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Heroic Gun Advocate Will Deliver Desperately Needed Free Shotguns To NYC
By
John Del Signore
Published May 7, 2013
Modified May 7, 2013
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By
John Del Signore
Published May 7, 2013
Modified May 7, 2013
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Everyone knows the problem with many major American cities is not enough guns, but thankfully one gun advocacy group is finally doing something about our appalling lack of firearms. The Armed Citizens Project, founded by University of Houston graduate student and masterful troll Kyle Coplen, intends to hand out free shotguns to people in 15 cities across the nation with high crime rates. NYC and the gun-starved city of Chicago are at the top of Coplen's list.
"It's our hypothesis that criminals do not want to die in your hallway. We think that society should use that fear to deter crime," Coplen said at the NRA convention this weekend. "We're giving folks the tools with which to defend their life, liberty and property, we're training them how to use the weapons and empowering citizens." His group has already given away $200 shotguns to 35 homeowners in north Houston.
Asked about the free gun handout yesterday, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said, "You need a permit... so obviously you won't be able to do it here." But lest you think Coplen is some sort of gun nut, rest assured that before you get a free gun from him, you've got to pass a background check. He's also offering free weapons training! Once a sufficient number of people in a given neighborhood are armed, Coplen's group plans to "measure the deterrent effects of firearms on crime."
The NYPD has broad discretion in denying gun licenses, the News reports, and permits can be denied simply if the agency decides the applicant lacks the right moral character. In addition, the fee to apply for a shotgun permit is $140.00, plus a fingerprinting charge of $91.50. But Coplen says he's soliciting donations to help low-income city applicants who can’t afford permits on their own.
"I guess the Bloomberg administration doesn’t want poor people to be able to defend themselves. I guess that right is left to the elites," he tells the News. Indeed, Bloomberg gives them CASH MONEY to make themselves defenseless! Of course, that money could come in pretty handy for getting a shotgun permit, so maybe it all balances out.
Tagged
gun advocates
gun rights
guns
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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