Attorney killed by stray bullets in K.C. / LJWorld.com

Archive for Sunday, July 19, 2009

The family of Deanna Lieber is coping with the Lawrence resident's death. Lieber was hit by stray bullets while driving.

By Christine Metz

July 19, 2009

Deanna Lieber, a mother of two and devoted attorney, died Friday night when she was hit by random gunfire while driving home from the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City.

Lieber was on U.S. 71, about two miles away from the outdoor theater, when she was struck by a stray round of bullets, Kansas City police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the passenger seat of Lieber’s gold Dodge Durango was her 13-year-old daughter. Her mother-in-law was in the back seat.

The 45-year-old Lawrence woman was the Kansas Department of Education’s general counsel and had spent years as a law clerk for Kansas Supreme Court justices.

Lieber also had a college-age son.

“She was a devoted mom and just a really super sweet lady,” Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson said. “For someone who was as sweet as her to get killed in a situation like this, it just doesn’t make any sense.”

For the past several years, Lieber had worked with the Kansas Department of Education, where “any and every legal aspect of the agency went through her,” Kansas Education Commissioner Alexa Posny said.

Along with making sure people in the department were “treated well and legally,” Lieber was committed to protecting the rights of students with disabilities and their parents.

“This just creates a huge chasm in our agency,” Posny said.

Before working at the department of education, Lieber was a law clerk with Kansas Supreme Court Justice Robert Gernon. Earlier in her career, she practiced family law at the Lawrence firm of Stevens and Brands.

“She was like Sherlock Holmes. She was very good at research. Very detail-orientated,” said Sherri Loveland, a former co-worker at Stevens and Brands.

Lieber also served on the board of the Achievement Place for Girls, a five-bedroom home in Lawrence for teenage girls that closed in 2004. Before becoming a lawyer, Lieber was an engineer.

“She was a lawyer who had a real commitment to public service,” said Mary Klayder, who came to know Lieber well when their sons played soccer together.

Along with being active in her church, Lieber was skilled at home crafts and improvement projects. With her husband, she built their home near Clinton Lake from the ground up — laying tiles and designing the wallpaper, Loveland said.

Posny called Lieber irreplaceable.

“A life was just wiped out, a life so important to so many people,” Posny said.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Discussion

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19 July 2009
at 9:32 a.m.

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yankeevet (Anonymous) says…

Is Kansas City out of control? Whats up with all this shooting?
19 July 2009
at 10:30 a.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

The really horrifying thing is that you can not take precautions against something like this.
Bullets travel a long way and even though you have nothing to do with the event you could still get shot.
This young girl is going to have an emotional scar from this. I don't know what it would be like to see your mother killed in front of you.
My heart goes out to her.
19 July 2009
at 11:02 a.m.

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geekin_topekan (Anonymous) says…

A small price to pay in exchange for upholding the 2nd amendment in its present form would you say? We dont need strict gun control, just more guns!WooHoo!!
19 July 2009
at 11:08 a.m.

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KEITHMILES05 (Anonymous) says…

Horrifying.
19 July 2009
at 11:15 a.m.

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lawthing (Anonymous) says…

This is terrible! Dee was so sweet, and ambitious! I hope they catch who did this!

People like her made the world a better place.
19 July 2009
at 11:22 a.m.

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ksfbcoach (Anonymous) says…

I had met Deanna, and also talked to her over the phone a few times. A sweet person who will be missed.

geekin_topekan - this has nothing to do with the 2nd Amendment, even though I am not surprised you liberals got on here right away. This is a freak accident. What if she had been hit by a drunk driver, which is MUCH more likely…would you be demanding we stop driving cars?
19 July 2009
at 11:28 a.m.

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DaREEKKU (Anonymous) says…

ksfbcoach: this has nothing to do with the 2nd Amendment, even though I am not surprised you liberals got on here right away. This is a freak accident. What if she had been hit by a drunk driver, which is MUCH more likely…would you be demanding we stop driving cars?

Your argument falls flat on its face. If somebody got hit by a drunk driver then a person would argue for stricter alcohol controls. This accident is just evidence of what happens when you flood a country with guns. Frankly you can take your liberal vs conservative banter and eat it for breakfast. This isn't a liberal vs conservative issue, it's a quality of life issue. Guns kill innocent people and even one life lost is one too many.

19 July 2009
at 11:47 a.m.

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frwent (Anonymous) says…

What a horrible event. Not an accident, a deliberately caused occurance by persons unknown who have absolutely no decency, civility or responsibility. How do such animals and degenerates occur in our midst??

