that lead to jams, misfires, or worse. What’s Actually Inside a Round of Ammunition? One of the biggest misunderstandings about ammo is calling the whole thing a “bullet.” That’s like calling a car’s tires the entire vehicle. A round of modern ammo has four main parts: the case, primer, powder, and bullet. The case holds everything together – typically brass, but it can also be steel or aluminum. Brass is preferred for its durability and reusability, especially among reloaders. The primer sits at the base of the case and contains a shock-sensitive compound. When struck by the firing pin, it creates a spark that ignites the powder inside. The powder then combusts rapidly, building pressure that launches the bullet, yes, the actual projectile, out of the barrel. Rimfire vs. Centerfire: Don’t Confuse Them Ammo comes in two ignition types: rimfire and centerfire. Rimfire rounds (like .22 LR) have the primer built into the rim of the case, while centerfire rounds have a primer in the center. Rimfire is usually used in smaller calibers and is not reloadable. Centerfire is the standard for most handguns and rifle ammo. Mixing the two up won’t usually lead to catastrophic failure, but it will guarantee your firearm won’t fire correctly and might even get damaged. Caliber Confusion Can Get You Hurt Here’s where many shooters go wrong: caliber sounds straightforward – it’s the diameter of the bullet. But that’s only part of the story. For example, .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO both use bullets that are roughly .224 inches in diameter, but 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressure. You can safely shoot .223 in a rifle chambered for 5.56, but not always the other way around. A similar issue exists with .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO. They’re nearly identical, but small differences in chamber specs and pressure mean they’re not completely interchangeable. Another common mistake is thinking .357 Magnum and .38 Special are vastly different. They use the same bullet diameter, but the .357 Magnum has a longer case and significantly more pressure. You can shoot .38 Special in a .357, but never the reverse. Don’t Be Fooled by Naming Conventions Ammo names are often leftovers from military designations, historical references, or outright marketing gimmicks. Some rounds are named for the year they were adopted, like .30-06, which entered service in 1906. Others include case length in the name, like 7.62×39, commonly used in AK-pattern rifles. And then you have something like .300 Blackout, which sounds dramatic but is simply built for subsonic and suppressed shooting in AR-15s. These names don’t always make sense, but assuming two cartridges are compatible because they sound similar or look alike is risky. Always check your firearm’s barrel or frame markings and match your ammo exactly. The Bullet Type Matters More Than You Think Not all bullets are created equal. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are the most common and cheapest to shoot. They have a lead core fully encased in copper and are ideal for target shooting. But they over-penetrate. That means they can pass through your target and hit something behind it. Great for the range. Terrible for self-defense. Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) are designed for self-defense. They expand on impact, causing more tissue damage and reducing the chance of over-penetration. If you’re serious about protecting yourself or your home, this is the ammo type you want in your magazine – not FMJ. Hunting Loads Need Precision, Too If you’re a hunter, Soft Point (SP) bullets are a smart middle ground. They have an exposed lead tip that expands upon impact, but more slowly than a hollow point. This creates a deeper wound channel while still transferring a lot of energy into the target. They’re perfect for medium to large game, like deer or boar, where deep penetration and controlled expansion matter more than quick fragmentation. Frangible ammo is another unique option. These bullets are made from compressed metal powders and break apart on impact. They’re excellent for training, especially at indoor ranges or close-quarters scenarios where ricochet is a risk. Just don’t take them into the woods – they’re not built for deep penetration or stopping power. Specialty Rounds Aren’t Toys Some ammo is made for very specific tasks. Ballistic tip rounds combine the aerodynamic shape of FMJs with the expansion of hollow points. These are popular with long-range hunters who need accuracy and stopping power. +P rounds are loaded to higher pressure for increased velocity. They offer more stopping power but generate more recoil, and not every gun is rated to handle them. Subsonic rounds are designed to fly below the speed of sound (about 1,100 feet per second), which makes them ideal for suppressed firearms. They reduce noise significantly when paired with a suppressor. Tracer rounds light up in flight so you can see where they’re going, but they’re usually reserved for military and training, not civilian use. Armor-piercing rounds are another story. They’re built to punch through steel and ceramic and are heavily restricted or banned in many areas. Handle