Is This a Threatening Comment?

Back in June, in a story about Bethlehem City Council, someone anonymously published this comment: "FUCK 'EM ALL I HAVE A REAL SURPRISE FOR THEM AT MUSUCKFEST...JUST WAIT AN SEE!!!!!" When a reader brought it to my attention, I decided to let it stand. It makes no threat.

In view of the weekend's mass shootings and a recent Morning Call story indicating police and FBI are investigating several social media posts concerning Bethlehem and these mass shootings, the reader contacted me again.

I have forwarded the comment to police.

This comment makes no specific threat, and a "surprise" can mean many things. I still feel there is no cause for concern, but will let police make that call.

How Would You Stop Mass Shootings?

I had intended to write about Northampton County today. That will have to wait until Tuesday. Yesterday, the joyous mood at a wedding party in Bloomsburg was dampened by news of a deadly mass shooting in El Paso that left 20 people dead.  Just a few hours later, news broke of yet another mass murder in Dayton.

I'm sure that no one, from Donald Trump to the most absolute defenders of the Second Amendment, condone what happened. But as bodies of the dead and wounded were still being carried away, Beto O'Rourke was calling Trump a white nationalist.

Stay classy, Beto.

Instead of playing the blame game for political advantage, I'd like to understand what's going on.

The Violence Project has studied every mass shooting since 1966, and reaches the following conclusions:

1. Most mass shooters experienced early childhood trauma.

2. Most were angry or despondent about a specific grievance.

3. Most mass shooters studied the habits of others before them.

4. They all had the means to do what they wanted to do.

I think most of us would agree that access to firearms should be denied to thise who fit into the first three categories. But I confess that's no easy task in many cases.

Dent: Raise Age Requirement to Buy Semi-Automatics Like AR-15

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) has announced his co-sponsorship of legislation raising the age requirement for those seeking to purchase semiautomatic rifles, such as AR-15s, from 18 to 21 years of age. This bipartisan bill is being led by Representatives Anthony G. Brown (MD-4) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8).

 

“I am pleased to join my Pennsylvania colleague to support common sense policy that would raise the legal age to purchase semiautomatic rifles to 21, the same age for pistols,” said Dent. “This bipartisan legislation would be an important first step in response to the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Congress must come together in the wake of such a tragedy and work to find solutions that will help to keep our students, teachers, and schools safe from gun violence,” Dent added.

 

Currently, gun-buyers are prohibited from purchasing handguns prior to their 21^st birthday, but that is not the case with semiautomatic centerfire rifles that can accept magazines of five rounds or greater. It also provides an exemption for active duty military and full time law enforcement personnel.

 

In addition, Dent recently signed a letter circulated by Representative Leonard Lance (NJ-7) calling on House Speaker Ryan to bring a “Fix NICS” bill to the floor to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of our nation’s firearm background check system.

 

“Guaranteeing that complete and accurate information is entered into the National Instant Check System (NICS) is also a commonsense item that Congress should address quickly,” Dent concluded

Morganelli Proposes Common Sense Approach to Gun Violence

John Morganelli may be a candidate for Congress, but he's also Pennsylvania's most senior District Attorney. He sees first hand what guns can do. The most recent mass shooting of students at a Florida has prompted him to once again propose the reintroduction of legislation he advocate back in the 1990s. It's part of a nine-step common sense agenda that he wants the law enforcement community to consider and advocate in Harrisburg and, if necessary, in Washington. He is also requesting that immediate steps be taken in Northampton County to reduce gun violence.

Morganellli's nine-step common sense plan to reduce gun violence.

1) Pass "The parents responsible Gun Ownership Act." - This would require gun owners to secure their firearms if they live with minors, violent criminals or the mentally ill. He noted that one of every three firearms is loaded and unsecured, and that most kids know where their parents keep their guns.

2) Ban Bump Stocks, which make it easy to turn a semi-automatic weapon into one that fires continuously.

3) Require background checks on all sales of long guns.

4) Ban assault weapons to general public.

