ATF Asks the Public to Refrain from Senseless Celebratory Gun Fire

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Stephen C. Herkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) San Francisco Field Division, is welcoming the New Year by asking the public not to engage in celebratory gun fire and asking everyone to celebrate the arrival of the New Year responsibly and safely.

"It's Newton's basic law of gravity, 'what goes up must come down,' and if it is a bullet, it could easily kill an innocent person," said SAC Herkins.  "Too often we hear about it in the news the next day that someone's child, parent, spouse, or friend was tragically killed by someone who irresponsibly and illegally chose to shoot a gun into the air."

It is a violation of the California Penal Code and Nevada Revised Statute to recklessly and unlawfully discharge a firearm, and if the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm, it is also a federal violation.  The maximum sentence for the federal crime is 10 years in prison.  ATF is the agency charged with the jurisdiction to remove guns from those individuals who possess them illegally.

ATF will continue to provide our expertise to our state and local partners by tracing any firearm that was illegally used during New Year's celebrations.

ATF is urging the public to contact local law enforcement immediately if you observe anyone shooting a gun into the air, or to call ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) if you know someone who possesses a firearm illegally.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Helen Dunkel, Special Agent, PIO
Office: (925) 557-2815
Cell: (925) 202-8135 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives