Did the RCMP learn anything from the aftermath of the High River gun grab in Alberta? If the activity of the official BC RCMP Twitter account is anything to go by, then no.

During the most recent round of gun amnesty the BC RCMP tweeted:

“Even registered firearms pose a risk, to you as the owner and the public. Turn it in to prevent the trace back to you. #bcgunamnesty”.

The caption reads “You wouldn’t want your gun used in a crime would you?”

This tweet should have all legal, responsible gun owners concerned with the insinuation that legal firearms owners in BC are somehow responsible for the crimes of criminals who use illegal handguns.

This amounts to fear mongering and doesn’t solve the problem of illegal guns on our streets.

When challenged on this point, one officer suggested perhaps the RCMP should up the ante and maybe close gun shops because of the risk that criminals will rob one and steal the guns.

Isn’t that like asking law abiding citizens to turn in their cars or for auto dealerships to close, because their cars might get stolen by criminals and then used in a crime?

I gave the RCMP a chance to clarify and provide an explanation to legal, responsible firearms users but was told that they would withhold media comment until the conclusion of the amnesty program at the end of the month.

Rest assured, I’ll bring this up when that day comes sometime next month.