Once again, yet another TV newscast leads viewers to incorrect conclusions by innuendo and outright incorrect information. In the past we have written about ABC News’ assertion that you can purchase an M203 over the internet as well as Seattle’s KING-5 misleading piece on the tactical nylon industry but this time the problem is closer to home. Norfolk-based WAVY ran a story last night on “Online Gun Training” as part of their “On Your Side” series. As always, we want you to take a look at the report in question before reading our response.
Over the days leading up to the report, WAVY teasers led viewers to believe that something illegal might be going on. Having just seen the teaser, you might believe that just anyone can get a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit by taking a class on the internet. For example, one of the teasers had a voice over with a very ominous, “”Packing a Piece: Just a Mouse Click Away”. Of course this isn’t true at all. To be issued a CCW permit in Virginia, an applicant must 21 years of age, pass a background investigation completed after an application is filed, and show proof of training. Simply taking an online firearm safety class does not guarantee the issuance of a CCW permit.
To WAVY’s credit, once they presented the actual segment, some of those pesky details that get in the way of a good story called “facts” were presented. For example, they are correct that according to current Virginia statute, qualified applicants may be issued a CCW permit without ever having fired a weapon. However, they failed to mention that there is no requirement to have ever fired a weapon in order to even purchase one, let alone carry it concealed, or in the open for that matter. Additionally, on the plus side WAVY did state that a potential CCW holder would have to file an application. However, the report declared that a clerk would not know how an applicant had been trained. Aside from the fact that this is irrelevant, it is untrue as an applicant must provide proof of training in order to receive a permit. Based on the proof presented, a clerk could determine the source of training. While it is perfectly legal under Virginia law to get your safety training online, there are numerous other options available. Additionally, online trainers must be certified by the NRA or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Concealed carry hasn’t been much of a problem around these parts since permit holders have to pass background investigations. By their very nature, having a CCW permit they are law abiding citizens. Oddly enough, one of the main weapons related problems Hampton Roads residents have run into is that many local law enforcement officers are unfamiliar with firearms laws. There have been numerous incidences of police detaining and even arresting individuals who were legally open carrying firearms. In fact, the WAVY news report demonstrated this issue by mentioning that the “local” office of the Virginia State Police did not know that you could receive your CCW safety training online. Amazing, considering the Virginia State Police have a website that lays out the requirements for a CCW.
http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm
Please review this page as it delineates what is acceptable training and the requirements for a permit.
They also mentioned that the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department was going to meet with lawmakers to do something about this. Overall, the best quote from the piece had to be Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department LT Lee Cherry’s warning that the situation was a “Recipe for Disaster”. Classic! Nothing like learning about an existing law from reporters and then coming out after the fact against CCW in a “shall issue” state.
WAVY presented this as a new law but in fact it has been on the books for some time. Then, they likened getting a concealed carry permit to recieving a driver’s license, outright misleading viewers to believe it was actually easier to get a CCW than a DL. As we have already stated, an applicant has to pass a background check for the CCW. On the other hand, they pass DLs out like candy. You could be a convicted mass murderer and still get one.
What’s more, we see no need to get into the nitty gritty of presenting a shooter who claims it took him 5 years to learn to shoot. That is quite frankly, self critiquing.
And as a final kick in the johnson, the report implies that those from states with reciprocal CCW permits might all be dangerous as well as they could get their training online.
Overall, it was a well balanced report; half of it was true, and half wasn’t.
