The importance of having talented writers exposing official suppression of Second Amendment rights cannot be overstated.
That’s why, when veteran gun rights expert and Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) Investigative Journalism Project journalist Lee Williams writes, those who value the freedom to keep and bear arms pay close attention.
A Florida case involving 28-year-old Travis E. Smith exploded on July 5, and now a law-abiding citizen is in the prosecutor’s crosshairs. That’s after he and a friend spent Sunday target practicing at his grandmother’s country home.
Police measured AR pistol and arrested the owner
All was well until a Pinellas Park officer pulled Smith over after his day of sport shooting for a “dim tag light.” Unfortunately, his buddy, who had a state medical marijuana card, left an empty cannabis container in the back seat.
This became probable cause, even though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that marijuana alone should not eradicate gun rights.
Almost three hours passed with Smith sitting on the curb as more law enforcement arrived. Every firearm in his possession was found to be legal, right up until officers found his AR pistol.
That’s when it all hit the fan.
Common attachment to handguns means driver faces years in prison
Smith had attached what he considered a brace to the handgun that he purchased online and had shipped to an area gun shop. But the police measured the weapon and arrested him for illegal possession of a short-barreled rifle (SBR).
Authorities charged Smith with misdemeanor marijuana possession, but then it got much worse.
A man with a zero criminal background suddenly must defend himself from having an “unlicensed SBR,” a felony that could put him behind bars for 15 years with a $10,000 fine.
Williams reported that Pinellas Park Police officials did not respond to questions over the shaky arrest. A gunsmith and weapons expert, Chris Brooks, told the writer that even though the add-on was believed to be only a brace, “it’s a very grey area.”
Sarasota County (Florida) Sheriff Kurt Hoffman took a different view and believes officers should have exercised discretion in the matter.
He noted that Smith had no criminal record and the arrest was on “technical grounds.” His take? Police officers should have taken the attachment off the handgun, which is easily done, “and send the non-criminal on his way.
Now, a young man faces having his life upended over what he thought was a pistol brace. In New York, Illinois, or California, this dilemma would be on par with what citizens unfortunately can expect.
But not Florida. Without Williams to shine the spotlight on these dubious charges, Smith’s plight might not have seen the light of day.
There’s no better way to show your patriotism than with merch that speaks before you do.
Defend America is more than a name, it’s a stand for freedom, resilience, and the values this country was built on. Every tee, hat, and mug is a symbol of unapologetic pride. Wear it loud, wear it proud, and let the world know: freedom isn’t negotiable.
Click the link below to join the movement.