The Conspiracy that Never Was… All the Best to All Involved in the Preemption Lawsuits
Many news media outlets and other commentators on the news have claimed that the 4 groups of folks who are trying to enforce the law against local governments that do not follow it are involved in some sort of back-room-cigar-smoking conspiracy to perpetrate a money-grab gift of taxpayer money for special interests.
Many news media outlets have repeated called upon us and US Law Shield of Pennsylvania to comment on the lawsuits and legal strategies of the other preemption lawsuits, we have declined to do so. Quite frankly, we have declined to do so precisely because there is no back-room-cigar-smoking conspiracy.
Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, we (Todd Hoover, John Bruno, Attorney Justin J. McShane, Attorney Michael Giaramita, Jr., anyone at The McShane Firm, LLC, PennLAGO.com, and anyone at US Law Shield or US Law Shield of PA) never contacted the National Rifle Association, Attorney Jonathan Goldstein, Firearms Owners Against Crime, Attorney Joshua Prince, any member of the Pennsylvania House or Senate or their staff, the Governor’s Office and/or the Office of Attorney General.
Shortly after we filed our lawsuit, the NRA through Attorney Jonathan Goldstein quickly followed filing in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Lancaster. Prior to their filing, we had no idea that they were going to sue. After that NRA suit was filed, we sent an email to Attorney Jonathan Goldstein introducing ourselves and wishing him well. Following that, there has been no contact with him. This is not to say that we would not welcome contact, but there has been none outside of this introduction. However, we are very grateful to the NRA for featuring us and our efforts on their great show NRA News: Cam and Company, not once, but twice.
Once after we filed the lawsuit and after we argued for the preliminary injunction:
And again, after the preliminary injunction was issued:
Shortly after the NRA lawsuit, Firearm Owners Against Crime through Attorney Josh Prince sued the City of Harrisburg. Until March 6, there had been no contact with Attorney Josh Prince. Justin McShane simply gave him a call on that day. He emailed Attorney McShane back asking him what he wished to talk about. Attorney McShane told him and invited him to call him at his desire. So, there once again, there has been no back-room-cigar-smoking conspiracy. We do hope he has success as the end result is the end of the illegal gun ordinances.
To be clear and to be blunt, we appreciate all of those who stand to be counted on this issue including Attorney Joshua Prince, Attorney Jonathan Goldstein, Firearms Owners Against Crime, the National Rifle Association, Gregory E. Dunlap who is the Executive Deputy General Counsel for Litigation who is defending the Leach v. Commonwealth case as well as all of the named plaintiffs and members of all of these groups. Although our legal strategies may differ, although our media engagement may differ, although our motivations may differ, we can all agree on one thing: Local municipal ordinances that regulate in any manner the ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth are illegal.
To that end, we wish all of those who believe in the rule of law like Attorney Joshua Prince, Attorney Jonathan Goldstein, Firearms Owners Against Crime, the National Rifle Association, and all of the named plaintiffs and members of all of these groups the very best in their litigation. Let’s all make sure that the government, and not just citizens, follow the law.