with caution, if at all. Grain Weight Isn’t Just a Number on the Box Every box of ammo lists a grain weight, like “115 grain” or “147 grain.” This isn’t about how much powder is inside – it’s the weight of the bullet itself. One grain equals 1/7000th of a pound. Heavier bullets hit harder and penetrate more deeply. Lighter bullets travel faster but may be more affected by wind and lose energy quicker. For example, a 180-grain bullet in .308 will penetrate better and maintain momentum longer than a 150-grain bullet. But that heavier load also creates more recoil and barrel wear. So what’s better? It depends on what you’re shooting and why. Long-range shooters often prefer heavier bullets with higher ballistic coefficients, while casual range shooters may prefer lighter loads for reduced recoil. Bullet Shape Impacts Flight and Accuracy The shape of a bullet change everything. Spitzer bullets, with their pointed tips, slice through air efficiently and fly straight. These are used in rifle rounds where long-distance accuracy is crucial. Flat-nose bullets are more common in handguns and are great for close range, but they lose velocity faster and don’t fly as flat. Boat tail bullets have a tapered base and maintain velocity better over long distances. If you’re shooting past 300 yards, that design becomes a big deal. Then there’s the trusty hollow point, which, because of the cavity in its nose, isn’t the most aerodynamic, but it’s devastating on impact. Ballistic Coefficient: The Science Behind the Shot A bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC) is a number that tells you how well it resists air drag. A higher BC means a bullet cuts through wind better and keeps its speed longer. Shooters who compete at long distances, or snipers in the field, choose high-BC bullets because they stay flatter and more predictable over hundreds of yards. For regular shooters, BC might not seem important, but if you want to understand why one round drifts off target while another doesn’t, this number matters. Don’t Trust Your Eyes – Always Read the Box Many dangerous ammo mistakes happen because someone thinks two rounds “look the same.” The mere assumption that a cartridge is compatible does not guarantee its safety. Even subtle differences in pressure, length, or shoulder design can cause a jam – or worse, damage to your gun. Always double-check your firearm’s markings and only use ammo that matches exactly. Never guess, and don’t rely on advice from someone who “thinks it should work.” A Few Final Words of Advice Choosing the right ammo doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require attention to detail. Think about what you’re doing: practice, defense, hunting, or competition. Then match the right caliber, bullet type, grain, and purpose. Also, store your ammo in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and temperature swings. And one more thing – don’t be afraid to ask questions. Gun store clerks and experienced shooters can be great resources, but you’ve got to know enough to separate good advice from bad guesses. Take your time, stay curious, and above all, never stop learning. A little knowledge goes a long way toward keeping you safe – and keeping your gear running right.

GoodFellas Gang Members Sentenced to Prison for Selling Drugs and Machineguns Thursday, August 28, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia ATLANTA – Corey Boyer, a/k/a Baby Joker, 26, of Atlanta, Ga., and Antonio Smith, a/k/a Ace, 27, of Atlanta, Ga., were sentenced for distributing methamphetamine and other drugs throughout the metro-Atlanta area as members of the Atlanta-based GoodFellas street gang. “Boyer and Smith operated a fortified trap house to fund the violent GoodFellas gang by dealing drugs and trafficking firearms, including machineguns” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our office continues to closely coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate, prosecute, and punish gang members who pose a clear and present danger to our community.” “Corey Boyer and Antonio Smith were key players in a dangerous drug trafficking operation that fueled gang activity and harmed our communities,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Their sentencing sends a strong message that the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dismantle drug networks and remove violent offenders from our streets to ensure the safety of metro-Atlanta residents.” “This case exemplifies the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Together, we can effectively combat violent gang activity and ensure that those who engage in illegal activities face the consequences of their actions.