I am not a gun advocate, and certainly recognize the right to own firearms. But this is not a gun issue. It is an issue of plain civility and morality. Our society has been crumbling from the assault on our sensibilities for many years now. Just turn on the radio and listen to the radio talk shows. It reveals the disgusting, twisted and downright deadly opinions that some people embrace and some of these idiot talk show hosts encourage and promote. All in the name of making money for the AM radio stations that are the root of this scourge on modern society. People who hear this drivel and then are motivated to go out and “get someone” usually with a gun. And the innocent persons suffer the consequences. The legion of mentally challenged and deficient among us are easily motivated to such behavior, but no, no, no, we cannot silence this disturbing surge of disgusting diatriabes and encouragements. We have freedom of speech. But responsibility, well, to hell with that, EIB network needs the money. Don't forget to order your “Club Gitmo” t-shirts and hats.
19 July 2009
at 11:51 a.m.

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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…

ksfbcoach (Anonymous) says…

“geekin_topekan - this has nothing to do with the 2nd Amendment, even though I am not surprised you liberals got on here right away.”

When did one jerk become plural — “you liberals?” All this shows is what kind of argument that you want. And as you see by the post after yours, it's only going to be responded to in kind with anger and further generalizations.

So thanks for helping to devolve the thread. And congratulations.
19 July 2009
at 11:56 a.m.

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beatrice (Anonymous) says…

This is a sad and tragic story. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
19 July 2009
at 12:17 p.m.

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Aiko (Anonymous) says…

Amen
19 July 2009
at 1:12 p.m.

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fatheadff (Anonymous) says…

Every city is out of control. Lawrence is one of them. Hey Branson maybe you should be trying harder to help clean up this city instead of letting everybody off with a slap on the wrist. But i know its hard for you to lock up someone going around shooting people at the clubs but you will lock up a homeless person for skinny dipping in the river. I wonder who the greater risk is.
19 July 2009
at 1:16 p.m.

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persevering_gal (Anonymous) says…

My thoughts and prayers are with Deanna's family and friends. I'm very sorry for your loss and for what the daughter and the mother-in-law witnessed.
19 July 2009
at 1:33 p.m.

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LisaK (Anonymous) says…

Thanks to all who expressed sympathy and empathy. Those of you who want to soapbox about crime and/or the second amendment would do well to remember that Dee and her family are real people. Her family, friends and colleagues are devastated and grieving. Please respect that.
19 July 2009
at 1:49 p.m.

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parrothead8 (Anonymous) says…

I didn't know her, but it sounds like she was very special and will be missed.

This is a tragic death brought about by the senseless actions of a random jerk. It's too bad that so many people in this country don't stop to think about the possible consequences of their actions.

19 July 2009
at 2:56 p.m.

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sunshine_noise (Anonymous) says…

Is Kansas City out of control? you bet it is. Ever since they passed that law of 'carrying a concealed weapon' shooting rates have jumped. Now will you lawmakers wake-up to this situation before more innocent people get killed needlessly. For the past two years shootings have risen in KC. Heck there have been more shootings in Lawrence than before this law came into effect. The day I heard this law was passed is the when I predicted these sort of shooting will happen. It will get worse mind you - it will get worse. The next step will be blatant home invasion on the rise - where these creeps will just kick in doors and start shooting just to steal what most people barely have. It has already begun. What part of this law don't you people GET? Carrying a concealed weapon is bad idea. i would rather know there is a weapon around so I can get the heck out of harms way. Most people should not be carrying a weapon around with them on the street in broad daylight - unless they plan to walk down a dark alley at night. I hate this - I really hate this and I hate KC for this. I'll skip visiting that place now.
I'm so sorry for her family- so, so, so sorry. May they find comfort in dealing with this tradegy.
19 July 2009
at 3:09 p.m.

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JimmyJoeBob (Anonymous) says…

I am all for stricter gun laws and I was not a proponent for carry concealed. However that being said stricter gun laws aren't going to solve these problems. These guys more than likely did not have have a permit for the guns. I bet they may have even been stolen.
19 July 2009
at 3:15 p.m.

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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

sunshine_noise;

1) Hate to break this to you, but this kind of thing happened all the time in KC before concealed carry passed. Maybe the people of Lawrence didn't notice or care until someone from Lawrence was the victim.

