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Town Police Chief Issues Warning on Facebook About Newspaper’s Request for Gun Permit Information

Feb. 14, 2013 4:37pm Madeleine Morgenstern

Milo, Maine Police Chief Issues Warning on Facebook About Newspapers Request for Gun Permit Information

A map published by New York’s Journal News pinpointing the homes of residents with gun permits. The Milo, Maine police department has warned residents it has been required to turn over similar data. (Image source: lohud.com)

The police chief of a central Maine town has taken to Facebook to warn residents that he has been asked to turn over the names of all concealed weapons permit holders at the request of the local newspaper.

Milo Police chief Damien Pickel posted on the department’s Facebook page Thursday that he had received a state Freedom of Access Act request from the Bangor Daily News.

“This request, which has been sent to every police agency in the state, is requesting the ‘names, addresses, and dates of birth’ of concealed weapons permit holders maintained by the town of Milo,” Pickel wrote. “I have spoken to the Maine Attorney General’s Office and am informed the request is legitimate and lawful.”

He continued, “Personally, I am opposed to releasing ANY information regarding concealed carry permit holders. I find it will create a unsafe environment not only for those who are legally permitted to have a concealed weapon, but also those who do not.”

Referring to the recent public outcry after New York’s Journal News published an interactive map pinpointing the homes of gun permit holders, Pickel noted that several burglaries took place after New York residents’ addresses were published and said the Bangor Daily News was requesting the same type of information.

The Journal News ultimately removed the names and addresses from its map after about a month, though later admitted the records they used included “outdated, inaccurate data.”

Pickel suggested Milo residents contact their local government representatives and the governor, Republican Paul LePage, to express their views.

“While I personally oppose releasing this information to the Bangor Daily News, I am legally bound to do so and as the chief law enforcement officer of the town, I must comply with it,” Pickel wrote. “As always, I am just providing you with information I believe you have a right to know.”

Image source: Milo Police Department Facebook page

Pickel did not immediately return a request for comment from TheBlaze, nor did Bangor Daily News managing editor Susan Young about his post.

Anthony Ronzio, the newspaper’s director of news and new media, said in an editor’s note published Thursday afternoon that they have no intention of releasing “identifying information about permit holders.”

“The BDN has never had any intention to release identifying information about permit holders, and said so in our request. We recognize how sensitive this information is, and made sure police agencies knew of this intent,” Ronzio wrote.

He said they requested the concealed weapons permits information “as part of long-term reporting projects on domestic violence, sexual assault and drug abuse” and called the “wholesale publication of permit holder information” as done by the Journal News “irresponsible.”

“Again, no identifying information about permit holders will be published, and no stories specifically about permit holders are planned,” Ronzio wrote.

Nevertheless, the newspaper’s request made waves around the state Capitol Thursday, with Republican state representatives and Gov. LePage registering their outrage, the Kennebec Journal reported. LePage even took to Twitter to post a photo of himself displaying his concealed-carry permit.

If newspapers want to know who has concealed weapons permits, they should know I do. yfrog.com/obernilsj

— Paul R. LePage (@Governor_LePage) February 14, 2013

This post has been updated.

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Comments (115)

Charb
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:14pm
The problem here is that the gov’t has access to this information.

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- Mike Benton
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:18pm
  If the weapon itself can be concealed, why not keep concealed all information about it. The exposure of this information is illogical.
  
  Report this comment
- KevINtampa
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:32pm
  “Again, no identifying information about permit holders will be published, and no stories specifically about permit holders are planned,” Ronzio wrote.
  
  Keyword: planned.
  
  When they do publish the list they will say it was unplanned.
  
  Report this comment
- USNVET66-70
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:42pm
  All residents stop buying/reading the rag. see how long they last. Shun them, ignore them, act as if they don’t exist.If you own or operate a business refuse to deal with them.
  
  Report this comment
- Bum thrower
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:56pm
  All states need to pass a ‘premption law’; basically that only the state legislature can pass ANY gun regulations, and CC Holders and the like are not subject to FOI requests…………
  
  Report this comment
- Taquoshi
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:13pm
  Well, now, I would imagine that the Bangor Post has advertisers. Leave the journalists alone, but maybe some phone calls, emails or letters should be sent to the various advertisers. After all, the residents of the town are their customers.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Fifth_Column
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:18pm
  You are absolutely correct. The government has no need to know. Any so called law infringing on your 2nd Amendment Rights is a violation of the Constitution. Do you see any other Constitutional Right infringed upon? NO! Do you believe that criminals names will be on this list? No! It’s long past time to take your rights as Americans back.
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:38pm
  Well folks! If the Journal News in New York wasn’t a lesson in backlash for these idiots, I guess they deserve everything they will most assuredly get! So why not get the ball rolling! It’s public info….
  
  http://bangordailynews.com/contact/
  
  Report this comment
- Rogue
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:50pm
  I wonder where I could get a list of registered Democrats in my neighborhood?
  
