Army National Guard 1st Lt. Augustine Kim, who served two tours in Afghanistan and is preparing to deploy to Kosovo, had his personal firearms collection seized by the city two years ago as he stopped for a doctor’s appointment while traveling in full compliance with federal law. Though all charges against him were eventually dropped, the city refuses to return his property to him in South Carolina. The case is putting D.C.’s anti-gun policies in the national spotlight.
South Carolina’s congressional delegation is up in arms. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a gun owner and hunter, fired off a letter to Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier on Thursday, saying that he would, “strongly encourage you to return the firearms to Lt. Kim’s possession as soon as possible.”
Mr. Graham, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, hand wrote in all capital letters at the bottom: “PLEASE LET US KNOW SOON!” He also spoke to the police chief by phone Thursday. Fellow Palmetto State Sen. Jim DeMint had his staff confer with the lieutenant by phone on Thursday night.
Rep. Tim Scott is also fighting for his injured vet constituent. “Lt. Kim has and continues to serve our country with honor, and it is unfortunate he has been forced into this situation,” the freshman Republican told The Washington Times. “My staff and I will continue drilling to the core of this matter, and I am hopeful for a quick resolution before the lieutenant leaves to serve our nation once again this summer.” CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE STORY.
CLICK TO READ PART 3 OF THE STORY: Soldier Gets His Guns
“Emily Gets Her Gun” is an award-winning series following senior editor Emily Miller as she tries to legally get her hands on a gun in the nation’s capital. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.
