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* Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy testifying to a House committee last week about state gun laws…
“I have not seen an illegal gun offender who possesses a FOID card. It just doesn’t happen. The gang members are criminals. They’re not eligible to receive those cards… I have no concern with legal guns. I have a great concern with illegal guns.”
Superintendent McCarthy’s comments start at the 2:01:44 mark.
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:22 pm
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Take it one step further… he will never see an illegal gun offender who gets a concealed carry permit either.
Comment by Dazed & Confused Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:29 pm
The NIU shooter from 2008 had a valid FOID Card…be careful with absolutes
Comment by MOD Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:35 pm
You should see the whole thing….. Here’s a great quote “If there was a special interest influencing police work, I believe that would be called corruption,” McCarthy said. “So, if it has to do with donating money, versus a popular vote, I think we have a bigger problem in this country and someone has to wake up to that.” So speaking your mind, arguing for your right,( NRA $ spent for 2nd amend rights) etc. is corruption?
Comment by free Gary Forby Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:48 pm
The strict gun laws do nothing more than punish the law abiding gun owners. Here is another NewsFLASH: The Gangs will still get them!!!
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:48 pm
I wish he and the mayor would act on that belief, and quit targeting the law abiding gun owner. Ain’t going to happen though. It would mean telling the truth to a lot of folks who don’t want to hear it. For instance, the citizens on the south and west sides of Chicago could end gun violence in about a month if they would renounce the code of silence, and begin giving the names of the shooters to the police. Imagine if there were a child killer terrorizing Downers Grove and the citizens refused to help police find him, but that happens every day in poor Chicago neighborhoods. Politically it easier to for Father Pfleger to blame a Riverdale gun shop for the violence than to confront his own parishioners, ditto the mayor, ditto Gary McCarthy.
Comment by wishbone Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:50 pm
===to blame a Riverdale gun shop for the violence than to confront his own parishioners===
I seriously doubt he has all that many bangers in the pews every Sunday morning.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 3:54 pm
If the point is that people ineligible for FOID will still get weapons, then the conversation needs to shift to where they are getting them from and how they are acquiring them. Addressing those issues would leave the legal gun owner alone and go after the source of the problem in Chicago.
But that means tracking who buys weapons and holding everyone who buys a gun accountable for where they are going, which has been declared (ad nauseum) to be the first step towards confiscation (despite no one pushing for such a plan).
You can either address illegal guns or you can push for maximum freedom in possessing and transferring weapons among law abiding people. But you can’t have both, and decades of pretending otherwise have put us into this position.
Comment by Colossus Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:02 pm
The Police Superintendent does not seem to be reading from the Mayor’s approved script there.
Comment by titan Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:21 pm
That is a big change from what he has said as recently as last week. Not sure McCarthy is trustworthy at all here. Seems to be changing with the wind. He also says he has enough police then pays overtime to 400 police officers a day to work on their days off. Someone like McCarthy who is willing to say anything is very dishonest.
Comment by Fed up Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:27 pm
Colossus,
Incorrect on confiscation, currently California, New York, and Missouri are trying it right now. You’re argument therefore is/has been proven incorrect.
Also, confiscation was ordered by Ray Nagin, Mayor of New Orleans in 2005 during hurricane Katrina.
Recent past and current confiscation examples by Government, our government.
Comment by Rebel13 Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:29 pm
“I seriously doubt he has all that many bangers in the pews every Sunday morning.”
Of course not Rich, but my point is that the code of silence infects the entire community. The shooters are always someone’s brother, son or cousin, and protecting them seems to take precedence over stopping the violence. It is partly a result of the over incarceration of the African-American community caused by our insane war on drugs. The refusal of black leadership to take on this issue is to me their single greatest failing.
