Today a video making social media rounds showed a man pulling a licensed firearm and muttering a racial insult at someone with whom he was in a dispute.
That happened at the end of March and the man - a resident of Burrell Boom - was charged for aggravated assault and spent 7 days on remand at the Kolbe Foundation.
But the video has just surfaced and gained traction on social media. It raises questions as to permissible gun use with licensed weapon owners and if the Firearms & Ammunitions Control Board is keeping up with the persons who have these firearms. Today we spoke with Francis Usher, Chairperson of the board who explained:
Francis Usher, Chair - Firearms & Ammunition Control Board
"So the board is aware of the video and the board has discussed the video and we continue to discuss it. I can confirm as well and I believe they will confirm also that the police department, the leadership is aware of the video. The board is responsible to ensure that licensed firearm holders do utilize their firearm in a safe manner and is not one that is against public safety so when you see videos like that they are troubling we are looking into it. We are taking the same fair approach that we take with everyone else and after we've conducted our in conjunction with the police department conducted the investigation then all relevant actions will be taken."
"The board members themselves being licensed firearm holders there's a level of responsibility that comes with that so when you see any manner that displays a level of irresponsibility as the board, as outlined in the firearms act it is our responsibility to receive and investigate any complaints, any breaches as it relates to safety in the using and owning of a firearm. So, I would say that it is a matter that it is our responsibility to look into as we are."
The gun owners in this case says that gun is presently with the CIB office and not in his possession. He declined to comment saying the matter is still before the court.
