Open Carry vs Conceal Carry
Gregory Kielma • November 27, 2024
Open Carry vs Concealed Carry
Open Carry vs Concealed Carry
Gregg Kielma
FFL-First Aid- First Responder Instructor-Firearms Instructor-Gunsmith
I have a license to CONCEAL carry.
Says, Kielma, “in jurisdictions where it means I can OPEN carry or in places where you need no permit to open carry, I do not openly carry my firearm. That’s my choice. It’s my plan and it works for me. Please remember always have a plan and execute if and when necessary.
That said I do wholeheartedly support open carry. If people want to open carry, and it’s the law, that’s ok with me. It helps desensitize people to people carrying guns. Perhaps it encourages bad guys considering bad things to go elsewhere. It also educates people who want to come up to them and talk about guns.
I absolutely prefer OPEN carry laws. In places where open carry is NOT legal, someone can call the cops if they think they saw your gun. For example, at Walmart reaching for an item on a top shelf and your shirt rides up and exposes the tip of the holster. Or perhaps they see an outline in your shirt (printing) and they call the cops because they can see your gun.
Example: A busy-body, non-gun person or a liberal democrat called the cops on me because I had a machine gun mounted on my Jeep. Turns out what they were referring to was my High Lift jack mounted to the roof rack. There problem was I did have an AR in a case because I’d been at the range. The case was behind the seat locked up and no one could possibly see it. I was initially detained, guns (my AR and carry pistol) confiscated, and seriously thought I was in a whole lot of trouble. The person who called the cops on me came over to gloat and proclaimed that they were the ones who called the cops. It was a good thing an evil gun owner was getting what they deserved. But then asked why they left the machine gun still mounted to my Jeep (which was being hooked up to a tow truck). The cops told her that they’d taken my guns already and she pointed out the jack. The cops then questioned her for a few minutes. They came over to me, got me out of the car, removed my cuffs and said I was free to go. I had to come to the police station to get my guns back the next day. As I was leaving, they were writing the woman a citation. She had to pay a $1500 fine.
Open carry laws prevent this type of issue. If my pistol accidentally shows, it’s still legal even though open carry is legal for me.
Says Kielma, “I choose not to openly carry. I conceal carry everywhere I can legally. I don’t have the temperament or tolerance for those who would challenge me or create drama. I conceal carry so I have the element of surprise in the event I was put in a life-threatening situation.
Example: Armed robbers stealing money from the cash register at Walmart. If in my subjective opinion they really aren’t a threat and they are going to run away after they get the cash, I could possibly choose to leave my gun right where it is, concealed in my holster. Let them run away totally unaware that I could have shot them both. That would be my choice because I had one. If openly carrying, the robbers may have seen my gun. Another bystander could say out loud “why don’t you stop them”.
I want the choice, and I want the advantage should I believe I needed to use lethal force to defend life.
Gregg Kielma
FFL-First Aid- First Responder Instructor-Firearms Instructor-Gunsmith
Oakland Taking Aim At Canik Pistol Billboard Mark Chesnut A picture of a pistol on a billboard in Oakland, California, has caused an overreaction that could only come from the gun-hating handwringers in The Golden State. Earlier this month, Turkish pistol maker Canik began advertising on a billboard alongside Interstate 880 in Oakland. The company hoped to interest motorists in its new Mete MC9, a California-compliant semi-auto handgun that, incidentally, is a lot of gun for the money. While it’s unknown how much interest Canik received from those who saw the ad and wanted to buy a Mete MC9, motorists who were “alarmed” and “shocked” by the ad were plenty willing to let their voices be heard. As Oaklandside.org reported on April 14, some commuters took to Reddit and Nextdoor to proclaim their shock, apparently at even just seeing a picture of a handgun. “I almost crashed my car in surprise seeing this today on the 880,” one person commented. Another wrote, “I’m pretty jaded about this country, but those billboards surprised even me.” Another called the ad “tasteless and disturbing.” Their beef is, apparently, with the fact a handgun is being advertised in a city that has one of the highest homicide rates in the nation. Of course, they’re placing the blame on guns, rather than the criminals responsible for killing others. Naturally, this self-righteous outrage prompted some of California’s remaining patriots, who believe in both the First and Second Amendments, to respond with their takes on the billboard. “Hundreds of kids running around here with illegal guns robbing grannies, yet you are scared of a paper billboard with a picture of a gun on it,” one Nextdoor user wrote. Another commented: “What is so upsetting about this? It’s an advertisement for people who may be interested in LEGALLY picking one up. Majority of criminals in Oakland don’t buy their guns from gun stores so this won’t interest them in the slightest.” In the latest development concerning the billboard, Oakland officials are now saying the billboard might be violating a little-known city law. According to a follow-up report at Oaklandside.org, Jean Walsh, a city public information officer, said in an email that the billboard is subject to a provision in the city’s municipal code that regulates firearms and ammunition sales. According to Walsh, the city’s firearms dealer or ammunition seller permit ordinance requires any entity “engaged in the business” of selling or advertising guns or ammunition to obtain a permit from the chief of the Oakland Police Department. And according to the chief’s office, Canik has not done that. Interestingly, Oakland doesn’t have a single gun store within its city limits. The last one was finally forced out of business in 2000 by the city council, which was constantly raising taxes and fees on gun retailers.
Republican Congressman Wants ATF To Revise 4473 Form Mark Chesnut - April 29, 2025 Concerned that lawful gun purchasers could unintentionally misrepresent themselves, thereby committing a felony, due to the wording on the firearms transaction record form, the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Federal Law Enforcement is calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to make changes to the 4473. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Louisiana, recently wrote a letter to Daniel Driscoll, ATF acting director, asking the agency to clarify a question to ensure individuals who can certify in other legal situations that they are not a convicted felon but have not had their firearm ownership rights formally restored from inadvertently committing perjury. “The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes from legally purchasing a firearm,” Rep. Higgins wrote in the letter. “For this reason, when individuals purchase a firearm, they are required to complete ATF Form 4473, which includes a question about their criminal background. The Gun Control Act of 1968 also includes restorative procedures for individuals whose ‘record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety’ and wish to again exercise their Second Amendment rights.” In the letter, Rep. Higgins also wrote: There are numerous examples—such as employment and housing applications—where, over time (often seven to 10 years), people can truthfully answer “no” to questions asking if they have a criminal record. However, these same individuals may unknowingly be committing felonious misrepresentations when answering question 21(d) on ATF Form 4473, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, if they have not had their rights restored by the Attorney General.” To protect American citizens at risk of making this felonious mistake, Rep. Higgins last year introduced The Second Amendment Rights Restoration and Accountability Act. “This legislation proposed directing the ATF to update Form 4473 to more clearly inform readers of: (1) the existence of the exceptions for the receipt of a pardon, the expungement or set aside of a conviction, and the restoration of rights; and (2) the correct information to provide in answering that question when any of those exceptions apply. If legislation is necessary to implement these updates, I stand ready to reintroduce my bill; however, I am hopeful you can expedite these improvements administratively.” Also, at issue is Form 4473’s use of the term “non-binary” in the section where an applicant has to answer what sex he or she is. Rep. Higgins believes this runs afoul of President Trump’s executive order (14168) that directed clear and accurate language and policies be used to define biological sex. “As such, I urge you to promptly update ATF Form 4473 to both comply with Executive Order 14168 and protect individuals against making unintended false statements,” he wrote. In the end, Rep. Higgins asked that the ATF inform the subcommittee whether the ATF has all necessary authority to change Form 4473 to clarify the rights of citizens whose firearm ownership rights have been restored and to describe the process the ATF would follow, including required consultations with other Executive branch entities, to effectuate such changes.
