A suburban New York newspaper, Journal News became a target of verbal anger when they published online locations of residents possessing pistol permits in late December in the Tri-State New York area, and then planned to publish more identities of residents holding gun-permit a few days ago decided last night to post a section of questions and answers in an attempt to justify its reporting.
Their reporting created an outrage among gun owners across the country and viewed publishing those names as an invasion of privacy and opened up safety concerns for those being exposed online.
In a backlash, a blogger posted a map indicating the addresses of all Journal News Employees in the New York Tri-State area to show the Journal News that it isn't funny about posting such private information of legal gun owners on-line.
The Journal became so concerned for its own safety with the phone calls and emails they received, that they hired armed security guards for its building.
The Blaze reported that Journal News Rockland Editor Caryn A. McBride said she was genuinely surprised to discover that publishing a map with the names and addresses of gun owners would result in “negative correspondence.” According to the police, no calls or emails were considered threatening.
In an attempt to cover their actions in their reporting, one of the questions posted stated, “What should I do if I believe my name is listed in error?”
Their answer, “Contact your county clerk’s office.”
Those who have posted in response to the question and answer section were less enthused of the news site attempt to cover their actions. The Journal's attempt to justify the reporting seems to have backfired.
Chris Fowler wrote, “Do you realize that your list includes former police, FBI agents, judges, and so on? This ridiculous list is making it much easier for criminals to find the former officer, judge, or whoever that put them behind bars. I also think it is ironic that being so anti gun, you now have armed guards at your office. Shouldn't you just do the liberal thing, and talk whatever bad guy out of attacking you?”
Another poster, Jerry Shanahan commented by saying, “Maybe you should have had this sort of intelligent discussion BEFORE you went ahead? Your editor keeps claiming that this information is "IMPORTANT" in light of Sandy Hook, however, she has never expanded on that statement. Why do you think it's important, what did you think you would accomplish, did you expect such a backlash, do you still believe the list has any benefit, Who's idea was it and who approved it.........just because something is legal does not make it right and legality of an action is not a defense to harm it may cause others.”
“PS, I cancelled my subscription and I'm not on the list. I own shotguns and rifles but no pistols.”
The Journal intentionally published the locations of those owning firearm permits shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, CT.
The Journal News has not responded as of today to the comments on their site.
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