U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- As part of an ongoing national effort to help prevent illegal “straw” purchases of firearms, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are reminding the Richmond public that stiff penalties are in place for individuals convicted of such unlawful purchases. The campaign is in its’ 20th year and is a cornerstone of the cooperative relationship of the firearm industry, law enforcement, and retailers.
Billboard, radio, streaming audio and digital advertisements for the Don’t Lie For the Other Guy program has been purchased by NSSF in key locations throughout the region with the message: “Buy a gun for someone who can’t and buy yourself 10 years in jail. Don’t Lie For the Other Guy.”
The month-long public awareness campaign was officially launched today with a short program at Colonial Shooting Academy, in Richmond, Va. Present at the event were representatives of the ATF Washington, D.C. Field Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and NSSF.
More than 3.2 million impressions will be delivered via billboards, digital, and social media advertising, and 30-second radio spots airing on local stations and streaming audio services. Richmond was chosen for this special campaign by ATF. No taxpayer dollars are used. The program is funded in full by the firearms industry.
“As evidenced today, the firearms industry is proud of its longstanding cooperative relationship with the ATF and the entire law enforcement community by assisting them in their efforts to combat the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms,” said NSSF Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President, and General Counsel.
“Don’t Lie” is a cooperative program between ATF and NSSF, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry. The effort was developed more than two decades ago to raise public awareness about the seriousness of the crime of purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so. The program also helps ATF educate firearms retailers to be better prepared to deter potential straw purchases. The public campaign drives home the message that anyone attempting an illegal firearm purchase faces a stiff federal felony penalty of up to 10 years in jail or up to $250,000 in fines.
To legally purchase a firearm, a person must be able to pass an FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check and fully comply with state and local laws. When a criminal knows he cannot pass this check, he may try to induce a friend or other person to make the purchase on his behalf, which is known as a straw purchase and is a felony.
This public awareness campaign constitutes only part of the Don’t Lie For the Other Guy outreach effort. The full Don’t Lie For the Other Guy program, which also involves educating firearms retailers to better detect and prevent straw purchases, has been rolled out in major cities throughout the country. In the retailer segment, federal firearms licensees are provided a Don’t Lie for the Other Guy retailer kit containing a training video and informational brochure for store owners and staff, as well as point-of-purchase displays aimed to deter illegal straw purchases.
Learn more about Don’t Lie for the Other Guy at www.dontlie.org.
Hmmm, “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy”. Isn’t that against the Politician’s Code?”
Isn’t this the kettle calling the pot black ? Haven’t those pushing this DON’T LIE senario lied for others in their own organization ? Just sayin…..
Fast and Furious comes to memory.
Is it really that hard to use the correct description of what a “straw purchase” is? No it is not, therefore I suspect the intentions of people who write tripe like this and those that promote it.
Like I have always said and written here and other places, the NSSF is not the gun owner’s friend unless the owner is a retailer, wholesaler and member of NSSF, if not they couldn’t care less. NSSF is a blatant shill for the BATFE and no friend of most gun owners. ANYONE who cooperates with BATFE is either a fool or a “Kapo” and NSSF management don’t appear to be fools.
Funny how the NSSF talks about 2A rights in one article and then shills for violation of those rights in another.
I was thinking the exact same thing. Kind of like the NRA.
Does this apply to the ATF? There is a ton of history of lying within that organization. Its existence is a lie in of itself. ATF, don’t lie for the usurper, you like violating the constitution.
I have a neighbor who is a convicted felon. His “crime”? Getting caught too many times while driving drunk. So now, he, his wife or his older son who still lives at home with him can’t own a firearm to protect themselves and family? Anyone see anything blatantly WRONG with this besides me? I hope the SHTF soon so we can CRAP CAN all of these moronic “rules” that have been put in place to disarm people and keep them from defending themselves. That is IF they follow the “law”. Sadly to say, the USA is falling fast into the… Read more »
Your “neighbor” has proven himself not responsible enough to possess a firearm according to the State. I don’t see where the State has errored in his case.
And, as Will has pointed out, there is nothing preventing his wife or older son from having a firearm that he has no access to. Actions have consequences.
preaching to the choir. we, law abiding citizens do not and will not engage in “straw” purchases.
it would help reduce their numbers if they would actually prosecute these illegal acts to the fullest extent of the law instead plea bargaining them down or not prosecuting them at all.
minor point, to legally purchase a firearm from an ffl, or in a state that requires it, you must pass a NICS check. face to face sales where allowed do not require that.
Is your middle name COMPROMISE or BOOT LICKER?