Comment by wishbone Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:34 pm
@wishbone
Why would you want to cooperate with an agency, the Chicago Police Department, that in your neighborhoods has committed gross violations of civil rights for decades? Just Jon Burge being locked up doesn’t solve deep-rooted problems caused by people like him, particularly when the police department goes through great lengths to admit nothing and deny everything (also see Anthony Abbate and Special Operations Section).
And McCarthy’s concern with illegal guns is spot on. New York Times:
And people want to fight a potential straw purchasing law, why?
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:47 pm
“I have not seen an illegal gun offender who possesses a FOID card. It just doesn’t happen. ”
Sounds like a way for the state to find a few million $ to put toward the backlog of bills - eliminate the FOID card. But then we had this discussion last week.
Comment by Leave a Light on George Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:54 pm
Reb,
New York is confiscating guns now?
What kind of guns?
Tell us more.
Comment by Jasper Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 4:59 pm
So, Rebel, what’s your recommendation on stopping the flow of illegal guns to criminals? Here’s a tip: We’re closing prisons because we can’t afford them so harsher sentences aren’t an option. However, we do have an existing regulatory system, in place for nearly a century, that has proven to be shockingly effective at tracking classes of weapons through generations of owners to prevent them from being used in crimes. I see no reason to reinvent the wheel, but please, clarify your solution for me.
Again, your slippery slope is higher than Mt. Ranier.
Comment by Colossus Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:03 pm
Wishbone
I don’t know where you live, but I’m guessing its not the West or South side of Chicago. Before judging the residents in these areas re “code of silence” it might be good to remember these two facts: 1) a vast majority of the residents in areas with high levels of gun violence want fewer guns in their communities, strongly support more gun laws, strongly oppose concealed carry, and could care less what Chicago/Illinois residents (esp Judge Posner) think on these issues, because, frankly, many of us simply don’t have to deal with the issues they’re confronted with; 2) the code of silence exists because those who are in a position to enforce it have easy access to guns and this will not change if concealed carry becomes law in Illinois.
Comment by B Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:05 pm
Why can’t the NRA support this message?
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:25 pm
@ B-Monday - Of course you want less guns as that is what is killing the people, but. Will they revert to some other weapon, such as a baseball bat, a hammer, their hand and feet? Of course they will. And another but, they are breaking the laws to get these guns. So the rest of the county, state and country should follow the rules that you think will stop this?
Conceal and Carry people (lawful) are not the problem. You have the problem already and have had for years. If anything, conceal and carry could help. Look at the other 49 states. lets say 46 as three of the states are too restrictive. Your telling me that if the bad guy thinks a potential victim is carry that won’t make them think twice?
As far as the code of silence, I have no sympathy. If the victim wants to deal with it on their own, then so be it. I personally think a crime needs to be reported, but if it so engrained into the culture, how in the heck are the police supposed to deal with it?
Comment by Fan Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:25 pm
Fan,
Are you aware of a lot of drive by battings?
Comment by Jasper Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:30 pm
Fan,
Do you think gang members are stopped by the thought that the other gang member might be armed?
Or is it more likely that they decide to just shoot first before opposing party has a chance to draw the gun?
Thinking that the other guy might have a gun is not going to prevent anybody from opening fire. To the contrary, it might cause them to fire.
Comment by Jasper Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:32 pm
Since you are unable to look for yourselves, I shall answer in order.
Jasper,
NY wants to confiscate “assault weapons” and all magazines over 10 rounds. This was even tried to be kept secret form the general public by as reported by their videos of government sessions. Also, backed and proposed by Gov Cuomo.
Next,
Colossus, you said and I quote from above to refresh your memory
“Which has been declared(ad nauseum) to. E the first step towards confiscation( despite no one pushing for such a plan)
If this wasn’t what you meant, please rephrase. You want an answer? How about we enforce the existing laws now? Instead you want to create new ones? What next then when we refuse to enforce those? Even more?
Under the current administration, weapons violations are down 40%. 40%! It is claimed they can’t afford to prosecute so then we might as well get rid of all these laws if we won’t bother to prosecute!