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa Federal Measure Would Protect Second Amendment Rights of Renters, Tenants Mark Chesnut - April 29, 2025 A measure introduced in the U.S. Congress on April 17 is designed to secure the Second Amendment rights of Americans who live in rental properties whose landlords receive financial assistance from the federal government. The Preserving Rights of Tenants by Ensuring Compliance to (PROTECT) the Second Amendment Act, HR 2930, was introduced by Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa. In a nutshell, it would ensure that landlords and rental property managers cannot unlawfully restrict tenants’ firearm ownership, which is currently a common problem. “The right of Iowans to keep and bear arms is enshrined in our Constitution and shall not be infringed,” Rep. Feenstra said in a news release announcing the legislation. “These constitutional protections must be strongly defended and certainly do not cease to exist for gun owners living in rental properties.” Rep. Feenstra added that the measure will protect tenants in his home state of Iowa, as well as gun owners throughout the country who rent their residences. “My PROTECT the Second Amendment Act ensures that landlords or rental property managers who receive federal financial assistance at taxpayer expense cannot unlawfully restrict Americans from exercising their constitutional rights,” he said. “As a strong advocate of the Second Amendment, I will always defend the right of Iowans to keep and bear arms and support law-abiding gun owners.” According to Rep. Feenstra, the legislation has three main objectives. These include protecting tenants’ rights to lawfully own a firearm within federally assisted rental housing, allowing the lawful transport of firearms through common areas when entering and exiting the property and preventing property managers and landlords who accept federal assistance from prohibiting or discriminating against tenants’ constitutional right to own a firearm. Although it was just introduced this week, the measure is already garnering support from several gun-rights groups, including the National Rifle Association (NRA). John Commerford, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislation Action (NRA-ILA) applauded Rep. Feenstra for introducing the much-needed legislation. “The right of law-abiding Americans to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense has been a fundamental freedom since our nation’s founding and has been reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Commerford said. “No one should be forced to give up this right, especially when a landlord or property manager is receiving federal tax dollars. The NRA applauds Representative Feenstra for introducing this important legislation that protects the right to keep and bear arms.” The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. Rep. Feenstra proposed the same legislation last year, when Democrats controlled the U.S. Senate.
Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 125 Defendants With Immigration-Related Offenses During Second Quarter Of 2025 Thursday, May 8, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that federal prosecutors have charged 125 defendants with immigration-related offenses during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending March 31, 2025. More than 100 of the defendants were charged by grand jury indictments and the others were charged by criminal complaint. One hundred nineteen of the defendants were charged with illegally reentering the United States. During the same period, 58 cases were resolved by guilty pleas, and 62 defendants were sentenced for illegal reentry or other immigration-related offenses. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally enters the United States or violates our nation’s laws.” These newly charged cases are 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 the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Q2 FY 2025 Highlights U.S. v. Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro In March 2025, Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien and for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. According to court documents, Marquez Villatoro was removed from the United States on three previous occasions before reentering unlawfully sometime after 2019. In January 2024, he was found in Hillsborough County in possession of a Glock 17 9mm pistol, an extended magazine, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. U.S. v. Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron In March 2025, Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron, a citizen of Guatemala, who was living in the United States illegally under an assumed name, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. According to court documents, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a large-scale firearms trafficking operation. He recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from licensed federal firearms dealers across Florida. After obtaining the firearms, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, shipping them to countries including the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 1,000 firearms. Several of these firearms were later recovered at crime scenes. In April 2024, ATF and HSI agents in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at three residences in the Orlando area, including Sune-Giron’s residence. There they recovered approximately 57 firearms, 30 empty gun boxes, approximately $16,000 in cash, ammunition, and money counters. U.S. v. Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales In March 2025, Elmer Edini Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court records, Chavarria-Morales was convicted of rape in Indiana state court in 2018 and was deported from the United States later that year. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas in 2021. Chavarria-Morales was removed to Honduras again in November 2022. In April 2024, Chavarria-Morales was again found in the United States after he was arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department for a domestic violence assault. U.S. v. Yudelkis Portes In February 2025, Yudelkis Portes, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court documents, Portes was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2013 and deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Following her deportation, Portes illegally reentered the United States and was found in the Middle District of Florida. Updated May 8, 2025
God Bless America Stop Illegal Firearms Illegally Going To Mexico ATF Atlanta host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico ATLANTA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta Field Division hosted a joint press conference with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico. “Firearms trafficking and the illegal activity associated with it continues to threaten the safety of the general public throughout our communities,” said ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to illegally move firearms between the United States and Mexico. Extensive time in a federal prison awaits those who think they can endanger our communities and get away with it.” “Homeland Security Investigations is steadfast in our mission to combat international firearms trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety on both sides of the border,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “By targeting those who illegally purchase and smuggle weapons into Mexico, we are cutting off a vital lifeline to cartel members and terrorist-designated organizations, while upholding our duty to protect communities at home and abroad. HSI will continue to work relentlessly to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice those fueling this dangerous trade.” In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico. Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within many local communities. They have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out illicit activities including fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling. Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle. Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives. ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico. ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov ###
