the duplicity of the “gun controllers” is exceeded by precious few things
Remember?
The Washington Post columnist known for advocating for stringent gun control laws who subsequently shot an intruder at his home.
Carl Rowan.
The incident occurred in June 1988, when Rowan shot an unarmed teenager, Ben Neal Smith, who had been swimming with friends in Rowan’s backyard pool in Washington, D.C., late at night. Rowan stated he feared for his life and that the young man “lunged” at him after being warned to stop; the victim disputed this account.
The incident sparked a significant controversy and accusations of hypocrisy from gun rights advocates, particularly the National Rifle Association (NRA), because: Rowan had a public record of writing columns that favored strict gun control measures, such as handgun registration and background checks.
The handgun he used in the incident was reportedly unregistered, a violation of Washington D.C.’s tough gun control laws at the time.
Rowan defended his actions in a subsequent column, arguing there was no inconsistency between supporting gun control laws and defending one’s family when faced with a perceived threat in a society with widespread violent crime.
He was ultimately charged with a misdemeanor for possessing an unregistered firearm, but the charges were later dismissed.