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: GoodFellas is an Atlanta-based gang that primarily recruits members in Atlanta neighborhoods and jails and prisons within the state of Georgia. GoodFellas members generate money for the gang through criminal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking. In spring 2024, the FBI learned that GoodFellas members were trafficking drugs in a west Atlanta apartment complex. Over several months of surveillance, federal agents saw Boyer and Smith conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions at the apartment complex. In August 2024, law enforcement searched an apartment at the complex. When law enforcement entered the apartment, Smith jumped out of a window and attempted to flee. When Smith was apprehended, he was carrying an unserialized machinegun in his waistband. Boyer was located inside the apartment with six firearms, body armor, approximately 500 rounds of ammunition, more than $1,000 in counterfeit currency, several suspected machinegun conversion devices; approximately 10 kilograms of marijuana, more than a kilogram each of methamphetamine and MDMA, and various quantities of cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. Further investigation revealed that Smith had been trafficking firearms and machinegun conversion devices. Today, U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert sentenced Smith to 14 years, 2 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Smith was convicted on May 28, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a machine gun, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On July 23, 2025, Judge Calvert sentenced Boyer to 12 years, 6 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Boyer was convicted on April 18, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office; and the Atlanta Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren E. Renaud prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga Updated August 28, 2025

Leader Of Transnational Criminal Organization Extradited From Jamaica Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Smuggle Firearms To Trinidad And Tobago Friday, August 29, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Shem Wayne Alexander (35, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle firearms from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago. Alexander faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Alexander was arrested in Jamaica on November 15, 2024, pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request. He was extradited to the United States on December 20, 2024. According to the plea agreement, Alexander, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, and his co-conspirators unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between April 2019 and April 2022. On April 21, 2021, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Customs and Excise Division at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago seized a shipment containing two punching bags. Alexander and his co-conspirators had sent the shipment from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago describing the contents of said shipment as “household items.” In reality, concealed within the two punching bags were approximately eleven 9mm pistols, two .38 caliber special revolvers, a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15 barrel foregrips, 19 lower pistol grip assemblies, 11 forearm bolt assemblies, three AR-15-style barrels with forearm grips, 32 AR-15 magazines, one AR-15 drum magazine, 470 rounds of AR-15 ammunition, 34 9mm magazines, three 9mm drum magazines, 284 9mm rounds, fifteen .38 caliber rounds, 36 shells, six magazine couplers, and two shotgun chokes. Alexander and his co-conspirators arranged this shipment without written notice to the shipper as to the contents of the shipment. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Legal Attaché for the Caribbean, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Transnational Organized Crime Unit and Special Investigations Unit), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Jamaica Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force provided critical support in the extradition of Alexander. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious transnational criminal organizations. Updated August 29, 2025

Moving and Shooting. Let Me Show You How. Gregg Kielma I believe this is so important because if you get into a fire fight on the street, most likely you will be reacting to someone drawing on you. In that split second when you realize what is happening, what will be your initial reaction? • Will you just stand there? • Will you start backing away? • Will you run for cover? You probably have NO idea what you would do unless you are put into that situation. But when I do force-on-force, what we usually see is someone staying in the same spot and drawing their weapon or drawing their weapon as they are backing up. This can be deadly a reaction and even worse may get you shot and killed. You need to realize, the first thing you should do is disrupt the shooter. The best way to do this is by moving laterally. So, move to your right or left, not forward or backwards because that makes you an easy target. You need to train for this situation, the more training you do, the more likely you will react in the proper manner when your life is at risk. This is a one day 8-hour advanced class at the range. Maximum class size is 6 people. Must have a CCW, experience with a firearm and know how to shoot accurately. Please bring with you, your holster, firearm, 250 rounds ammo, hearing protection and safety glasses. My dear friends always stay safe and situationally aware. Call for details. Sign up today!

