World

Memphis TN Police Linked to Guns in Pentagon and Vegas Shootings

by Karen Hatter | March 14, 2010 at 08:49 am

737 views | 22 Recommendations | 10 comments

A gun used by Pentagon shooter John Patrick Bedell on March 4, 2010, wounding two guards and a gun used in the Las Vegas Courthouse shooting by John Lee Wicks on January 4, 2010, killing one guard and wounding another, were weapons confiscated by the Memphis, Tennessee police. The guns later came into the possession of individual gun dealers.

One of the two guns used by John Patrick Bedell had been seized by Memphis police in 2005 and later sold to a gun dealer. The gun used in the Las Vegas courthouse shooting by John Lee Wicks was ordered sold by a judge with proceeds given to Memphis area police.

A Little Known Fact

Many cities destroy weapons used during criminal activity. Others trade or sell weapons to purchase other weapons or buy items like bullet proof vests. 24 states, mainly in western and southern states have passed legislation loosening gun restrictions.

In fact, on the day of the Pentagon shooting, March 4, the Tennessee governor signed legislation revising state law on confiscated guns. Before, law enforcement agencies in the state had the option of destroying a gun. Under the new version, agencies can only destroy a gun if it's inoperable or unsafe.

Also at NowPublic:

Pentagon Shooter's Online Manifesto: Directions to Freedom

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Paul Conneally

at 11:10 on March 14th, 2010

In the UK seized weapons are generally destroyed. It seems wrong for a law enforcement agency to sell seized guns back into the arms market where they might be used in other crimes.

YankeeJim

at 15:09 on March 14th, 2010

Outlaw handguns is my solution.

JustMyOpinion

at 16:43 on March 14th, 2010

Yankeejim: God Bless the 2nd amendment. You have to wonder what people are thinking in wanting guns banned from law abiding citizens when criminals do not abide by the laws thus being armed and we the law abiding citizens being unarmed and unable to protect ourselves.

t k kidwai

at 16:51 on March 14th, 2010

Guns should be outlawed,there is no guarantee that a weapon acquired for defence could not be used for offence.We certainly feel more insecured if each one us of carries fire arms.

Cactus Jim (not verified)

at 19:06 on March 14th, 2010

You've seen the bumper stickers but don't understand them I guess; "When guns are outlawed then only outlaws will have guns." Laws only work for those who will obey them. Don't hide behind me when the shooting starts and expect me to protect you when all you do is badmouth anyone with guts enough to step up and fight back! I don't care if you're a coward, but don't talk down to me because I'm NOT!

Cactus Jim (not verified)

at 19:12 on March 14th, 2010

Why don't they just make it against the law to shoot people? Oh, Wait, they did! You see how well that law worked for those not willing to obey it. Now you think another law will fix it? You really are nieve.

Karen Hatter

at 19:05 on March 20th, 2010

Thank you, Rosie.

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 18:56 on March 20th, 2010

I agree with Rosie. Thanks for this, and am sorry I missed your Malcom X originally. He was such a stunning man, never been another to equal him. I tried to PM you, Karen, but your PM "is not accepting private messages" : (