5) Expand background checks to firearms sales at gun shows and online.

6) Ban firearms to anyone on a terror watch list.

7) Require that lost or stolen guns be reported.

8) Enter mental health records into national databases for background checks.

9) "Red Flag" laws that allow family members or police to petition judges to remove guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others.

"A majority of people want a balanced approach," he explained. "They want o know what can be done to make our schools and communities more secure; they want to know what can be done to assure that the mentally disturbed and children do not possess firearms; and they want to know what strategies can be employed to reduce death by gunfire. They also want to know that the law will punish criminals and those individuals who have demonstrated they are incapable of owning and operating firearms responsibly. And they want to know this can all be done without trampling in the Second Amendment."

In addition to consideration of this common-sense agenda, Morganelli is requesting the community to help in the following:

1) A law enforcement security review of every school, including emergency plans like active shooter drills.

2) A law enforcement identification and investigation of every school threat.

3) An appeal to parents and children to report all threats of violence.

4) An appeal to gun owners to secure firearms in homes.

Did This Blog Inspire Gun Violence in Alexandria?

I'm expecting a knock on my door any minute. You see, this blog is apparently responsible for the recent gun violence against Majority Whip Steve Scalise and three others in Alexandria yesterday. Although some wackadoodle named James T. Hodgkinson is the person who pulled the trigger, it's because of pricks like me. That's what Jamie Kelton, who sometimes graces us with her presence, is saying on another blog. "[T]he level of vitriol posted [at Lehigh Valley Ramblings] against the President by those who do not identify themselves is exactly the kind that pushed this nut over the edge to engage in political assassination." Ironically, Jamie Kelton is actually a pseudonym for someone else.

The truth is that violence knows no ideology or religion. And thanks to Trump, civility has all but disappeared, even when people like Kelton use fake names to identify herself.

Dent Expresses Concern Over Alexandria Shootng

Congressional Republicans practicing for a baseball game against Democrats were disrupted by a shooter who injured several people, including Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Congressman Charlie Dent has released this statement: "The news from Alexandria this morning is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with my colleague Rep. Steve Scalise, the Congressional staffers, and police officers who were injured this morning. I am grateful for the courage of the Capitol Police and their quick actions this morning. Neither my staff nor I was at the practice, but we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

Feds Foil Hit Against South Side Homicide Witnesses

First Ass't DA Terry Houck

The FBI, acting in concert with the Bethlehem Police Department, has foiled an assassination planned against witnesses to a 2012 Southside shooting that killed one person and wounded five others. Sonia Panell, wife of accused murderer Rene Figueroa, wanted to eliminate three witnesses scheduled to testify against her husband, but unknowingly hired a federal informant for the job. She's been charged with using interstate commerce facilities to solicit and assist in murders for hire. In federal detention, she faces up to 25 years in prison.

Northampton County DA John Morganelli announced these charges at a Friday afternoon news conference. His office is prosecuting the most bloody episode of the South Side's history since the 1910 Bethlehem Steel strike. Yolanda Morales, age 23, died in a hail of gunfire during the early morning hours of December 2, 2012. Five others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. One of them will be paralyzed for the rest of his life. An argument inside the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society, a club located at 205 E. Third Street, spilled over into the streets and became a thirty-bullet fusillade.

Rene Figueroa, age 32, faces homicide and related charges, including the use of a stolen .45 caliber pistol. Javier Rivera-Alverado, age 38, has also been charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault. The trial in this matter was supposed to start March 3. It has now been postponed, and Morganelli made clear he wants this matter tried. "Our office is going to do everything we can to oppose any further delays in this case." he declared.

First Assistant DA Terry Houck, lead prosecutor in this matter, stated that "very early on, we received complaints from victims and witnesses who thought they were being followed." Bethlehem police were able to confirm that victims were, in fact, being stalked.

Panel's hitman was, according to Houck, a family friend contacted in Ohio. He was offered a car, gun, unspecified sum of money and even night vision goggles to "take care of" two of the victims and a witness. She created a false Facebook profile to gather information as well.

