November, 23 2010, 12:06pm EDT
Teen Supported by NRA Lawsuit Fills Facebook Page with Violent, Threatening Messages
WASHINGTON
Violent images and messages fill the Facebook pages of the
18-year-old Texan, who has brought a lawsuit, joined by the National
Rifle Association, to give 18-20 year-olds a constitutional right to
carry concealed weapons in public, according to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
"Last week we pointed out that it was dangerous and reckless for the
NRA to claim that teenagers should be allowed to carry loaded
semiautomatic weapons on our streets and playgrounds. After seeing the
angry, violent Facebook postings of the teen who the NRA wants to arm
with concealed weapons, it is clear how wrongheaded its lawsuit is," said Brady Center President Paul Helmke.
The
NRA and James A. D'Cruz', of Lubbock, Texas, are the plaintiffs in the
suit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District
of Texas claiming that the Second Amendment requires that states allow
teens and young persons ages 18-20 to carry loaded firearms in public.
They seek to overturn a Texas law that generally prohibits the carrying
of concealed weapons by people under age 21. Texas is one of 36 states
that restricts the possession or carrying of firearms by teens and young
persons ages 18-20. The Texas Constitution specifically allows the
regulation of public gun carrying, stating that the "Legislature shall
have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms, with a view to
prevent crime."
D'Cruz's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/james.dcruz1)
pictures him in a black suit and hat reminiscent of John Dillinger,
posing with legs spread apart, holding upright in his hand what appears
to be a machine gun or assault weapon. Many of his postings over the
past year reflect his fascination with gangsters and outlaws, often
quoting them, and include violent, threatening messages, such as these:
"Death is but a doorway", October 6 at 5:28pm,
"the match is lit and it will burn all of us now", September 25 at 12:06pm
"in this field of hundreds begging for their lives, we shall spare none," August 9 at 11:38am
After hunting men, nothing can compare"-Shooter, December 26, 2009 at 5:47pm
"There
is no redemption, There is no forgiveness. I will stare into your eyes
as I pull the trigger and laugh as you hit the ground with your last,
pathetic breath." April 1
In noting its opposition to the NRA's
lawsuit, the Brady Center has cited studies showing that young persons
under 21 often lack the same ability as adults to "govern impulsivity,
judgment, planning for the future, and foresight of consequences."
People aged 18-20 fall within the age range of offenders with the
highest rates of homicide and criminal gun possession.
"Mr.
D'Cruz's Facebook postings underscore the research findings highlighting
the fragility and unpredictability of young people. If we care at all
for the safety and security of Americans, making it easier and legal for
such youths to carry lethal weapons is not a sensible thing to do,"
said Helmke. "If this is the NRA's poster boy for concealed carry, then
the bosses have some explaining to do."
Brady United formerly known as The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and its legislative and grassroots affiliate, the Brady Campaign and its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, is the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence. We are devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.
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