Protester disrupts gun show
By Bruce Finley
Denver Post Staff Writer
Jan. 7, 2001 - Firearms dealers came under assault Saturday when an antigun activist tipped tables and broke guns at one of the last major gun shows before Colorado's new background-check law takes effect.
Gun dealers and an off-duty police officer subdued and handcuffed the activist at the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Holiday Inn on Chambers Road and Interstate 70 in Aurora.
Aurora police officer Tom Graham arrested Robin Chan, who apparently disrupted a similar event last spring. Dealers recalled Chan yelled "Guns kill people!" before tipping tables last year.
Crossroads of the West Gun Show coordinator Jeff Templeton confirmed what many participants observed: private sellers are turning out in greater numbers now to sell guns of all kinds before Colorado's background check kicks in March 31.
"There are people here liquidating supplies before the laws change," Templeton said.
The new law approved by Colorado voters in November says unlicensed gun-show dealers must conduct background checks before selling guns.
Many already do. One dealer's phone check with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on Saturday led to the arrest of a man who tried to purchase a weapon but who was wanted in Arapahoe County on a drug crime warrant.
The dealers who don't conduct background checks generally are unlicensed private sellers.
One of those trying to sell guns and ammunition Saturday was the wife of Colorado Springs gun dealer Mike Meienberg, who was sent to federal prison last year for selling more than 140 guns illegally.
A U.S. district judge ordered Meienberg to stay away from gun shows and gun-related businesses after his 37-month sentence. On Saturday, Meienberg's wife, Kathleen, displayed a variety of ammunition and firearms, including handguns and a black plastic assault weapon.
She did not have a license to sell guns, Templeton said. "She is, to my understanding, liquidating (Meienberg's) sporting goods store. This is her third show."
She declined to comment.
Customers turned out in big numbers Saturday, though many said they were unaware of Colorado's new law. Templeton estimated nearly 4,000 people attended Saturday's gun show, and another 2,000 are expected today.
Aside from one man wearing armor and white contact lenses with teeth shaped into fangs and a sword strapped to his back, the crowd appeared mainstream, including babies, tots in strollers and several off-duty policemen.
Many shared Templeton's contention that new gun-control efforts, though well-intentioned, are unlikely to prevent crimes.
"Passing the rules against guns doesn't affect the criminals," he said. "Outlawing guns only criminalizes the masses."
Some compared new gun control to prohibition laws against liquor last century and laws banning some drugs - rules that, rather than stop commerce, force it behind the scenes.
Colorado's law "is a terrible expense to the taxpayer considering what we're getting in return," said Bob Funk, a licensed antique gun dealer targeted by the activist Saturday. He estimated the man caused $1,200 worth of damage to three of his guns.
Copyright 2001 The Denver Post. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
By Bruce Finley
Denver Post Staff Writer
Jan. 7, 2001 - Firearms dealers came under assault Saturday when an antigun activist tipped tables and broke guns at one of the last major gun shows before Colorado's new background-check law takes effect.
Gun dealers and an off-duty police officer subdued and handcuffed the activist at the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Holiday Inn on Chambers Road and Interstate 70 in Aurora.
Aurora police officer Tom Graham arrested Robin Chan, who apparently disrupted a similar event last spring. Dealers recalled Chan yelled "Guns kill people!" before tipping tables last year.
Crossroads of the West Gun Show coordinator Jeff Templeton confirmed what many participants observed: private sellers are turning out in greater numbers now to sell guns of all kinds before Colorado's background check kicks in March 31.
"There are people here liquidating supplies before the laws change," Templeton said.
The new law approved by Colorado voters in November says unlicensed gun-show dealers must conduct background checks before selling guns.
Many already do. One dealer's phone check with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on Saturday led to the arrest of a man who tried to purchase a weapon but who was wanted in Arapahoe County on a drug crime warrant.
The dealers who don't conduct background checks generally are unlicensed private sellers.
One of those trying to sell guns and ammunition Saturday was the wife of Colorado Springs gun dealer Mike Meienberg, who was sent to federal prison last year for selling more than 140 guns illegally.
A U.S. district judge ordered Meienberg to stay away from gun shows and gun-related businesses after his 37-month sentence. On Saturday, Meienberg's wife, Kathleen, displayed a variety of ammunition and firearms, including handguns and a black plastic assault weapon.
She did not have a license to sell guns, Templeton said. "She is, to my understanding, liquidating (Meienberg's) sporting goods store. This is her third show."
She declined to comment.
Customers turned out in big numbers Saturday, though many said they were unaware of Colorado's new law. Templeton estimated nearly 4,000 people attended Saturday's gun show, and another 2,000 are expected today.
Aside from one man wearing armor and white contact lenses with teeth shaped into fangs and a sword strapped to his back, the crowd appeared mainstream, including babies, tots in strollers and several off-duty policemen.
Many shared Templeton's contention that new gun-control efforts, though well-intentioned, are unlikely to prevent crimes.
"Passing the rules against guns doesn't affect the criminals," he said. "Outlawing guns only criminalizes the masses."
Some compared new gun control to prohibition laws against liquor last century and laws banning some drugs - rules that, rather than stop commerce, force it behind the scenes.
Colorado's law "is a terrible expense to the taxpayer considering what we're getting in return," said Bob Funk, a licensed antique gun dealer targeted by the activist Saturday. He estimated the man caused $1,200 worth of damage to three of his guns.
Copyright 2001 The Denver Post. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
