Latest news with #firearmtraining
News.com.au
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Sydney Sweeney shooting video resurfaces amid ad campaign controversy
Turns out Sydney Sweeney doesn't just have 'good jeans', she has great aim too. Just one week after copping backlash for her racy new ad campaign with American Eagle, which has been widely panned on social media as 'Nazi propaganda', the actress has gone viral again after a video of her from 2019 resurfaced online. In a new clip doing the rounds on X over the weekend, the 27-year-old looked like a pro while wearing earmuffs and expertly firing off rounds during a visit to the Taran Tactical Innovations Practice facility in Simi Valley, California – a firearm training and accessories company founded by Hollywood tactical weapons trainer Taran Butler. 'Training for my next project with @tarantactical,' the actress captioned the post at the time. Sweeney shared two videos of herself at the gun range where she could be seen shooting at metal targets as her friends and Butler looked on. 'For your first day that's pretty good,' the weapons expert told her on camera. And the internet had more praise for her too. 'Sydney Sweeney has insane handgun skills,' one tweeted on X, as another commented, 'She's also a total at the firing range, unloading 17 rounds in just 9 seconds.' 'This just went way beyond jeans,' another said, referring to the controversial denim ad. 'Ladies, we have a new hero. I could not love her more.' Indeed, the six-year-old video was recirculated days after some fans slammed the star for being the face of American Eagle's new campaign under the tagline, 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' with a pun about her genes. In one of the ads, the Anyone But You star, dressed in full denim, walked towards an American Eagle billboard and painted over it. The word 'Genes' was crossed out with a white line to be corrected to 'Jeans.' In another one of the campaign videos, she could be seen buttoning and zipping up her jeans while lying down. A voiceover features Sweeney talking about how genes often determine traits such as hair colour, personality and eye colour. 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue,' she says. After the widespread backlash on all social media platforms calling put the campaign for supposedly promoting 'white supremacy', American Eagle released a statement in defence of the star. ''Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her Jeans. Her Story,' the company released in a statement on Friday. 'We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.'
Globe and Mail
01-07-2025
- Globe and Mail
New Jersey Gun Crime Lawyer Adam M. Lustberg Discusses Unlawful Firearm Training
New Jersey gun crime lawyer Adam M. Lustberg ( is drawing attention to a significant but often overlooked state law, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-14, which outlines strict criminal penalties for unlawful firearm training. The statute targets individuals who instruct or train others in the use of firearms, explosives, or similar devices when the purpose is to support or facilitate criminal acts. Even if a crime has not yet occurred, the law imposes harsh penalties on those involved in such training activities with unlawful intent. Lustberg, who represents clients across New Jersey as a gun crime lawyer at Lustberg Law Offices, LLC, notes that violations of this law can carry serious consequences, including second-degree felony charges. The statute's reach is broad, covering not only direct instruction but also group training sessions that mimic paramilitary activities. As a New Jersey gun crime lawyer, Lustberg warns that the consequences can extend well beyond prison time, potentially affecting future employment, housing, and immigration status. Adam M. Lustberg, a New Jersey gun crime lawyer, highlights that the law is rooted in preventing organized violence or terroristic plots. "The legislative intent of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-14 is to prevent the formation and operation of private groups preparing for violent or terroristic acts," Lustberg explains. Originally enacted in 1983 and later amended in 1988, the statute aligns with New Jersey's broader efforts to keep military power in check under civilian authority. This legal framework targets behavior not addressed by general conspiracy laws—specifically the act of training others to commit crimes involving weapons. N.J.S.A. 2C:39-14 criminalizes both individual and group activities. Individuals who knowingly or intentionally instruct someone in using or constructing firearms or explosives for criminal purposes face second-degree charges. Similarly, assembling with others to drill or train in tactics intended for unlawful use is also prosecutable under this statute. According to Lustberg, the law particularly focuses on gatherings that resemble private militias or extremist groups, which law enforcement views as public safety threats. It is important to note that the law does not prohibit lawful firearms training. Activities like gun safety classes, recreational shooting, and martial arts remain legal provided there is no intent to use the instruction for unlawful acts. The intent requirement is central to this statute. Lustberg points out that teaching someone to shoot for sport or helping a homeowner with firearm safety is fully permissible, but that same training could become illegal if it's clear that the knowledge will be used for a crime. Penalties for violating N.J.S.A. 2C:39-14 are severe. As a second-degree felony, it carries five to ten years in prison, fines up to $150,000, and a presumption of incarceration—even for first-time