Supreme Court Ghost Gun Information

Straw Deals: The ATF is Going To GET YOU! Don't Do it. Lake County Man Facing Up To 135 Years In Federal Prison For Firearms Trafficking Wednesday, June 11, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Fernando Munguia, Jr. (23, Leesburg) on an indictment charging him with nine counts of knowingly making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and nine counts of causing a federal firearm licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Each materially false statement charge is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison; each false information count is punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment. In total, Munguia faces a maximum penalty of up to 135 years in federal prison. According to court records, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, Munguia illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms in the Middle District of Florida for other individuals. Nine of these firearms—along with other guns—subsequently were intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on May 27, 2023, as another individual attempted to transport them from Eagle Pass, Texas, across the United States’ border into Mexico. Authorities intercepted Munguia’s nine firearms less than a month after he purchased them. A record check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) showed that between January 2023 and November 2023, Munguia had purchased 44 firearms for a total of $23,334.25—an amount representing approximately two-thirds of his reported annual income. 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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. 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 the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Updated June 12, 2025

Man Who Fatally Shot SLED K9 Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Gun Charge Wednesday, June 18, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina COLUMBIA, S.C. —James Robert Peterson, 38, of Prosperity, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 11, 2024, Peterson was found in possession of a firearm while law enforcement attempted to arrest him on a felony state warrant. He has prior convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms. Peterson used the gun to fatally shoot South Carolina Law Enforcement Division K9 Officer Coba during the incident. United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Peterson to 150 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Peterson was sentenced to 33 years in state prison earlier this year for first-degree burglary, attempted murder, cruelty to a police dog, and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case. ### Updated June 18, 2025

Jacksonville Man Sentenced To More Than 3 Years For Illegally Selling Firearms To A Convicted Felon Wednesday, June 11, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Jacksonville, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Ty’shon Damon’n Ramos (26, Jacksonville) to three years and one month in federal prison for selling two firearms to a convicted felon. Ramos pleaded guilty on March 26, 2025. According to court documents, Ramos came to law enforcement’s attention because he was with the original purchaser of multiple firearms that officers later recovered from individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms, either because they were convicted felons or adjudicated delinquents. Subsequently, Ramos agreed to sell a confidential informant a firearm that contained a machinegun conversion device, despite the informant’s status as a convicted felon. Ultimately, Ramos sold the informant a rifle and a pistol in exchange for $1,500. Although the rifle did not have a machine conversion device as promised by Ramos, it did have a large-capacity magazine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney. 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. Updated June 12, 2025

Sanford Man Sentenced For Possessing A Machinegun Monday, June 16, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Timothy Aden-Alan Calhoun (27, Orlando) to 2 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a machinegun. The court also ordered Calhoun to forfeit the firearm he possessed. Calhoun pleaded guilty on February 25, 2025. According to court documents, officers from the Maitland Police Department stopped Calhoun for a traffic violation while he was operating a stolen motorcycle. During a search incident to his arrest, an officer located a Glock 19 with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device installed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was contacted and confirmed that the firearm was converted into a fully automatic weapon. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maitland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Kaley Austin-Aronson. 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. Updated June 16, 2025