2) I don't suppose you have any evidence to back up your claims that shootings have increased since concealed carry passed? And if so, ya' think maybe there might be some other reasons why that might be the case, like for instance the economy or the increased number of people in the city at night now that the Sprint Center and the entertainment district are open?

3) Do you really think for one second that this shooter - or the perpetrators of all these other increased shootings you mentioned - are holders of concealed carry permits?
19 July 2009
at 3:20 p.m.

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newmedia (Anonymous) says…

This was such a sad situation. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family and friends. We have been to the Starlight Theater many times but we may start to rethink our next visit.
My guess is conceal and carry had nothing to do with this senseless act. How many of the murders committed in KC in the last 5 years were a result of registered guns ? Very few if any…..
19 July 2009
at 3:28 p.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

I don't think any city is “out of control.” How many people who live in Kansas City didn't shoot anyone? How many are just living their own lives, going to work, taking care of the family? Most of them.
The article just says that she was killed by a stray round of bullets. There is no hint of who was shooting, who they were shooting at, so I guess this will be an unsolvable crime.
19 July 2009
at 3:31 p.m.

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George_Braziller (Anonymous) says…

Christine - It's Stevens and Brand, not Stevens and Brands.
––––––––––––––––––––––––
“Before working at the department of education, Lieber was a law clerk with Kansas Supreme Court Justice Robert Gernon. Earlier in her career, she practiced family law at the Lawrence firm of Stevens and Brands.

“She was like Sherlock Holmes. She was very good at research. Very detail-orientated,” said Sherri Loveland, a former co-worker at Stevens and Brands.”
19 July 2009
at 3:32 p.m.

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somebodynew (Anonymous) says…

First and foremost my condolences to the family and friends. Just a terrible thing to happen.

Now to Sunshine - First off do you have no compassion ?? Why do you want to bring your polictical beliefs into a sad story?? And mis-guided at that !!! You are so full of BS that even I don't think you really belive what you posted.

I admit I was not a proponant of concealed carry (even tho I do), but to blame this crap on that law is just so rediculous it is amazing. You can't really believe that the people who do these type of things has a CC permit, can you?? If you do, well I am not going to say how stupid you are. It is because of incidents like this (not this one in particular) that people wanted that law.
19 July 2009
at 3:49 p.m.

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jackbinkelman (Anonymous) says…

So sorry for the loss of Mrs. Lieber. It is a true tragedy. I say get rid of ALL the guns that CAN be concealed [handguns] and add to that automatic weapons, uzis, etc. Carry and Conceal, bad idea.

19 July 2009
at 4:07 p.m.

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geekin_topekan (Anonymous) says…

“…This is a freak accident. What if she had been hit by a drunk driver, which is MUCH more likely…”
++++
Sorry coach but neither scenario is a “freak accident”.

Gun owners, sellers and manufacturers need to be held more accountable for the whereabouts of their weapons and be held responsible when events like these unfold. I imagine that this would never have happened if gun laws were aimed at control rather than just hoping for the best when this happens.
19 July 2009
at 4:32 p.m.

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50YearResident (Anonymous) says…

Sunshine_noise says: Is Kansas City out of control? you bet it is. Ever since they passed that law of 'carrying a concealed weapon' shooting rates have jumped. Now will you lawmakers wake-up to this situation before more innocent people get killed needlessly. For the past two years shootings have risen in KC. Heck there have been more shootings in Lawrence than before this law came into effect. 50YearResident says:
Absolutely none of these shooters have had a concealed cary license. These shootings is being done by the criminals that have always carried guns illegally with intent to do harm to the law abiding citizens. Concealed carry holders are not responsible.

Has anyone considered this could have been a random snipper shooting? It looks like it may well have been. Some idiots shooting at passing cars on the highway at random. They hit the first one passing and ran away. It doesn't look like bullets falling from the sky to me. The bullet had to be aimed at the passing car. I do not think it was an accident at all. I am very sorry for the victums of this tragic event. I hope the shooters are found and tried.
19 July 2009
at 5:29 p.m.

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igby (Anonymous) says…

Concealed carry has nothing to do with this shooting, but idiots will draw straws at anything to blab about their political agenda.

I ask myself could this have been the perfect murder, … and by whom?

Could she had been followed and someone that was waiting for her to drive back by?

Yes, too the people that knew her she was a wonderful lady, but a bureaucrat, and bureaucrats have full power to affect and disrupt peoples lives without them having any control and that they make decisions and policy, (not law) that affect peoples lives regarding their children. I have to ask, did she have any enemies? Anyone that may have been effected by her departments decisions could have followed her and waited. People will hunt you down and kill you over their children before they would do otherwise for anything else.