One of the three intended targets, Angle Figueroa (unrelated to Rene) is already paralyzed as a result of the shooting. Another, Shajuan Hungerford, is a woman who slapped Rene Figueroa.

"[S]he done touched Rene’s face. She’s gotta pay for it!" Panell is quoted in federal documents as having said.

Will this make witnesses less likely to testify? Not at all, according to Houck. "This sends a clear message that we're not going to stand by," noted Houck. "We're going to be all over this."

Morganelli added that, even in small cases, witnesses are often fearful. "The message here is that law enforcement does take this seriously," he stated.

Houck stated there is no evidence of any organized crime or gang related activity. But he believes this plan was very real. "She had enough moxie to go out of state and bring that person here," he concluded.

Bethlehem Tp Reacts to Ross Tp Tragedy

CPL Brian Frantz and PTLM Jarod Knouss

In the wake of the Ross Township tragedy, in which three people were shot and killed during a municipal meeting, Bethlehem Township is taking precautions. "I don't think it's necessary," states a seemingly embarrassed President Paul Weiss. But this is one instance in which Township Manager Howard Kutzler played his safety trump card to ask for a police presence at meetings "until further notice."  Two men in blue, CPL Brian Frantz and PTLM Jarod Knouss, quietly kept an eye on democracy in operation.

An argument against a police presence at public meetings is that it chills free speech. But it did not chill Chetwin Terrace resident Wayne Kresge, who told Commissioners he's ready to sue unless they do something about the stormwaters cascading into his back yard from the bike path after every downpour.

Kresge will meet next week with Kutzler and Township Engineer Brian Dillman to review possible solutions.

Victim of Gun Violence Remembered ... on His Birthday

A sister's love.  Syreshia Wimberly brushes away the tears at a vigil in honor of her brother Tyree.

Nearly forty people gathered to wish Tyree Wimberly a Happy Birthday on May 8. They even sang him a song. But Tyree was not there for his family, friends and neighbors. They were gathered outside of Scoobie's Genlemans Club, where Wimberly was gunned down on January 26 while running an errand for his sister. This was no birthday party, but a candlelight vigil at the place where he was killed for refusing to buy a bag of marijuana. A federal warrant has been issued for his alleged killer, Ulysses "Slime" Rodriguez.

It's a rough neighborhood, at the border of Allentown and Bethlehem. Cigarette smoke and the odor of stale beer wafted in the air as Pastor Junito Cruz led everyone in a brief prayer. An Allentown police cruiser was parked nearby, just in case there was trouble. But people were there to remember, to grieve and to love.

Tyree's sister, Syreshia, wiped tears as she remembered her fallen brother on his birthday. Young Quintus Moser, age 6, who sometimes hears gunfire in the night, was visibly upset. "Somebody died here," he lamented. His mother Dawn states her children are unable to play outside. "Once the streetlights come on, they're in," she said, noting that conditions in her West Broad Street neighborhood have deteriorated. "The strip club does not help," she observed. "All it brings is problems."

Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski told neighbors, "We're doing everything we can," adding that this was a "senseless act of violence."

Bethlehem School Director Basilio Bonilla, who helped organize this event, called for the "immediate shutdown of Scoobie's Gentlemans Club" But that's already happened. A fire at Scoobies the very morning of the vigil has forced the club to close for the "foreseeable future."

"Somebody died here," sadly notes Quintus Moser, age 6. He, his sister Autumn, age 11, and mother Dawn, were neighbors.

.

A makeshift memorial in honor of Tyree Wimberly on Hanover Ave. 

What Do You Think of These Gun Violence Principles?

In the wake of recent gun violence, House Democrats have formed a Gun Violence Task Force that includes newly elected LV Congressman Matt Cartwright. He agrees that "no one set of laws will completely end gun violence," but adds "that cannot be an excuse for inaction." He and fellow task force members have proposed these principles:

Ø  Support the 2^nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. The United States Supreme Court affirmed individuals’ 2^nd rights to firearms in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).  However, the Supreme Court also held that “the right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited,” Within the limits described by Heller, the federal government has the responsibility to take appropriate steps to protect our citizens from gun violence.

