The BATFE's answer (such as it is)

November 7, 10:29 AMSt. Louis Gun Rights ExaminerKurt Hofmann

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     AP photo/Tina Fineberg

Almost a month ago, I pointed out that Mayor Bloomberg's gun show "sting" operation may itself have broken federal gun trafficking laws.

According to the commentary on the video, what we're seeing here is an "apparent straw purchase."  But what, I wonder, is the difference between an "apparent straw purchase," and a real one?  Was the paperwork filled out by someone other than the actual buyer, or not?  If it wasn't, then there was no straw purchase.  If there was no straw purchase, there could not have been a staw sale, and thus no criminal wrongdoing on the part of the dealer.

If, on the other hand, it was a straw sale, then Bloomberg's "investigators" made a straw purchase--it takes two to tango, after all.  That would make Bloomberg the head conspirator in a conspiracy to commit a federal felony (multiple federal felonies, it would seem).

At the time, I urged readers to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) to inquire as to whether or not Mayor Bloomberg's "investigation" was itself being investigated for possible  criminal activity, and to request that such an investigation be initiated.  Here is my own email to that effect.

Hello:

I see that your agency may take action against gun show vendors who appear to have broken federal gun trafficking laws at gun shows.

It seems to me, though, that Mayor Bloomberg's operation may itself have involved some federal felonies.  This video, for example, shows a dealer apparently conducting a straw sale.  There cannot, however, be a straw sale, without a straw purchase.  Since Mayor Bloomberg's operation was conducted in places in which those involved had no jurisdiction or law enforcement authority, that would be a federal felony.

I know you have investigated Mayor Bloomberg before, for similar possible violations, although the investigation apparently did not turn up anything actionable.

As an American and a law-abiding gun owner, I would be outraged that a man who portrays himself as a leader against gun trafficking is himself the head of a conspiracy to break federal trafficking laws.  I urge you to look into this disturbing possibility, to leave no stone unturned, and to prosecute any illegal actions on the part of Mayor Bloomberg to the fullest extent of the law.

Thank you,
Kurt Hofmann

Yesterday, I received a response, of sorts:

Thank you for your e-mail inquiry to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

We are sorry for the delay in responding.  Please go to the following link for ATF response to Mayor Bloomberg’s operation:  http://www.atf.gov/press/2009press/100909atf_response-to-gun-show-undercover.htm

ATF Public Affairs Division

Unfortunately, following the link does very little to answer the question.

ATF Response to the City of New York’s Report “Gun Show Undercover: Report on Illegal Sales at Gun Shows”

The following statement is from W. Larry Ford, ATF Assistant Director, Office of Public and Government Affairs:

“ATF has received the “Report on Illegal Sales at Gun Shows” by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and is reviewing it along with the Department of Justice. ATF did not participate in the operations conducted at the gun shows highlighted in the report, but will assess the need to initiate any criminal investigations.”

Keep in mind that we already knew that the BATFE was considering criminal investigation--of the dealers.  What I asked was whether or not any consideration was being given to investigating Bloomberg and his henchmen.  That question remains unanswered.