Oh wait, I guess the answer is to pass new laws because the people who aren’t criminals are the only ones who will follow the law.
Comment by Rebel13 Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:34 pm
===I personally think a crime needs to be reported, but if it so engrained into the culture, how in the heck are the police supposed to deal with it?===
Every gun used illegally in Chicago was, at some point, sold legally to someone. A tiny fraction, at best, were legitimately stolen or lost. The overwhelming majority of illegal firearms in Chicago were purchased legally and then transferred or sold illegally.
Is there any measure law-abiding gun owners would support to limit this? Any ideas would be welcome. Anything at all that would help identify where the breakdown is occurring and put in place a way to stop illegal gun sales or punish the offenders would be a pleasant and welcome debate.
The fact is, it’s the legal gun owners who should care most about this. Some of you are giving the rest of you a very bad name. Those few gun owners who sell illegally are the reason so much bad legislation is written that adds to the burdens of responsible, law abiding gun owners.
We could really use your help and your ideas.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 5:38 pm
Of course not Rich, but my point is that the code of silence infects the entire community.
==================================================
If you lived in one of those communities you would understand why people keep their mouths shut. The police cannot protect the people in Chicago from retaliation and only ex-mayors and some aldermen are granted 24 hour seven day a week tax payer provided body guard protection.
The mayor, police superintendent, alderman, and the politicians in Washington are only concerned with their own jobs and it shows. Concerned about the next personal campaign fund raiser and who’s on the donor list.
Over Obama’s entire first term what did Chicago have…about 1,500 homicides? Not until someone high enough on the campaign donor list’s child was whacked did we see this outcry about the killings in Chicago. Heart bleeding stories about the poor kid that had a future. What about the other 1,500. What about the man that just graduated with a bachelors in criminal justice last week shot in the head? Didn’t he have a future? Wasn’t he going to be something? No visits from Rahm for him. No visits from Obama or outrage.
Nope! The media can’t get enough mileage out of them because using “the children” is a much better tool to run a political agenda with.
They don’t care about the homicides. They care only how the homicides may effect their personal careers.
I don’t blame anyone in the hood for keeping their mouths shut if it means their survival. After all look at all the role models in Chicago politics and the CPD itself that honors the Code of Silence.
You rat someone out and you’re own brah’s will turn against you. In Chicago it’s 100,000 gang members against 10,000 cops.
Comment by oz Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 6:01 pm
Colussus
maybe I’m missing something, but what are referencing with “However, we do have an existing regulatory system, in place for nearly a century, that has proven to be shockingly effective at tracking classes of weapons through generations of owners to prevent them from being used in crimes.”
Comment by mcb Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 6:13 pm
Jasper,
“Thinking that the other guy might have a gun is not going to prevent anybody from opening fire. To the contrary, it might cause them to fire.” Then why aren’t more of the thousands of armed criminals who are arrested every day shooting at the police? And the point isn’t whether or not gangbangers shoot at other gangbangers, because those aren’t the guys who can get foids, as per McCarthy, thus they also aren’t getting concealled carry permits. It’s about the ordinary citizens targetted by criminals who would be able to defend themselves. Why is that every anti-gun person seems to only be able to see guns being used by criminals to commit crimes. Concealled carry isn’t about the other guy having a gun, it’s about YOU having a gun.
Comment by mcb Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 6:19 pm
maybe down staters should stop buying the cpd confisicated fire arms they sell here you can never sell them because they been used in crime or they have the serial numbers filed off
Comment by county chairman Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 7:08 pm
Obviously, the biggest issue regarding guns in our state are the seemingly law-abiding citizens who purchase guns and re-sell them to drug-dealing gangsters for big profits.,
No wait, its civil rights.
I’m sure the NRA and ISRA will be all over this problem, once they ensure you can stick a loaded gun down your pants and pile onto a crowded el train and bang against fellow passengers all the
way to work. Because that’s a civil right, too.
