By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2022
The California Department of Justice (Oxymoron) recently launched its new “2022 Firearms Dashboard Portal” as part of its Gun Violence Reduction Program. The new site was supposed to, among many things, give citizens information on obtaining a concealed weapons license, and provide transparency between law enforcement and the public. Apparently, someone at the DOJ was confused about the definition of transparency because the website released the personal information of all concealed weapons holders in the state. Thousands of license holders had their personal information released including victims of Domestic Violence, 244 Judges, and 420 Reserve Law Enforcement Officers.
The leaked information included the person’s full name, race, home address, date of birth, and the date that their CCW permit was issued. The data also distinguished the type of permit issued, if a permit holder was a member of law enforcement or a judge, as well as the state dealer record of sales data, which showed the California “assault weapons” registry.
During the rollout of the dashboard, Bonta released this statement:
“Transparency is key to increasing public trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve…. As news of tragic mass shootings continues to dominate the news cycle, leaving many with feelings of fear and uncertainty, we must do everything we can to prevent gun violence. One of my continued priorities is to better provide the information needed to help advance efforts that strengthen California’s commonsense gun laws. Today’s announcement puts power and information into the hands of our communities by helping them better understand the role and potential dangers of firearms within our state.”
Of course, DOJ officials claim the data release was a “mistake.” I’m sure it’s not part of the never-ending demonization of gun owners. I know that Gunpowder readers are not stupid enough to believe that excuse. If you are, I have some prime land down here in Florida to sell you. Before I would believe anything that came from D.C. or Sacramento, I would believe an email from an exiled Nigerian Prince requesting my banking information so he can send me $10 Million dollars!
In the wake of the “transparency” news, the California Attorney General Rob Bonta ignored the data leak and promptly blamed President Trump for the increase in attacks on Asians in the state. I know folks, my head hurts also. Bonta forgot to mention that many of the arrestees of Asian hate crimes have already been released and charges dropped by Bonta’s office.
We’ll keep Gunpowder readers updated on the lawsuits being filed as I write this.
That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Firearms and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected]