Is This What Gun Control's All About?

Word reached us today of the death of an Atlantic City, New Jersey police officer.

At about 1:30 am while sitting in his car, Officer Kevin Wilkins was attempting to install a rubber grip on his service weapon. He removed the magazine but apparently did not clear the breech. The weapon discharged and the round struck Officer Wilkins in the face, killing him.

Folks, gun control starts with making absolutely, positively, affirmatively and conclusively with out any doubt sure that that weapon is safe before you point it at anything, unless you intend to shoot what you're pointing it at.

That was good advice when I got my marksmanship merit badge as a member of troop 74, it was good advice when I took that hunter safety class all those years ago, it was good advice when I inadvertently discharged a round downrange from my M1 carbine out in the California desert and it is good advice today. Respect the weapon. Don't stand in the line of fire.

It is also worth noting that 1:30 in the morning sitting in your car is not a good place or a good time to be attempting anything of a technical nature that can be put off til daytime.

Atlantic City Police Department Officer Kevin B. Wilkins