Felon Convicted for Possessing Machinegun in Connection With Drug Trafficking Thursday, May 8, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maryland Defendant faces 35-year mandatory minimum sentence Baltimore, Maryland – After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Osman Malik Sesay, 32, of Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay was found guilty of a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; maintaining a drug involved premises; and possession of firearms — including a machinegun — in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. The conviction of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years' imprisonment. Sesay faces an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of five years imprisonment for possessing another firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on a previous date. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). According to the evidence presented at trial, between November 13, 2020, and continuing until at least July 16, 2021, Sesay conspired with others in a drug trafficking operation involving the bulk distribution of marijuana. Sesay used multiple fake identifications — and at least four stolen luxury vehicles and seven firearms, including two equipped with machinegun conversion devices — to facilitate his drug trafficking operation. He also leased apartments under fake names to store his drugs, proceeds, and firearms. Anne Arundel County Police Department and PGPD Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (W.A.V.E.) Auto Theft Unit detectives observed Sesay operating stolen vehicles in March 2021. On April 29, 2021, W.A.V.E. detectives arrested Sesay in Prince George’s County, Maryland, driving a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged. During the arrest, authorities found that Sesay possessed more than $14,000 in U.S. currency and a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license. The fraudulent Maryland driver’s license was associated with a fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland, where Sesay stored his drugs. Sesay also had a Glock 26 firearm in the glove compartment of the stolen vehicle, which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking. The Glock 26 firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached. Then on June 30, 2021, after he was released on a bond pending trial, a PGPD Guardian Helicopter captured surveillance footage of Sesay conducting a drug transaction out of a stolen Corvette in a Washington, D.C. school parking lot. On July 16, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants on Sesay’s fraudulently rented apartments in Lanham, Maryland, and Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay used the fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland as a stash house for his drugs, and used the fraudulently rented apartment in Gambrills, Maryland to store more drugs, cash, and firearms. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 90 pounds of marijuana. Evidence showed that Sesay transported marijuana across the country on a commercial airplane using fake identification. Law enforcement also recovered more than $40,000 in U.S. Currency and six firearms, five of which were loaded, from the apartment in Gambrills, Maryland. And officers seized the stolen Corvette, a stolen Audi A7 sedan, and a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Velar that Sesay used as part of his drug trafficking operation. Inside the vehicles, law enforcement recovered more marijuana. Additionally, law enforcement discovered a loaded Glock 30 firearm with a machinegun conversion device attached — which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking — inside the stolen Corvette. As a convicted felon, Sesay is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. Sesay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on April 29, 2021; a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life for possessing firearms, including a machinegun, in furtherance of drug trafficking on July 16, 2021; a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of 20 years in prison for maintaining a drug involved premises; and a maximum of 10 years in prison each for two felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charges. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025, at 12 p.m. 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, ATF, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Brooke Y. Oki who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. # # #
High school student faces federal firearms charge Thursday, May 8, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas McALLEN, Texas – A 18-year-old Edinburg resident has been charged with possession a firearm on school property, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Kinzey Lira is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m. The criminal complaint filed May 6 alleges authorities learned Lira was carrying a firearm on school property. The investigation revealed Lira allegedly had a Glock 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine in his backpack, according to the charges. If convicted, Lira faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Guerra is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. Updated May 8, 2025
Palestinian Nationals Charged With Unlawful Possession Of Firearms And Ammunition Tuesday, May 6, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of indictments charging Mohammed Aburidi (24, Palestinian) and Tareq Aburidi (19, Palestinian) with possessing firearms and ammunition as aliens admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. According to the indictments, on November 26, 2024, Mohammed Aburidi and Tareq Aburidi possessed firearms and ammunition after being admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan. 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. Updated May 6, 2025