This is just as reasonable a theory as the possibility of some kid with a rifle shooting at birds or a drunk in their backyard shooting at bottles.

The perfect murder possibly.
19 July 2009
at 5:33 p.m.

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Gootsie (Anonymous) says…

I'm so sorry for this senseless tragedy. Another good one gone. Blessings and prayers to her family and friends who have lost a special person.
19 July 2009
at 6:07 p.m.

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jaywalker (Anonymous) says…

My condolences to the family. Deanna was a friend of a friend of mine and she is devastated for the loss.

“as the comedian Chris Rock suggest on his youtube video regarding guns……ammunition should cost $5,000 per bullet.”

Brilliant solution. 'Specially since anyone can make their own for pennies. Leave the comedy for the comedians.

“incredibly tragic and america should be ashamed.”

First two words are true. Last four couldn't be dumberer.
19 July 2009
at 6:50 p.m.

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edjayhawk (Anonymous) says…

This is so unfair. She didn't even have a chance to defend herself. But gun laws aren't going to work as long as there is a black market. 7 day waiting periods don't work because criminals buy them on the black market.
19 July 2009
at 10:05 p.m.

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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…

bronze sez:
“as the comedian Chris Rock suggest on his youtube video regarding guns……ammunition should cost $5,000 per bullet.”

it is almost there.

condolences to the family. You are lucky to have had such a well-loved and respected, good person in your lives.
19 July 2009
at 10:08 p.m.

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Guardian (Anonymous) says…

As much as I would love to comment on the gun issue, this is not the thread to spout political agendas. Show a little respect and start another blog somewhere else.

19 July 2009
at 10:16 p.m.

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MichaelJ (Anonymous) says…

Amen Guardian.
20 July 2009
at 7:11 a.m.

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sustainabilitysister (Anonymous) says…

I believe it absolutely does have to do with more registered users of handguns. It's all about the supply and demand. How do you think unregistered users get the guns? I also believe that most random acts of violence have direct correlation with the lack of distribution of wealth.

I am thinking of the family at this time. I heard that Mrs. Lieber was also a CASA volunteer in the community. This is truly tragic.
20 July 2009
at 8:08 a.m.

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momathoma (Anonymous) says…

no matter what ones beliefs are in the 2nd ammendment and gun control, this story is tragic and one that will live in the lives of her family and children long after this story runs and the discussions are over…another senseless act of violence takes another innocent life—thats human nature sadly. my heart and prayers go out to her family—instead of spending all of our time criticizing what is wrong with the system here, why don't we focus on praying and providing support for her daughter, whom will be forever scarred from this incident.
20 July 2009
at 8:22 a.m.

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tanaumaga (Anonymous) says…

Irish says,'The article just says that she was killed by a stray round of bullets. There is no hint of who was shooting, who they were shooting at, so I guess this will be an unsolvable crime.'
Irish, you and the Lawrence prosecutor are on the same page, aren't 'ya?
20 July 2009
at 8:22 a.m.

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edjayhawk (Anonymous) says…

I don't think two small sentences espouses a “political agenda.” If anything, this demonstrates my compassion for the incident…
20 July 2009
at 8:30 a.m.

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bevy (Anonymous) says…

Deanna was a great lady and will be sorely missed, both by her family and those families she helped through her work at KSDE. My prayers are with her family.

This could have happened to anyone. It shouldn't have happened to anyone.
20 July 2009
at 8:55 a.m.

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ModSquadGal (Anonymous) says…

This is such a horrible, senseless situation. I worked with Deanna and she even presided at the marriage of one of my best friends. She was dedicated and loving, certainly not deserving of this kind of stupid random act of violence. But then again, who is? Gun laws have nothing to do with this though — criminals will ALWAYS have guns. Regardless of concealed carry laws, bullets that cost $5,000, banning this or that type of gun… criminals will ALWAYS have them. It's a fact of life. And it makes this even more tragic.

My deepest condolences to her family. I hope they can find a way to deal with this and get to a place where just the good memories of Dee remain. There are many for them to remember.
20 July 2009
at 9:25 a.m.

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salad (Anonymous) says…

Two more people were hit by stray gun fire yesterday in a different incident, one of them died.
This garbage happens because the people who live in this part of KCMO find this type of behavior perfectly acceptable. Solving your problems with guns, violence, or showing how tough you are is worth all the death and mayhem. Heck, even celebratory gunfire is OK!

