Many people were astonished to learn that a Los Angeles County deputy had been charged with illegally carrying an assault weapon and tracer ammo. Deputy Brandon Garmon was found with an unregistered AR-15 and incendiary ammo in his closet, leading to charges of 'assault weapon possession' and 'possession of a destructive device'.
So, what led to this juncture? Why was Deputy Garmon carrying an assault rifle in California, where it is illegal to do so?
The Law of the Land
District Attorney George Gascón stated unequivocally that he wants to place aggressive measures prohibiting the use of assault rifles in Los Angeles. While the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to keep and bear weapons, California has regulations that control and limit the use of certain guns, including assault rifles.
Following a mass shooting at a California elementary school in 1989, the state's assault weapon prohibitions were enacted. The laws forbid the sale, transfer, or ownership of guns with particular features such as a detachable magazine, a pistol grip, and a telescopic stock.
The possession of an unregistered assault rifle and tracer ammunition is a serious offense that can lead to felony charges, and Deputy Garmon now faces the consequences of breaking the law.
Internal Affairs Investigations
The Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was instrumental in determining Deputy Garmon's possession of an assault weapon. The department executed a search warrant at his residence, which resulted in the finding of the illegal possession of the weapon and its ammo.
Garmon has been placed on administrative leave with pay until the result of the case. "Criminal wrongdoings will not be allowed", according to LSAD authorities; any employee of the department discovered to have participated in such conduct will be investigated and convicted to the maximum extent of the law.
Similar Occurrences
This is not the first time something like this has happened, and it is unlikely to be the last. Officer Thomas Abrahamsen of San Francisco was arrested in 2016 for producing and possessing an AR-15-style firearm alongside its illegal components. The arrest stemmed from a year-long investigation by the San Francisco Police Department's Internal Affairs Division. Abrahamsen was booked on two felonies and placed on unpaid administrative leave.
Officer Abrahamsen's case serves as a sharp reminder of the significance of following the law and the repercussions of doing so, especially for law enforcement officers.
Public Reaction
Members of the public are outraged by the violation of the law and the potential danger it poses to the community. Many are questioning how someone in the police force, whose job is to uphold the law and protect the public, could be involved in such a serious offense. The case has sparked a conversation around the importance of gun control laws and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Final Thoughts
Possession of unlawful weapons and ammunition, regardless of who is involved, is a serious offence that can result in charges of felony. The case of Deputy Garmon serves as a reminder of the necessity of following the law and the consequences of failing to do so.
Law enforcement professionals are held to higher standards and must always uphold the law. While it is critical that we preserve the rights granted to us by the Second Amendment, it is also necessary to respect and follow the laws of our state.
As the investigation into Deputy Garmon continues, we must remember that adhering to the law is critical for the safety and well-being of our communities.
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