R.I. House Passes Sweeping Semi-Auto Ban Mark Chesnut The Rhode Island House of Representatives on June 5 passed a sweeping semi-auto firearms ban, leaving gun owners reeling and the state Senate the only thing standing between the legislation and a new, restrictive law. If passed, HB 5436, the “Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025,” would ban dozens of commonly owned rifles, handguns and shotguns in the state. The companion bill in the Senate is SB 359. For rifles, the measure would ban: “A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding ten (10) rounds” or “A semi-automatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine, and has at least one of the following features: (A) A folding, telescoping, or detachable stock; (B) A bayonet mount; (C) A grenade launcher; (D) A shroud attached to the barrel or that partially or completely encircles the barrel, allowing the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned, except an extension of the stock along the bottom of the barrel, which does not encircle or substantially encircle the barrel; (E) A pistol grip or thumbhole stock; or (F) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor.” The measure would also ban many shotguns, including: “A semi-automatic shotgun that has at least one of the following: (A) A fixed magazine capacity exceeding six (6) rounds; (B) The ability to accept a detachable magazine, or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine and has either a folding, telescoping, or detachable stock, or a pistol grip, or a thumbhole stock, or any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand; and any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.” For handguns, the measure would ban: “A semi-automatic pistol that has a fixed magazine capacity exceeding ten (10) rounds; a semi-automatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine, or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine, and has at least one of the following: (A) The capacity to accept an ammunition magazine at a location outside of the pistol grip; (B) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer; (C) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned but excluding a slide that encloses the barrel; (D) A manufactured weight of fifty ounces (50 oz.) or more when the pistol is unloaded; or (E) A buffer tube, arm brace, or other part that protrudes horizontally behind the pistol grip and is designed or redesigned to allow or facilitate firing the weapon from the shoulder.” In an alert informing members of the bill’s passage, NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) said the measure would not accomplish any of the things it claims it would. “Despite claims by the gun control community, this legislation would have no impact on public safety,” the alert stated. “While this legislation would disarm law-abiding citizens, criminals, who by definition do not follow the law, will continue to obtain and possess semi-automatic firearms in Rhode Island illegally.” NRA-ILA also warned members that the state Senate I the last hope for stopping the bill before it makes it to Democrat Gov. Daniel McKee for his consideration. “This legislation still needs to pass the Senate,” the alert stated. “Our best shot at defeating this unconstitutional legislation has always been in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Therefore, it is imperative that you contact your Senator now. Even if you have previously acted, we are asking that you use the take-action button now. It is easy to do, and it is critical that we demonstrate to elected officials that there is widespread opposition to this legislation.”

Countering The Mass Shooter Gregg Kielma With all the active shootings that have been happening, this has become a much talked about topic for a lot of our participants and readers. We never know how we are going to react in a stressful situation like this. • Will I freeze up? • Will I try and tell myself this isn't happening? • Will I fight back? Unless you have been in a high stressful situation or at least put yourself through a course that has high stress scenarios, it's difficult to say how you will react. That is why I have put together a 2 day class and field training will teach you the skills you need to survive an attack and then to see how well you react when we conduct the practical training in the field. We will teach you: • The 5 basic strategies in an active shooter threat. • Learn to be mentally and physically prepared to deal with an active shooter situation. • Learn what you can do to prevent casualties. • No SINGLE response fits all active shooter scenarios. Learn multiple response options. • Learn marksmanship skills • How to shoot while moving • Drawing from concealed • Building clearing strategies for active shooters • Cover and concealment techniques • Emergency casualty care • Defense against firearms and bladed weapons • Scenarios that will test your skills and give you the confidents and mindset needed to counter any active shooter situation. We have already seen actions with the greatest impact on the outcome of an active shooter situation that will be taken by people already at the scene. You need to have the skills and knowledge to deal with an active shooter threat if the situation presents itself. Being prepared and knowing what to do is the key to your survival and the survival of others. If you are interested in learning more about this course, reply to my email, kielmagregory@gmail.com or give me a call 941 737-6956 Stay safe and situationally aware.