I Love to Cook Here Are The Necessary Steps To Properly Clean Your Shellfish All my friends know I love to cook says Gregg Kielma; FFL, Firearms Instructor, First Aid Fundamentals Instructor, ERT Captain and Gunsmith. From award winning barbeque to my fresh seafood, my passion is cooking. I'm no means a chef. But I'd like to think I could give them a good run for their money. Take a look below at some of the ways to stay safe while making your favorite seafood dishes. Remember safety first! For some of my best seafood recipes please drop me an email and I'll send a few to you! kielmagregory@gmail.com Discover how to clean clams, mussels, and shrimp at home with simple tips for maintaining freshness, proper storage, and optimal flavor.© Catherine Sillars • Preparing seafood at home can save money and deliver restaurant-level results. • Knowing how to check freshness is key to cooking great clams, mussels, and shrimp. • Proper storage is crucial to preserving the flavor and freshness of shellfish. It might seem impossible to enjoy a fancy seafood dinner while on a penny-pinching budget, but that’s only because you’re not prepping it yourself at home. Cooking your own shellfish is far cheaper than ordering it out, and not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. And you don't need to work at a seafood counter to do it right. Cleaning your own shellfish doesn’t have to be a scary or complicated undertaking. Consider this your 101 guide to cleaning three popular kinds of shellfish at home, plus a few recipe recommendations to put your new skills to delicious use. Clams Fresh clams should be alive when you buy them, so treat them like the delicate little divas they are. If their shells are open, give them a tap—if they snap shut, they’re good to go. If they stay open or look cracked, throw them out. If you can’t quite tell or there's a questionable smell, toss 'em straight into the trash. Before cooking, they need to be cleaned inside and out. Rinse the clams under cold running water while scrubbing off any grit with a clean sponge or dish towel. Next, soak them in a big bowl of ice water with a handful of kosher salt for about 20 minutes. This “purging” step helps them release any hidden sand—because no one wants crunchy clams casino. Store the clams on a wire rack inside a deep baking dish or broiler pan. Top with ice and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Keep them cold (but not submerged) so they can breathe. Once you’re ready to cook the clams, get a little inspiration from our recipes for clam chowder or linguine with clams. Mussels Mussels get the same shell-tap test as clams. If they have cracked shells or don’t close when tapped or rinsed under cold water, to the trash they go. Rinse the remaining mussels under cold running water and scrub away any grit. The key here is removing the “beard”—those stringy fibers poking from the shell seam on the thicker end of the mussel. Grip it with your fingers or a clean towel and tug firmly toward the hinge until it releases. Once they’re clean on the outside, submerge the mussels in a salty ice water bath for 20 minutes to purge sand and grit, then drain and rinse again. Store them just like you would clams—wire rack over ice, covered with a damp cloth. For dinner, try out our recipes for the classic moules frites or steamed mussels with tomatoes and garlic. Shrimp Shrimp are the easiest of the bunch—no temperature-sensitive shells or purging required— but they still need to be fresh. They should smell like the ocean and feel plump and firm to the touch. If your shrimp still have heads, twist and remove them. Remove the legs, then peel the shrimp from the curved side. Leave the tails on if you're making shrimp cocktail or anything dippable, so you have a built-in handle. Then, use a paring knife to make a shallow slit down the back and remove the dark vein (aka digestive tract). Finally, rinse the shrimp under cold water, and then get to cooking dishes like shrimp street corn skillet, shrimp and tomato succotash, or creamy lemon garlic shrimp.

The United States is Invaded: What Would You Do? In case of a US invasion by another country, would US citizens truly fight back with their guns as allowed by the 2nd amendment? Never in the history of warfare has there a worse nightmare. We follow a Prussian model; many of our private citizens have good military training and access to arms. Opposition Officers would need to fill out their next of kin while getting off the boat. Most would live less than 48 hours. People would shoot infantry forces to pieces and disappear into home terrain at night. Communications lines cut, fuel blown up, anyone moving after dark might as well shoot themselves and get it over with. A simple troop movement through Appalachia would make them all wish they’d never been born. I couldn’t imagine fighting in mountains against an enemy where everyone has a gun and 10 percent of them have military training. And I mean everyone would have a gun. Even if a small percentage of well-trained citizens reacted the effects would be devastating. To quote a WWII Japanese leader “there would be a rifle behind every blade of grass. Then the scary stuff would start. Fuel air bombing their hospitals and command centers, homemade mines everywhere, kids hanging from trees. We are the big scary country… but no one should forget we invented the ambush, sneaking up in the woods, sniping from behind rocks shooting conventional forces to pieces and really making them wish they could go home. We trained the Viet Cong during WWII to fight the Japanese. We are so good at it that the forces we train can rise up and terrorize our own conventional forces.