And on the eve of House consideration of gun laws, anyone who cares to can check out the usual suspects on Facebook and find them comparing Supt. McCarthy to Bull Connor.
If you don’t know who Bull Connor is, look him up. The short story is that is he was an admitted member of the Ku Klux Klan and Birmingham police chief.
Anyone put a firehose on you lately for trying to get a cup of coffee? Lot of attack dogs coming your way lately for trying to get a burger at Woolworths?
Disgraceful.
If you don’t like McCarthy, maybe we should adopt New York or LA rules to combat gun violence. They seem to be working.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 8:20 pm
Good for him, for telling the truth ! How many Law Makers from Chicago have friends or family that are the law breakers ! Think about it ! Gun Laws only harm the ones who follow the law !
Comment by Old Guard Monday, Feb 25, 13 @ 9:01 pm
Heres an idea. Don’t ban any weapons. Simply require a gun to be registered to the person at purchase. Require the buyes to have a background check. If the gun is ever sold, or if it’s stolen, it must be reported immediately. If its sold person to person, the buyer must also receive a background check. As part of the purchase, the registration of that gun goes to the buyer. If a sale takes place without a background check, the seller will be violating the law and subject to penalty. If the registration isn’t transferred, and the gun is used in a crime, the seller is lies possible for any crime committed with that gun. If the gun is stolen, and not reported, any crime committed with that gun is the responsibility of the owner. Simple.
These simple tracking measures will prevent us from having to ban, or take away, and weapons. It will, however, introduce the needed responsibility into the right that people so vehemently defend. If the same actions are required to purchase or sell a car, why shouldn’t they be applied to guns? These steps would safeguard a law abiding citizens the right to bear arms, would prevent criminals from purchasing guns legally, and would make straw buyers for the murders committed with the guns they buy and dump into chicagos ost violent neighborhoods.
What is the real argument against this approach?
Comment by Anom Tuesday, Feb 26, 13 @ 8:06 am
The problem is Chicago wants to be politically correct rather than protect people. If they would institute rules like stop and frisk and train police officers to recognize when someone looks like they are carrying a gun, they would get a lot of the illegal guns off the streets. It has been upheld in the courts. The problem is most of the people who get stopped are minorities. But I am sorry, most of the kids dying are not white upper middle class kids. Any reasonably intelligent person can walk down the street and recognize more times than not who has a gun. For felons it is a felony to posses one. Get over your PC and get the guns.
Comment by the Patriot Tuesday, Feb 26, 13 @ 8:13 am
PAtriot, thats a horrible idea. There are law abiding people in poor neighborhoods who should not have their dignity further diminished from unwarranted frisks. A person isnt guilty because that person is black. Your post is the very essence of racial profiling. Its the wrong approach.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Feb 26, 13 @ 8:57 am
McB: How many machine gun or rocket launcher crimes do you hear about? How about grenade launchers?
Rebel: I direct you to 47th Ward’s post immediately following yours. I could not have said it better myself:
“Every gun used illegally in Chicago was, at some point, sold legally to someone. A tiny fraction, at best, were legitimately stolen or lost. The overwhelming majority of illegal firearms in Chicago were purchased legally and then transferred or sold illegally.
‘Is there any measure law-abiding gun owners would support to limit this? Any ideas would be welcome. Anything at all that would help identify where the breakdown is occurring and put in place a way to stop illegal gun sales or punish the offenders would be a pleasant and welcome debate.
‘The fact is, it’s the legal gun owners who should care most about this. Some of you are giving the rest of you a very bad name. Those few gun owners who sell illegally are the reason so much bad legislation is written that adds to the burdens of responsible, law abiding gun owners.
‘We could really use your help and your ideas.”
Comment by Colossus Tuesday, Feb 26, 13 @ 9:23 am