offenders. The law falls under the Graves Act, New Jersey's stringent firearm sentencing legislation, which mandates minimum parole ineligibility terms and restricts bail and early release options. These sentencing structures significantly limit judicial discretion, making it difficult for defendants to avoid prison time if convicted. Beyond incarceration, the long-term impact of a conviction is extensive. A felony record under this statute can lead to loss of gun ownership rights, employment difficulties, and trouble with professional licensing or housing. For non-citizens, it may be classified as an aggravated felony under federal immigration laws, potentially leading to deportation or barring access to legal relief options. Lustberg emphasizes that N.J.S.A. 2C:39-14 is distinct from other New Jersey weapons laws. Unlike statutes focused on unlawful possession or direct use of weapons, this law targets instructional and preparatory conduct. For example, someone lawfully possessing a firearm could still face charges under 2C:39-14 if they train someone for illegal purposes. It also differs from trafficking laws, which center on the sale and distribution of firearms rather than instruction or preparation. There are legal defenses available to those charged under this statute. One primary defense strategy involves challenging the intent element—prosecutors must prove the defendant knowingly trained someone for criminal purposes. According to Lustberg, demonstrating that a defendant believed the training was for lawful self-defense or sport can be an effective argument. Other defenses might question whether actual instruction took place or assert constitutional protections such as free speech or freedom of association. In some cases, defendants may also argue entrapment, particularly if law enforcement played a significant role in initiating the activity. When legal defenses are limited, negotiated resolutions may offer a path to reduced charges or sentencing. Lustberg notes that prosecutors may be open to plea deals in cases with weak evidence of criminal intent. In rare situations, defendants may even qualify for Pre-Trial Intervention, which could allow them to avoid incarceration entirely if no actual harm occurred. Facing charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-14 carries serious risks that demand strong legal representation. Adam M. Lustberg of Lustberg Law Offices, LLC has handled numerous firearm-related cases and works to protect clients from the harsh penalties imposed by this statute. As Lustberg explains, even lawful gun owners can find themselves in legal jeopardy if their actions are misinterpreted as criminal training efforts. Laws like 2C:39-14 reflect New Jersey's strict approach to gun control and public safety. The consequences for those accused under this statute can be severe and long-lasting. For anyone facing investigation or charges related to unlawful firearm training, understanding the law and acting quickly is essential. About Lustberg Law Offices, LLC: Lustberg Law Offices, LLC represents clients throughout New Jersey in criminal defense matters. Led by attorney Adam M. Lustberg, the firm handles a range of legal issues including gun crime charges, with a commitment to defending client rights and seeking favorable outcomes in cases. Embeds: GMB: Email and website Email: alustberg@ Website: Media Contact Company Name: Lustberg Law Offices, LLC Contact Person: Adam M. Lustberg Email: Send Email Phone: (201) 880-5311 Address: One University Plaza Dr Suite 212 City: Hackensack State: New Jersey 07601 Country: United States Website:
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- News.com.au
Brave cop's ‘impressive' act in Bondi massacre
EXCLUSIVE When Amy Scott came face to face with knife-wielding Joel Cauchi, it was the first time she'd ever had to pull the trigger on a 'live threat' let alone a mass murderer. Like all general duties officers, the inspector had completed her annual day-long firearm training at shooting ranges every 12 months and in her 19 years in the force has faced her share of violent, tense, situations. But nothing compared to the stand-off with a man she knew had already killed innocent civilians. And she had every reason to believe he would strike again. 'What she did was pretty impressive,' said a special operations officer superiorly trained and ever ready for such a mass emergency with a 'live threat' and mass casualties. 'We train for this kind of thing every shift, but general duty cops don't,' said the officer whose name can't be revealed. 'They have their yearly training and a one-off four-day course but I think it's pretty safe to say we were lucky that day that it was her. 'She's someone who clearly had the nous, the calm under pressure, the control and the guts to tackle him head-on and make sure civilians were out of harm's way. Other general duties officers might wait for back-up or fight feelings of wanting to run the other way. 'We can do the training, but you never know how you are going to react until you are put in that situation. Yep she did good.' Another special ops officer said Inspector Scott's ability to 'hit the target's centre of body mass' was proof of her proficiency and character under the most immense pressure. 'She shot three times and hit him twice, right where he needed to be shot. It's pretty impressive.' Inspector Scott insists she's no more of a hero than any of the other officers, paramedics, security staff, hospital emergency crews and regular shoppers faced with such unimaginable terror in Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday April 13, 2024. She says any of the police officers would have, and did, rush into the building just like she had - she just got there first. 