Brew City Shooter Supply, previously known as Badger Guns and Badger Outdoors[2] is a gun shop in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just outside Milwaukee. The business has been investigated for alleged "straw purchase" sales of firearms and ammunition that brought it attention from the media and the U.S. BATF. In 2015, the firm was ordered to pay nearly $6 million to two police officers for having illegally sold a gun.
 | |
| Formerly | Badger Guns or Badger Outdoors |
|---|---|
| Industry | Firearms |
| Founded | January 2012 in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States[1] |
| Website | brewcityshooterssupply |
Controversy
editStraw purchase
editThe shop has been involved with several controversies regarding the straw purchase of guns[3] and the number of guns sold by the shop that have been used in crimes.[4][5] The shop has had its license to sell firearms revoked.[6] To stay open legal ownership of shop has changed hands several times within the relatives and friends of the original owner.[7]
In 2010, the Brady Center named the store the #1 seller of crime guns in the nation, based on an ATF statement.[8][9]
Law enforcement lawsuit
editAllegedly related, but separate from the straw purchase incidents, lawsuits have been filled by several members of the Milwaukee law enforcement community against Badger Guns because firearms purchased from the store were used to shoot officers in the course of their duties.[10] On October 14, 2015, the store was ordered to pay almost $6 million to two police officers who were shot in the line of duty in 2009.[11] The lawsuit is the second case of its type since the passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, and the only case to result in any damages.[12] The law generally protects firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable when crimes have been committed with their products. However, both manufacturers and dealers can still be held liable for negligence when they have reason to know a gun is intended for use in a crime.
Business operations
editIn 2011 the shop ceased to sell guns, but continued to sell ammunition and gun accessories.[13][14] The shop continued to operate a shooting range.[15]
In 2012 Mike Allan, a former employee of Badger Guns and the brother of original owner Adam Allan, obtained federal firearms licenses and changed the business name to Brew City Shooter Supply. The store now only sells to members who have taken a class, have a concealed carry permit, and/or demonstrate firearms competency along with paying an annual fee. The current owner announced that the intention of these requirements is to prevent straw purchases that caused problems previously.[16]
External links
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Firearms Training | Gun Safety | Milwaukee, WI". Archived from the original on 2016-03-18. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
- ^ "Badger Guns has new name, new owner". todaystmj4. Archived from the original on January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "A Gun Store Comes Under Fire Milwaukee Shop Faces Lawsuits Alleging Lax Handling of Its Firearms Sales". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "Study Finds Federal Amendments Increased Gun Sales Diverted to Criminals Number of Guns Purchased at Milwaukee Dealer and Subsequently Diverted to Criminals Triples Following Adoption of Tiahrt Amendments". Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "With Weaker Laws, More Guns Are Being Sold to Criminals". Live Science. 11 January 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ Diedrich, John (Nov 3, 2011). "Badger Guns license revoked, not surrendered". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "Brother of Badger Guns owner files to take over operation". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ Webster, D.W.; Vernick, J.S.; Bloomberg, M.R. (2013). Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 9781421411118. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
- ^ "WOUNDED POLICE OFFICERS FILE SUIT AGAINST "NO. 1 CRIME GUN DEALER IN AMERICA". - States News Service | HighBeam Research". highbeam.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
- ^ Pathieu, Jay Sorgi, Diane. "Injured Milwaukee Police Officers Join Badger Guns Lawsuit". todaystmj4.com/. Archived from the original on July 23, 2013. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
- ^ Ortiz, Erik (13 October 2015). "Badger Guns Found Liable for Negligence in Milwaukee Police Shooting". NBC News. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
- ^ John Diedrich. "Wiped Clean - A Journal Sentinel Watchdog Update - Jury finds for wounded officers in Badger Guns lawsuit". jsonline.com.
- ^ "Badger Guns has new name, new owner". MSNBC. Retrieved January 11, 2012.[dead link]
- ^ "Badger Guns stops selling guns". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "Firearm sale ban at Badger Guns doesn't affect shooting range". Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "Badger Guns' owner's brother ready to take over store". JS Online. Retrieved August 20, 2012.