20 July 2009
at 1:14 p.m.

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c_dubya (Anonymous) says…

I'm sure that criminals like the shooter in this case will respect a new law banning handguns. I'm 100% positive they'll immediately turn all their newly banned guns into the proper authorities. I mean, they'll probably only break all of the other laws and not the handgun ban - right?

My sympathies go out to the family, especially the young daughter who will live with this for the rest of her life.
20 July 2009
at 3:09 p.m.

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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…

sunshine_noise (Anonymous) says…

Is Kansas City out of control? you bet it is. Ever since they passed that law of 'carrying a concealed weapon' shooting rates have jumped. Now will you lawmakers wake-up to this situation before more innocent people get killed needlessly. For the past two years shootings have risen in KC. Heck there have been more shootings in Lawrence than before this law came into effect. The day I heard this law was passed is the when I predicted these sort of shooting will happen. It will get worse mind you - it will get worse. The next step will be blatant home invasion on the rise - where these creeps will just kick in doors and start shooting just to steal what most people barely have. It has already begun. What part of this law don't you people GET?

Sunshine, you really need to let a little sunshine into that cave you live in. You obviously don't read, because the FBI-provided statistics for the 42+ states that have passed CCW laws show exactly the opposite of you stated position…gawd, you just leave me astounded and semi-speechless with your lack of education…in fact, so much so, I really wouldn't know just where to begin, but then, I am most certain you really ARE the type who should never be around anything more potent than a water-pistol, and even with one of those you'd probably be SOME kind of a hazard. Yes, dear, CCW has actually lowered many crime statistics…and please, for Gods' sake, don't dare take MY word for it…if you've the presence of mind and the capability, look it up for your own self…

My heart, thought, and prayers go to the survivors of this ignorant-a$$ tragedy, and to agree with someone from above, I have NO doubt the person who is responsible for this horrific act is NOT a legal gun owner…and if caught, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law…by laws already on the books, which that moron was in violation of. More laws are NOT the answer. Enforcement of existing law is the solution. And education just MIGHT be important in all this, too. And I'd just bet that sweet li'l sunshine would NEVER snitch off who did that if it was someone she knew…why snitching is bad…right?
'nuff…you've annoyed me, in the midst of this sweet, good persons loss of life, and the ongoing tragedy this will be for the family and loved ones.
20 July 2009
at 3:32 p.m.

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ralphralph (Anonymous) says…

Gangbangers.
20 July 2009
at 4:20 p.m.

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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…

…no doubt…
21 July 2009
at 9:19 a.m.

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sunshine_noise (Anonymous) says…

Jayhawk - you are partially correct. No I don't have any data to back up my theory, because I haven't been hot on the trail of this - not my life ambition. BUT I pay attention to our society and what happens - I listen to the news. KC news is famous for reporting shootings, housefires and other domestic crimes, they are very low on political news. I'm from the East and I was spoon fed on political news everyday because that is what the news reports on regular primetime news. So in keeping with this I recall not so many of these sort of shootings from the past as there is today. When I heard about this law in affect I began to pay attention more on shooting in the news and they have increased. No I don't think these freaks had a permit for their guns but its all related somehow. Say a friend had a permit and you wanted to carry like him but couldn't get a permit so you get a sun anyway and the other friend could care less if you have a permit becuase both of them are bad news. Thank about it. Pay attention to the news. It's just comment sense and paying attention to details.
26 July 2009
at 7:31 p.m.

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Kwilliams (Anonymous) says…

When the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity bill failed in Congress this week. Mayor Funkhouser said he was glad it didn’t pass because shootings have been high. People that are against Concealed Carry Permits don’t understand what it is all about. Those who get the permits are law abiding citizens who want to protect themselves and loved ones from violent attacks. They go through training in shooting, gun handling and review state laws on self defense and the proper use of deadly force. It takes about three months of KBI back ground checks in Kansas to get approved. These are not the people that do the drive by shootings or pull out a gun just because someone cut them off in traffic. Concealed Carry Permit holders are held to a higher standard because of their training. Please remember these are not vigilantes that are looking for someone to kill, they only want to protect their own lives and are trained not to pull a gun unless they think that a person is going to kill them or do grave bodily harm.
The two states with the highest crime statistics, California and New York, also have the most restrictive gun laws. Could it be States have higher crime rates because criminals know that their targets are most likely not armed and therefore not able to defend themselves?

Thanks