  Report this comment
- BelievinginAmerica
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 7:32pm
  This is letter was sent to every town in the state of Maine. The [Rag] Bangor Daily News just wants it’s 5 minutes of liberal fame. Every ” Concealed Carry Permit” holder has already passed an FBI background check. This is another ploy for the failing Bangor Daily News subscriptions, I pray this seals their fate. We can only hope that we have a state of #Oathkeepers.
  
  Report this comment
- JGraham III
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 8:12pm
  My suggestion is that all concerned citizens of Bangor cancel their subscriptions to the rag and then set about publishing the names, addresses and email addresses of all the employees of said newspaper. If I were a ‘concealed carrier’ permit holder and the newspaper published my name I would file a lawsuit against them for reckless endangerment of me and my family and property. Tit for tat. Freedom of the press does not include this type of recklessly irresponsible behavior.
  
  Report this comment
- Grey Eagle
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 9:54pm
  The State of Fl will NOT release that information stating it is confidential and private. Guess Fl has some sense and a bunch of other states does not. However, those seem to be states controlled by Democrats.
  
  Report this comment
- shift
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 11:50pm
  Is it legal to yell “fire” in a crowded room when there is no fire and people get hurt in the stampede. I think not. Just the same how is it legal for people to post the addresses of people who are chl holders, putting them in danger and the people around them as well.
  
  Report this comment
- 338lapua
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 7:54am
  I absolutely agree. When we in Wisconsin drafted our CCW laws we MADE SURE to add a provision halting release of information on lawful permit holders. I would encourage any state which has no law concerning the dissemination of permit holder info, needs to implement one.
  
  Report this comment
gwinf
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:13pm
I have but one question for the Chief of Police Which duty has the highest degree o responsibility? To protect and defend the citizens of your town or comply with a demand for information which might endanger your citizens. Get a backbone man! Stand up for the people who voted for you. Stand up for your right to protect your citizens. Make them get a court oder, then appeal to the state attorney general. Make the Attorney General decide. Get higher government involved. Grow a set! If I were in your position, they would only get the information if they fired me and put me in jail!

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- kentuckypatriot
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:19pm
  “Anthony Ronzio, the newspaper’s director of news and new media, said in an editor’s note published Thursday afternoon that they have no intention of releasing “identifying information about permit holders.”
  
  yea right, so the good folks in Maine are supposed to believe the radical journalists???
  
  Report this comment
- Texas_Freedom
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:40pm
  They would fire you and throw you in jail. Complying with a Freedom of Information Act isn’t optional, and shouldn’t be. As CHARB said earlier, the problem is that the government has this information to begin with. It’s none of their damn business who has a gun or not . . .
  
  Report this comment
- urnokid
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 8:15pm
  I am not in favor of giving the paper the information, but I am not in favor of the sherriff deciding which laws he will obey and which he will not. The next law he decides not to honer may be the 2nd amendment.
  
  Report this comment
justangry
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:09pm
The Blaze should publish the list of every gun grabbing POS politician and their address.

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- lildrummerboy
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:18pm
  and whether they own a gun
  
  Report this comment
- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:59pm
  i agree then we have addresses to attack also if they start theirs
  
  Report this comment
- BelievinginAmerica
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 7:34pm
  I’ll be calling all of The Bangor Daily New’s Advertiser’s tomorrow! #UnitedInMaine
  
  Report this comment
Cavallo
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:08pm
Make sure you raise hell with your state legislature to pass laws to prevent this kind of thing in your State.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:20pm
  And defund the news media by not buying their product.
  
  They rate politicians by people who like & dislike them. They could do the same with newspapers. If the newspapers are highly disliked why advertise with them?
  
  Report this comment
- DougHuffman
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:46pm
  https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/175/60/12
  
  Report this comment
- BelievinginAmerica
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 7:37pm
  The Governor is trying to do all he can to block this from happening, The Bangor Daily Rag!
  
  Report this comment
Thundergod
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:06pm
I hope when the SHTF that those in the media and in political office who set it in motion are the first casualties.

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- TurboCat
  Posted on February 15, 2013 at 4:28am
  That particular newspaper needs the New York Journal treatment. Same thing should happen to the people involved in this newspaper.
  
  Report this comment
truckingoff
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:04pm
I thought we had the right to lead a privet life

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- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:26pm
  Surely you knew better. Privacy only applies to Democrat political campaigns and the ability to get abortions.
  
  Report this comment
- urnokid
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 8:29pm
  only the ones that know anything about Benghazzi has a right to privacy
  
  Report this comment
Bernard Gui
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:04pm
Time to take the high ground, Mr. Sheriff. Don’t give the information to the paper.

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dspman
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:01pm
At least publish the name and address of the person requesting the information.

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Just_Us2
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:01pm
Susan Young Managing Editor 207.990.8203 syoung@bangordailynews.com

She needs to be prepared to have all of her and her employees information published.

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Thundergod
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:00pm
Liberals are such douchebags. They arent happy unless they are stirring up the crap to make it stink worse.

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Owt_Raged
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:59pm
Please contact each and every person listed on this page and let them know what you think about their request:
http://bangordailynews.com/contact/?ref=tophat

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PZWLB
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:59pm
They say burglaries increased after the list of gun owners was published implying the guns were the target of the thefts. I’d like to know if burglaries of houses they knew owned no guns increased. I suspect that was worse. I’d rather be on the gun owner list.

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BlackCrow
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:59pm
Long past time to revive that old American tradition of tar and feathering newspapermen who’s scribblings are repugnant to the community.

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SLARTIBARTFAST
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:57pm
He’s ex NYPD and was recently charged with beating his wife! Looks like his IQ is about 70 too. He’ll be just fine passing out the info. http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/11/news/piscataquis/domestic-violence-assault-charge-against-ex-milo-officer-dropped/

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- sillyfreshness
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:00pm
  I wish we could get the locations of Democratic voters or women who had abortions or even where leftist “chosen people” live. Why just single out gun owners?
  
  Report this comment
- nycguy_1969
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:03pm
  You forget to mention that the charges were dismissed because of “to many conflicting versions of events” No one like selective editing.
  
  A domestic violence assault charge against a former sergeant with the Milo Police Department was dismissed Monday by the Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office because of too many conflicting statements.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:38pm
  SillySally why be coy? Who are the chosen people you refer to again?
  
  Report this comment
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 11:03pm
  People like you foolburped.
  
  Report this comment
Attention2Detail
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:57pm
What exactly do the anti-gun nuts hope to accomplish with this silliness?

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OniKaze
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:54pm
Simple solution… INTERNET!!

PLEASE note which employee’s at this “Newspaper” DO NOT own guns, and list THEIR names addresses and Dates of Birth…

So then the crooks no which houses NOT to rob (people on the list) and which TO ROB (names on OUR list)….

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KyleD
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:54pm
If I were him I’d quit and hold a press conference saying why.

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Zoe
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:51pm
Pick a side………………………

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Skeeterhawk
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:50pm
Poorly written CCL law should have protected all ID info of CCL holders. I don’t like it but that’s the case here. They need to fix the law and can do so quickly hopefully.

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COREZONE
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:49pm
These requests will continue. The media is now controlled by the progressive left. They will continue with their agenda. They are following the lead of the illustrious One who wants to divide our country. It will be only a matter of time before we have no choice but to clean house. At least they are now identifying themselves. The only problem is law abiding citizens are being identified as well.

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momrules
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:47pm
Plans have been laid, allies have been contacted, the gun confiscation movement is advancing.
This and other things like the Missouri gun confiscation bill do not just pop into peoples heads.

The left is organized, relentless and moving rapidly.

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- Fubared
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:06pm
  Very organized. We won’t see that level of organization until it hits the fan, and that day appears to be getting closer and closer-
  
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- JRook
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:09pm
  the gun confiscation is limited to assault weapons and high capacity magazines, something that people other than on the left agree with. some even on the reasonable right. along with 100% background checks and 100% registration. you never effectively argue a point by overstating positions in order to sound extreme. gun manufacturers can’t account for upwards of 100,000 guns every year and 70% of the guns confiscated in Mexico from drug cartels are traced back to the US, and not fast and furious although that was a useful diversion to take the focus off the real issue. There is absolutely no reason that individuals should be able to buy or sell a gun at a gun show with less of a background check or registration requirement than legal sales require. And certainly no reason why cars should have more of a registration requirement than guns. And yes given that concealed carry permits are issued by the state, they should be public knowledge. Given it is for self defense and as a detterent, why would availability of that knowledge be of concern.
  
