Photo on Facebook Of Child Holding a Rifle Leads To Home Raid
March 22, 2013 7:20 AM 
Note to self, Do not post a picture of my son playing with any of his toy guns. Who would think this harmless photo on Facebook would lead New Jersey police and the Dept. of Children and Families officials to raid their home? Shawn Moore is a firearms instructor and the father of the boy who is seen in the photo. This lead someone to call family services.
Authorities then demanded to see his guns, his gun safe, and according to the family attorney, they even threatened to take his kids.
The story was first reported by The Blaze.
“The department has a child abuse hotline for the state of New Jersey and anybody can make a call to that hotline,” spokesperson Kristen Brown said. “We are required to follow up on every single allegation that comes into the central registry.”
The story went on to say,
Moore first posted a comment about the incident on a gun rights website and within days was appearing with his son, Josh, on a Fox News talk show and elsewhere. Moore said that the weapon was a .22-caliber rifle made to look like an assault rifle and that it was a gift for Josh’s upcoming 11th birthday.
In a statement, Carney Point Police Chief Robert DiGregorio and Mayor Richard Gatanis said officers went to the family’s home at about 8:15 p.m. Friday after getting anonymous tips that a boy there might have access to weapons and ammunition.
Do you think a gun is an unusual gift to give an 11 year old child? Do you think authorities over-reacted? Please comment, Thanks.
Leave a Comment