The first crime that could be associated with the publication of an interactive map of gun owners names and addresses by The Journal News of New York took place this weekend when the residence of a gun owner in White Plains was burglarized by thieves whose aim appeared to be the safe where the family’s gun was stored.
According to Todd Starnes at Fox News, the owner of the residence was an elderly man who was not at home at the time of the burglary.
“The police are doing a full investigation,” the unidentified man told NewsDay.
Police believe the burglars were targeting the homeowner’s gun safe.
The crime marks the first incident that could be linked to the list of gunowner names and addresses which were published on the website of The Journal in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on Dec. 14 which renewed the controversy over gun ownership in America. The paper, which is owned Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, has been severely criticized by lawmakers and citizens alike for publishing the list, which could lead criminals to the homes of policemen, prosecutors, judges, and others.
“The Journal News has placed the lives of these folks at risk by creating a virtual shopping list for criminals and nut jobs,” said NY Senator Greg Ball. “If the connection is proven, this is further proof that these maps are not only an invasion of privacy but that they present a clear and present danger to law-abiding, private citizens.”
Ball introduced legislation yesterday to protect the names of New Yorkers who have legally obtained gun permits.
“Former convicts have already testified to the usefulness of the asinine Journal News ‘gun maps’ yet the reckless editors are evidently willing to roll the dice, gambling with the lives of innocent local homeowners,” Ball said.
The Affiliated Police Association of Westchester County has also said that they plan to hold the newspaper accountable for any attacks on the residences of their 25,000 members.
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