'I actually felt nauseous as I ran in because in my head, I'd resigned myself to the fact that I was probably going to die,' Inspector Scott told the inquest into the massacre. 'So when you do your active armed offender training, originally they would talk about your percentages and chance of survival, and you're looking at a 60 to 70 per cent chance of non-survival, and that's if you're partnered up and vested up, and I was neither of those.' Inspector Scott was referring to the training introduced in the wake of the Lindt siege on December 14, 2014, when gunman Man Haron Monis held 18 people hostage until police stormed the building 17 hours later. Ironically Inspector Scott was one of the dozens of first responders who rushed to Martin Place all those years ago when the emergency call came across the police radio. A coroner ruled it was a 'terrorist incident' for which Monis was solely responsible but found authorities had made major errors, including by delaying entry, during which time a hostage was killed. In response the new police training focused on ending 'active shooter' situations more quickly, in a divergence from their policies around other hostage scenarios. Inspector Scott told the Bondi Junction inquest she completed the four-day intensive course in 2016. 'It was very intense. It was over a four day period. I remember it was out at Castle Hill, and the big change and shift in that it was a set of circumstances around shifting away from that contain, negotiate,' she said. 'So, the rapidity of what an offender might be doing … if they're actively using a weapon of some form to take lives quickly, contain, negotiate, the traditional method is not suitable in responding to that. 'It was about training us on methods to use in that active armed offender situation and how to respond. It's, 'Don't wait. Go. Stop the killing. Stop the dying'.' Those words, 'Don't wait, stop the dying' were ringing in the ears of Inspector Scott - a former Cessnock High school captain, soccer lover turned no-nonsense cop with a wife and two children waiting for her at home - as she stood in front of her own 'live treat' that day. He was a man who had already stabbed and killed six people and injured a further 12, including a nine-month-old girl. 'It might seem like an obvious question, but what was going through your mind when you fired the first shot?' Counsel assisting the coroner Peggy Dwyer SC asked Inspector Scott at the inquest. 'That he was going to kill me,' she said matter-of-factly. 'After you fired the first shot, are you conscious of what happened next?' she was asked. 'It's a peculiar thing. It's very fast, but in my mind it was extremely slow. I knew my first shot had hit him, but - that was because of the jolt of his body, but he continued to come towards me. 'And I also simultaneously was saying, 'Stop, drop it', and fired two further shots because I had not been able to stop the threat with the first one. 'He just turned and started running at me … I know that one hit him, because it sort of made his chest - it sort of slowed him a bit, but I continued to back up because he was advancing really quickly. 'I shot two more times because I didn't stop him straight away and I was trying to stop him, and then he fell to the ground. I actually fell to the ground as well, because I was trying to back up so quickly. 'He actually fell at that point, at the point that I had first told him to stop and drop it. So he actually advanced that far on me at that time'. Inspector Scott said if she hadn't backed up Cauchi would have landed on top of her. 'The way he'd fallen, the knife was actually underneath him, so I couldn't see it, and I knew I needed to secure it. 'I wasn't sure if I had completely incapacitated him enough, but I knew I just had to bite the bullet and essentially make sure that that weapon was secure.' Inspector Scott's third bullet made contact with a large pot plant behind which a woman with a pram had been hiding. Before shooting Cauchi, Inspector Scott had signalled with her hand and 'mouthed to her to run'. Dr Dwyer observed: 'I know you've been commended previously for this, and you don't have to commend yourself, but you effectively directed away the civilian that was standing there with the pram, and if you hadn't done that, she may well have been injured, or a child, by the ricochet?' In keeping with her modest assessment of her own heroics that day, Inspector Scott answered: 'Maybe'. What she was more focused on getting across was her appreciation and admiration for everyone else. 'I wanted to mention my colleagues and my team on the day,' she told the courtroom packed with journalists. I said earlier we ask a lot of young police, and I think we as a society think that police don't feel fear, don't feel the burden and pressures of what everyday humans do, and I can assure you that they do. 'I can assure you on that day that they were fearful running in, and while I was the person that faced Joel, those young officers ran in with the exact same intentions.' Inspector Scott, who returned to work in a matter of weeks, said she wanted to acknowledge the courage and bravery of her colleagues, some who haven't been able to return to work. 'They have my wholehearted support, love and care, and … I hope that the public does understand that they were absolutely extraordinary.' 'They saved lives on that day. We did unfortunately lose the lives of six beautiful people but they saved lives and they put themselves at risk. 'And contrary to how well people think we are trained, we still feel fear, but they still went in there, so I want to acknowledge them in that space.'