Violent Protests Escalate As Organized Rioters Receive Tactical Gear And Funding Darwin Nercesian Whenever the left doesn’t get what they want, they get violent. Looting, vandalism, burning cities, hurling bottles and stones at law enforcement, and overall destruction are just another day in the life for a leftist agitator. Let’s face it, we’ve been here before, and we all knew this was coming as soon as winter was in the rearview mirror. They lost the election, and now they’ll use any excuse to terrorize Americans in a transparent attempt to intimidate the public into seeing things their way. Somebody ought to send them a memo about how this is, in fact, a failing strategy, but I doubt they’ll listen because terrorists never do. What’s more disturbing is that someone or some group is helping to organize and fund the chaos, with websites like nokings.org promising nationwide and international escalation scheduled to kick off on June 14th, although it seems many of these degenerates have already arrived. Additionally, those paying for this actual insurrection are supplying their useful idiots with tactical gear, including masks, shields, and other equipment to help them be better protected and more efficient thieves, rioters, arsonists, and violent criminals. An anti-ICE protester was recently recorded handing out this equipment in broad daylight amidst what is sure to escalate into 2020-style carnage in Democrat controlled Los Angeles. And just like the original Floyd-inspired savagery, similar riots are starting to pop up in other liberal strongholds, including usual suspects like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Another blast from the past, coming back around for 2025, are the leftist claims of “mostly peaceful protests” amid the backdrop of fires, burnt-out vehicles and buildings, vandalism, looting, blocking freeways, and mass criminal behavior. The unidentified chode caught on camera in Los Angeles on Monday June 9 appeared to be handing out riot shields, gas masks, and other types of protective equipment normally seen deployed by law enforcement agencies during such unrest. Audacity and a low IQ provided the courage necessary to park his truck and begin dispersing the gear, only steps away from downtown federal buildings, where crowds of illiterate sheep swarmed to get their hands on “Bionic Shield” masks, which appear to have been purchased in bulk. The excuses this time, turning criminal mischief and terrorism into “expressions of frustration,” as Democrats would call it, surround President Trump’s order to send in 2,000 National Guard troops to contain the situation that started over ICE deportations of illegal immigrants, a reaction conspicuously absent during Obama-era deportations. It’s funny how that works, until you accept the reality that this is all part of a treasonous attempt to stall and subvert the current administration. On the street, rioters can be seen breaking off pieces of cement anywhere they can to hurl at authorities and federal agents, also destroying and setting fire to government and privately owned vehicles and infrastructure. Still, no matter how bad the scene gets, how many millions in tax dollars get flushed down the toilet, or how many people get hurt, failed abortions like California Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass continue to blame President Trump, first for the deportations, then for sending in reinforcements. Perhaps it’s time we take a closer look through the lens of logic and reason. While Democrats are busy trying to put an end to our Second Amendment in the name of public safety, this is the behavior they promote and allow to run roughshod in the dumpster fires they govern. Could it be that public safety is not part of their agenda, but overthrowing American liberty in the name of subjugation is? That was a rhetorical question, because anyone in their right mind knows that’s exactly what’s happening here. If they disapprove of the National Guard, I can’t imagine they’re thrilled with the 700 Marines recently deployed to Los Angeles, more than enough to take over Canada by the way, with instructions from the President to protect federal officials and property. I’ll confess to getting the popcorn ready for when these dolts decide it’s a good idea to throw rocks at Marines, but for the sake of being seen as a kinder and gentler writer, I really have to discourage any attempt to threaten or agitate them, as doing so could cause one’s complete obliteration. Seriously, Marines are bad news for bad guys. On the other hand, I do have that popcorn ready

Summer Travels: Firearms and First Aid Gregg Kielma Advises Gregg Kielma, FFL, Firearms Instructor, if you’re traveling with a firearm or firearms, it’s incumbent on you, the responsible firearm owner, to know the laws when traveling through states you will have a firearm on your person, in your car, or inside your vehicle. You must have a CCW permit from your issuing state and the states traveled through and final destination must share repository with the issuing state. Continues Kielma, please check out the USCCA website for each state you are traveling with a firearm. The onus is on you to know the law or laws. Kielma says. Let’s take a look at Jacob Paulsen President: ConcealedCarry.com thoughts and recommendations The open road calls — but for the responsibly armed American, travel isn't just about planning fun stops or scenic routes. It also means thinking through logistics that most folks ignore: How will I secure my firearm? What if I get pulled over in another state? Can I carry in a hotel, or through a National Park? Here's your summer travel checklist for responsible concealed carriers: 1. Medical Preparedness: More Important Than You Think A gun may stop a threat, but a tourniquet can stop you from bleeding out and of course way more likely than getting in a gunfight is getting in a serious car accident. A good trauma kit helps you prepare for both. Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is equipped with a trauma kit, not just a first-aid box. Essentials include a tourniquet, chest seals, a pressure bandage, and wound packing gauze. You should also know how to use them. 2. Research Local Gun Laws (Or Use the App That Does It For You) Gun laws change dramatically from state to state — and sometimes city to city. Don't assume your concealed carry permit is valid just because you're on vacation. 3. Know When You Can Legally Ignore Local Laws: 18 USC § 926A (FOPA) This little-known federal law protects travelers who are transporting firearms, even through states where gun possession is legally challenging, if you follow the strict guidelines. 4. Visiting a National Park? Here's What You Need to Know Yes, you can carry in most National Parks — but not in all buildings. You're subject to the state laws where the park is located, and you still have to follow rules about transport, signage, and use of force. 5. Hotels and Concealed Carry: Legal Gray Areas and Smart Habits There's no federal law about guns in hotels. Policies vary by chain and location. Even if you're legal, poor tactics like leaving a pistol unsecured in your nightstand can lead to disaster. 6. Secure Vehicle Storage: Don't Make Yourself a Target Smash-and-grab car burglaries spike in summer travel season. If you're going somewhere you can't carry, your firearm must be secured properly. 7. Flying With a Firearm? It's Legal, but Highly Regulated Yes, you can fly with a gun — but the TSA has rules, and every airline has different baggage policies. Violating one could land you in handcuffs. 8. Verify Your Self-Defense Coverage and Save the Hotline Number If you ever have to defend yourself away from home, your first call shouldn't be to your cousin's buddy who's "a lawyer." Travel confidently by making sure your CCW legal defense coverage is active — and that their 24/7 emergency hotline is saved in your phone. Final Thoughts Summer travel is about freedom, and as armed citizens, we enjoy a freedom that comes with serious responsibility. A little planning goes a long way. Whether you're hiking a national forest, staying in a sketchy motel, or just driving cross-country to see family, stay trained, stay legal, and stay ready. Sincerely, Jacob Paulsen President | ConcealedCarry.com

Some Of The Things I've Heard At The Gun Range Gregg Kielma Says FFL, Firearms Instructor and Range Safety Officer Gregg Kielma, “It’s ok to ask questions. Not question is “dumb”. If you are new to the wonderful sport of shooting, it’s always good to ask if you’re not sure. Continues Kielma, “before I take people to my range, they need to take my safety course and view at a video and pictures of the range before we start the day's activities. People say I’m over ‘protective” however, if you’re a new shooter or never fired a gun or been to an outdoor range it’s a prerequisite. You must either take my safety class or my CCW class to be permitted or invited on the range that I oversee. Here’s some of the things I’ve heard over my career as a Firearms Instructor, First Aid Fundamentals Instructor and Range Safety Officer. 1.) “Is this thing loaded?” Starting up with an important one, you should never ask “Is this thing loaded?” at a gun range, because it suggests that you don’t know the condition of your firearm. That’s one of the most basic safety responsibilities you have, and even beginners won’t be forgiven for such a lack of judgment. 2.) “Watch this!” Nothing wise ever starts by saying “Watch this” when it comes to guns. Typically, it means someone is about to try something flashy or dangerous, likely something they saw in a movie. Like, come on – gun ranges are not the place to show off or treat firearms like props. 3.) “I saw this in a movie once.” Speaking of movies, don’t be foolish enough to bring up movie scenes at the range, as it gives the impression that you have an unrealistic understanding of guns. As cool as they might be to watch, movies are full of bad gun handling and unsafe behavior, and that should never be brought into the real world. 4.) “Oops.” If you say “Oops” at a gun range, you’re going to make people freeze, as it might mean you dropped a magazine or misfired. Instead, if you make a mistake, fix it calmly and quietly or alert a range officer if needed, but don’t announce it as if it’s no big deal. 5.) “This gun isn’t mine—I just found it.” Nobody wants to hear this when there are guns around. In fact, it’s the kind of comment that would get you escorted off the premises. Gun ranges require you to be responsible and accountable for your equipment and saying this implies that you’re doing quite the opposite, even if you’re “just joking around.” 6.) “Don’t worry, I’ve done this in a video game.” Even the most realistic video games have highly unrealistic weapon combat, so it doesn’t matter how many hours you’ve logged in an FPS – it doesn’t count for anything on a real gun range. Therefore, mentioning video games will only make people question whether you should really be on the range, and how much you understand concepts such as recoil and gun safety. 7.) “What does this button do?” If you’re unsure how to operate your firearm or someone else’s, the worst time to figure it out is when you’re standing in a live-fire zone. It shows a complete lack of preparedness, which is seriously dangerous. Make sure you learn how to use your gear before you get to the range, and if you’re not confident, leave immediately and do your due diligence before returning. 8.) “I didn’t know that could happen.” Sure, surprises do occur on the gun range for new shooters, but they shouldn’t be expressed with this kind of phrase. It makes you look like you didn’t bother learning the basics before coming, even if you did. It’s a particularly concerning sentence if you’ve been caught off guard by something predictable, like recoil or a stovepipe. Understandably, it will make others nervous around you, so it would be better to leave the gun range and come back when you’ve studied up. 9.) “I’m probably too drunk for this.” No matter what, never utter this phrase at a range, even if you’re 100% sober and joking around. Mocking the safety of others is never going to land well, especially considering that ranges have zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol. 10.) “Let’s see how fast I can shoot.” In some contexts, speed shooting can be a valid skill when done under supervision and within specific guidelines. Announcing it in that way, though, makes it sound like you’re about to go wild without any control. Ranges and their clients care deeply about accuracy and consistency, not to mention safety, and they couldn’t care less about how fast you can empty a magazine without aiming. 