Topic: Gun Shows

Darwin Bodeker, owner of Texas Gun Shows, reports that his events at the North Austin Event Center, formerly known as the Crockett Center, have been shut down. The closure occurred after the Austin Police Department and ATF allegedly pressured the property owner, HEB, to terminate the lease agreement. The venue is located on North Lamar Boulevard, a detail noted for its historical naming significance alongside the Crockett name.

Legislators in Tennessee have introduced measures aimed at closing the so-called gun show loophole, which critics argue is a step toward shutting down gun shows entirely. Similar to the Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act, Texas has explored legislation to exempt firearms manufactured within the state from federal regulation. These legislative efforts are framed as a means for states to declare sovereignty and protect Second Amendment rights against federal jurisdiction.

Darwin Bodeker is actively seeking a new venue in or around Austin to resume Texas Gun Shows by the third week of February. A suitable location requires approximately 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of space and significant parking capacity for attendees. Closed grocery stores are identified as ideal candidates for these events due to their layout and existing infrastructure.

Paul Fatta recalls being at a gun and trade show in Austin, Texas, on February 28, 1993, the day the ATF raid began. Upon returning to Waco, he found the perimeter sealed by federal agents and was unable to reach the Mount Carmel property. He describes monitoring the situation via radio, speaking to the media, and eventually being featured on America's Most Wanted.

Alex Jones launches a targeted verbal attack against local official Bruce Elfant, labeling him a "Nazi" and a "traitor." He accuses Elfant of trying to shut down downtown gun shows and criticizes the "ASAP program" related to child services. Jones calls for a mobilization against Elfant, characterizing him as a "wannabe slave master."

Mike Hanson claims the ATF targeted the Branch Davidians to justify their federal funding, using the media to demonize David Koresh as a child molester and cult leader. He asserts that the Davidians were legal gun dealers selling at shows to support their community. Hanson warns that if the government can commit such acts in Waco, they can do the same in Gonzales, linking federal overreach to theories about vaccines and chemtrails.

The Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee is considering several gun control measures, including HB 367 and HB 635. Lawmakers Juan Hinojosa and Ann Kitchen are targeted for their support of these bills, which critics claim will lead to mandatory registration and eventual confiscation.

A witness at the Texas Capitol discusses the availability of firearms in minority neighborhoods and the role of gun shows in the secondary market. The conversation explores whether these sales contribute to street violence or if the guns are primarily stolen.

Katherine Matteson defends the presence of firearms at Mount Carmel, explaining that the group operated a legal gun show business to sustain themselves financially. She compares the Branch Davidians to the American patriots of the Revolutionary War, noting that figures like George Washington were considered traitors by the government of their time. She argues that the United States was built on gun culture and that the government now uses economic pressure to suppress dissent.

The speaker references a documentary by the Gun Owners of America titled "BATF: Breaking the Law in the Name of the Law." He shares stories of everyday gun owners allegedly terrorized or killed by the ATF, including a woman in St. Louis. Thibodeau compares these actions to Nazi Germany and calls for the public to hold law enforcement accountable.

A former resident explains that the Branch Davidians were not "riffraff," noting the group included Harvard graduates and UN linguists. She claims that most of their firearms had been moved to a gun show for sale prior to the raid and that David Koresh had previously invited the ATF to inspect their inventory, an offer she says the agency declined.

The segment clarifies that the Branch Davidians held a license for their firearms and were involved in the legal gun show circuit for income. It highlights the diverse professional backgrounds of the members, including a Harvard Law graduate, a UN linguist, and social workers from England.

Paul Fatta describes serving over 12 years in prison on conspiracy charges despite being 100 miles away in Austin during the initial raid. He characterizes his prosecution as a "political trial" where the government sought a "pound of flesh" from the survivors to avoid taking responsibility for the tragedy.

Following his argument with a federal agent, Alex Jones discusses the suppression of evidence, specifically the "missing" right-side front door of the Mount Carmel center which allegedly showed incoming bullet holes. He reiterates that the Branch Davidians were in the legal gun business and that the weapons displayed by the government during Senate hearings were not actually from the fire.

Madison shares her vision for individual housing at Mount Carmel and explains that the large building was necessary to accommodate the 100+ people living there. She defends the presence of firearms by noting the community was in the gun show business to remain financially independent. She compares the Branch Davidians to the American patriots of the Revolution who were also considered traitors by their government.

The discussion clarifies that two Mount Carmel residents made their living legally selling firearms at gun shows and were registered dealers. It is claimed that 90% of the Davidians' legal firearms were away at a show in Austin during the ATF raid. Furthermore, allegations are raised that some ATF agents were killed by "friendly fire" from military-grade armament that the Davidians did not possess, a fact reportedly omitted from mainstream coverage.

The discussion focuses on Paul Fatta, a Branch Davidian who served over 12 years in prison despite being 100 miles away at a gun show in Austin during the initial ATF raid. Fatta explains that he was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture automatic weapons and aiding and abetting the murder of federal agents. He characterizes his prosecution as a "political trial" where the government sought a "pound of flesh" to deflect from its own mistakes.

A witness explains that the Branch Davidians operated a legal gun business to generate income for the community. David Koresh and other members sold firearms at Texas gun shows under a license held by an associate named Henry. The group also sold military surplus items, including MREs and inert grenades marketed as paperweights, asserting their activities were common among American gun enthusiasts.

The narrative disputes the government's claim that the Davidians were stockpiling illegal weapons, asserting that most firearms had been taken to a gun show by Paul Fanning and his son. Residents of Mount Carmel are described not as "riffraff," but as highly educated individuals, including a Harvard graduate and a linguist who worked for the United Nations and the Canadian government. The segment argues that Koresh had invited authorities to inspect their legal firearms prior to the raid.

Paul Fanning discusses his 12-year prison sentence for conspiracy and weapons charges despite being 100 miles away at a gun show in Austin during the initial attack. He characterizes his prosecution as a "political trial" where the government sought a "pound of flesh" from the survivors. The segment notes that eleven Davidians remain in prison, facing long sentences and significant financial penalties imposed by the government.