Ø  Support citizens’ rights to possess firearms for hunting, shooting sports, defense, and other lawful and legitimate purposes: In the United States, there is a long tradition of hunting and recreational shooting, and firearms are often passed down within families from generation to generation. Policies passed by Congress should respect this.

Ø  Reinstate and strengthen a prospective federal ban on assault weapons: These weapons are designed to fire a large number of rounds in a short period of time. They constitute a lethal threat to law enforcement and other first responders.

Ø  Reinstate a prospective federal ban on assault magazines: These magazines hold more than ten rounds and allow a shooter to inflict mass damage in a short period of time without reloading. Banning them will save lives.

Ø  Require a background check for every gun sale, while respecting reasonable exceptions for cases such as gifts between family members and temporary loans for sporting purposes: It is estimated that four out of ten gun buyers do not go through a background check when purchasing a firearm because federal law only requires these checks when someone buys a gun from a federally licensed dealer. That would be like allowing four out of ten people to choose if they’d go through airport security. This loophole allows felons, domestic abusers, and those prohibited because of mental illness to easily bypass the criminal background check system and buy firearms at gun shows, through private sellers, over the internet or out of the trunks of cars.

Ø  Strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database: Immediate action is needed to ensure the information in the NICS database is up to date. Many federal and state agencies remain deficient in transferring important records to the database. Without the information, the background checks aren’t complete. This needs to change.

Ø  Prosecute those prohibited buyers who attempt to purchase firearms and others who violate federal firearm laws: Federal law bars nine categories of people—including felons and those prohibited because of mental illness —from buying guns. But when prohibited persons attempt to buy guns, they are hardly ever prosecuted. More can and must be done to make these investigations and prosecutions a priority.

Ø  Pass legislation aimed specifically at cracking down on illegal gun trafficking and straw-purchasing: Straw-purchasing is when a prohibited buyer has someone with no criminal history walk into a gun store, pass a background check and purchase a gun with the purpose of giving it to the prohibited buyer.  This puts guns in the hands of people who are prohibited from having them. Congress should pass a law that will put an end to this practice.

Ø  Restore funding for public safety and law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence: Congress should fund law enforcement’s efforts to reduce gun violence, while supporting federal research into causes of gun violence.  Put simply, there is no reason the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the National Institute of Health (NIH) should be inhibited from researching the causes of gun violence. And there is no reason for the restrictions federal law places on our law enforcement officers’ ability to track and combat the spread of illegal guns.

Ø  Support initiatives that prevent problems before they start: Local communities should have assistance in applying evidence-based prevention and early intervention strategies that aredesigned to prevent the problems that lead to gun violence before those problems start.

Ø  Close the holes in our mental-health system and make sure that care is available for those who need it: Congress must improve prevention, early intervention, and treatment of mental illness while working to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. Access to mental health services should be improved, the shortage of mental health professionals should be addressed, and funding should be made available for those programs that have proven to be effective.

Ø  Help our communities get unwanted and illegal guns out of the hands of those who don’t want them or shouldn’t have them: Congress should help support and develop local programs that get unwanted guns off our streets. And Congress should work with states to develop programs that get guns out of the hands of those convicted of certain crimes or those prohibited because of mental illness.

Ø  Support responsible gun ownership: Congress should support safety training, research aimed at developing new gun safety technologies and the safe storage of firearms.

Ø  Take steps to enhance school safety. Congress must help all schools implement evidence-based strategies that support safe learning environments tailored to the unique needs of students and local communities. And Congress must work with all schools to develop emergency response plans.

Ø  Address our culture’s glorification of violence seen and heard though our movie screens, television shows, music and video games: Congress should fund scientific research on the relationship between popular culture and gun violence, while ensuring that parents have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about what their families watch, listen to, and play.