11.) “Is it okay if I shoot sideways like in the movies?” As we previously covered, movies have all sorts of unrealistic gun cliches, and that includes shooting sideways. Doing this dramatically reduces the control and aim of a weapon, even if it does admittedly look cool in the movies. In real life, though, it’s incredibly silly-looking, and asking a member of staff if you can do it does not set a good first impression. Sure, it might have some small benefits in a gang war context, but that has no place at the range. 12.) “This isn’t going to hit anything anyway.” You might think it sounds harmless, but this kind of defeatist talk doesn’t exactly suggest you have control of your weapon, does it? So, if you genuinely think that your shots are unpredictable, why are you firing at all? 13.) “You better duck.” Yet another wisecrack, a comment like this is bound to put people on edge instantly. People expect a controlled environment at the range, not surprise warnings that imply someone’s about to get hurt. So, here’s another reminder: leave your bad sense of humor at the door. 14.) “Let’s see what happens.” Another phrase that you should never say at a gun range is “Let’s see what happens.” Yikes – this phrase is a dead giveaway that you’re not sure of the outcome, which is not what anyone wants to hear when live firearms are involved. Whatever you do, never shoot a weapon to “see what happens,” because the worst-case scenario could be deadly. 15.) “Can I try yours?” Sharing is caring in most areas of life, but not at the gun range. You should only be using a gun that you’re familiar with and well-practiced with, so asking to use someone else’s gun without knowing them is a terrible idea, and will no doubt be responded to with an aggressive rejection. 16.) “Stand back, I've got this.” You should have gathered by now that, at a firing range, this kind of bravado will backfire. Overconfidence is one of the fastest ways to make mistakes with firearms, especially when you say things that make people assume you’re compensating for a lack of experience. At the end of the day, if you know what you’re doing, you won’t need to announce it or push people away like they’re in your way. 17.) “I didn’t bring eye or ear protection.” One of the first things you learn about firing a gun safely is that you should wear eye and ear protection. Because of this basic rule, failing to bring any protection proves that you didn’t plan or don’t fully understand the risks of gunfire. So, say this at the gun range, and you’re bound to get kicked out. 18.) “This gun’s been jamming all day.” If your gun has been jamming all day, why on Earth are you still trying to use it!? Repeated malfunctions shouldn’t be ignored, and saying this out loud means you’re aware of a potential safety issue, yet you’re continuing to shoot anyway. There’s nothing smart about that. 19.) “Let’s film this - it’ll be hilarious.” The word “hilarious” should never appear in a conversation about firearms. Everyone at a range is going to be focused and serious, so hearing this will make them squirm. To make matters worse, popping out your phone to create content just confirms that you care more about the clout of shooting a weapon, rather than the safety. 20.) “I think I left one in the chamber.” Last but not least, hearing this is a worst nightmare for experienced gun owners. If you think there’s a round in the chamber, that’s something to confirm, not announce casually. It’s a key safety check that should’ve been done before moving the firearm, handing it over, or putting it away. Therefore, saying it this way sounds like you’re shrugging off responsibility, and that’s the opposite of what safe handling requires.