Letitia James screeches, gesticulates wildly in piercing rant about Trump admin amid fraud accusations Cortney Weil May 06, 2025 As corruption continues to be uncovered, New Yorks Letitia James is in the spotlight says FFL, Firearms Instructor, Gunsmith and First Aid Instructor Gregg Kielma. Funny how the tide is now changing, and these alleged corrupt politicians are getting caught red handed by the same people they tried to silence the past four years. Continues Kielma, it's time to hold people accountable, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Letitia, how's it feel now? Letitia James, "You elected me to use the law!" Attendees at the National Action Network rally in Harlem on Saturday may have left holding their ears after New York Attorney General Letitia James went on a rant about the Trump administration that reached a shrill pitch. In her speech, James mainly took aim at efforts by the Trump administration to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department of Health and Human Services, a department James referred to on at least one occasion as the "Health and Hospitals Association." She claimed that the Trump team wants to starve essential programs like Head Start, Meals on Wheels, and the World Trade Center Healthcare Program for 9/11 first responders. "And you want me to sit in my seat and stand idly by and allow this craziness to happen?" she screeched, pointing strangely with her thumb and index finger about an inch apart. James said she instead would sue the federal government — including HHS Sec. Robert Kennedy Jr., whom she called "the guy with a worm in his head" — over these cuts and that other Democrat attorneys general would join her. 'You elected me to continue fighting on, AND I WILL FIGHT ON!' Sign up for the Blaze newsletter By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time. James did not provide further details about the lawsuit, the New York Post said, presumably including the names of other interested AGs. Fox News host Aishah Hasnie noted that, considering the accusations against James swirling about, "I'm not sure who's going to want to jump in on that." Hasnie was alluding to allegations from the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency that James repeatedly committed mortgage fraud. According to FHFA Director William Pulte, James: • falsely claimed in August 2023 she would make a home in Norfolk, Virginia, her "principal residence," even though she never lived there full-time and New York law requires statewide officeholders to reside in New York. • misrepresented the number of units at her Brooklyn property to secure a conforming loan from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. • even listed her father as her husband on a real estate purchase in 1983 to obtain a better mortgage rate. Other documents from May 2000 listed James, who has never been married, as "husband and wife," though whether her father was likewise mentioned in those documents is unclear. Last month, Pulte referred James to the Department of Justice for a criminal investigation into possible wire, mail, and bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. James has since claimed the allegations are "baseless." Nevertheless, James made veiled reference to those allegations in her speech to the National Action Network on Saturday, railing, "You can come after me if you want," as she pounded her chest. "But you elected me to stand up! You elected me to use the law! You elected me to go to court! You elected me to continue to challenge this administration," she continued, her voice growing increasingly louder. Others on stage, including race activist Al Sharpton and NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, whom James supports in the upcoming NYC mayoral election, rose to their feet as James' rant reached a piercing crescendo. "You elected me to stand up for the least of God's children. You elected me to continue fighting on, AND I WILL FIGHT ON!" she yelled. You can hear a 30-second clip of her speech here. Gothamist described the speech as "fiery." The Post claimed James "barked." The White House and HHS did not respond to a request for comment from the Post. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
National Hurricane Preparedness Week Dear Floridian Friends and Friends Impacted by These Monster Storms, This National Hurricane Preparedness Week, I urge every Florida family to take the time to make sure you are prepared for whatever this hurricane season may bring. Floridians know better than anybody that hurricanes and severe weather can strike anytime and anywhere. That's why it's important for you to have a plan to keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency. Throughout my time as Governor and as your United States Senator, I have seen the destruction left behind by devastating hurricanes like Michael, Irma, Hermine, Matthew, Ian, Fiona, Idalia, and most recently, Debby, Helene, and Milton. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Floridians are resilient. No matter what, our state and local communities always come together in times of need to work incredibly hard to rebuild and recover. Florida is resilient because we prepare for storms. I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives. We can always rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life. Hurricane Preparedness As Floridians, we know that preparedness saves lives. As the 2025 hurricane season begins on June 1st, the time for Florida families and businesses to make a plan is TODAY. Now is a great opportunity for your family to stock your disaster supply kits with vital supplies like a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Your kit should also include 7 days' worth of food and water, prescription medications, and any important documents. You can find resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan HERE. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your family and business for this upcoming season: Before a Storm • Prepare an evacuation plan & make sure everyone in your home knows the plan. • Stock up on emergency supplies, including: o Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days. o Food – You will need enough food for a minimum of 7 days: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices Manual can opener Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e., infants, elderly, etc.) Snack foods Cooking tools and fuel Paper plates and plastic utensils o Flashlight and Extra Batteries o Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags o Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your area's climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm o First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines o Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio o Toiletries o Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surrounding post-disaster o Special Items – Assess all family members' needs. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e., medical items, baby bottles, etc.) o Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster o Toys, Books and Games o Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as saving them electronically. These items can include, but are not limited to, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. o Tools o Pet Care Items Proper identification/ immunization records Ample supply of food and water Carrier or cage Medications Muzzle and leash Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event that you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership • If you have been told to evacuate, EVACUATE. Don’t stay behind. We can rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life. During a Storm • Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials. • Stay away from windows and seek shelter. After a Storm • If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so. • Be mindful of debris and down power lines. • Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to. Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites • FEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services, and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm. • SBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster • FloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family. • HUD: Visit HUD to learn about housing assistance available to homeowners and renters • National Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.