  Report this comment
- RoDogg
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:32pm
  @JRook
  “Given it is for self defense and as a detterent, why would availability of that knowledge be of concern”
  
  FOR THE LAST TIME … its not about self defense! Its about protecting freedom and having the very entity(government) know who has what, goes against its (2nd amendment) very purpose.
  
  If your trying to prevent tyranny then LOGICALLY you wouldn’t tell the government where the guns are.
  
  Any registration or permit or background check goes against the very reason for the 2nd amendment!
  
  Stop saying self defense and deterrent.
  
  Report this comment
- Thundergod
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:32pm
  @JRook
  Your facts are off. The only guns that could be traced from Mexico was those with serial numbers that were made in America. Of those with serial numbers they could trace,70% were made in America. Your statement that 70% of ALL guns recovered in Mexico were made in America is false. Also there are gun background checks at gunshows just as there are at gunshops. Private sellers who conduct business in parking lots dont conduct background checks. You dont know what your talking about.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:36pm
  Rookie, you typed a lot of crap by the looks of it, again. Did you parse shall not infringe in there?
  
  Report this comment
- M13
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:41pm
  More lies from jrook that’s all he ever does.
  
  Report this comment
- Berbel73
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:00pm
  jrook you have to be the biggest morron ever since you haven’t figured it out by now that we here WILL NOT fall for your false arguments. Get it through your thick friggin head already, we are magnitudes smarter than you are and we see through your BS. A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. PERIOD, end of discussion!
  
  Report this comment
- Roundup_Logan
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:11pm
  JROOK – first off, you make it sound like sales at gun shows are not subject to background checks. You’re just regurgitating talking points without any substance, typical. It shows your blantant ignorance about gun shows or for that matter, licensed firearm dealers. The government or the public at large doesn’t need to know what guns I own, what type of magazines I possess, how much ammunition I have, or why I even need them. It boils down to this – It’s none of your damn business, none of the governments business. It’s really that simple. None of your damn business. Now if I commit a crime with my weapons, that’s when it becomes the governments business, but until that happens, none of anyones business what type of firepower I possess. You libs need to back off, you’re playing with fire here. Focus on your own life – quit projecting your ideals into the lives of God fearing, patriotic, family oriented Americans. We take self preservation pretty serious. The right God gave us doesn’t allow you, the government, or anyone else to take it from us – and that’s the right to life through self-preservation. But by all means, keep poking the poisnous snake. Sometimes experience is the best teacher. You’re dealing with a whole different class of folks here, not the low information Obama voters.
  
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Harpoon1212
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:45pm
I think these records should be handled like medical records. Why is not covered under any privacy act? I hope there is a law case to sue the Newspaper.

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- SacredHonor1776
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:50pm
  Fredom of Information was meant to make government more transparent. Not to be used to invade private citizens lives….
  
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- DougHuffman
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:00pm
  Of how many privacy acts do you know? (Privacy Act of 1974, HIPPA restricted Privacy Rule, NOT PPACA!)
  
  Permitting is a public government function placing all government permits squarely in the purview of the Freedom Of Information Act. The several states may legislate exceptions, as my state has for its Concealed Weapons Licenses, but not for driving licenses.
  
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PZWLB
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:45pm
I think they should publish the names of everyone that doesn’t have a gun, a dog or an alarm system.

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:45pm
List you gutless in Me storm that paper and destroy it then see how they feel afterwards

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braddock66
Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:43pm
Don’t comply Sheriff! Civil War is almost here.And the left is pushing for it.

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- Fubared
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:50pm
  He has to comply, just letting people know it is coming. Good adverts for the defenseless moron lib/prog voters. Hopefully actions like this will help clean out a lot of the decent dog shelters for people wanting to be woken up at 0300 to rack the shotgun.
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 4:51pm
  This is why you don’t ask the government for permission to exercise your rights. The government can’t be trusted to protect your personal information.
  
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- gwinf
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 5:16pm
  If it was me, I would destroy the records rather than jeopardize the life and comfort of my citizens.
  
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- high school drop out
  Posted on February 14, 2013 at 6:19pm
  Yes you.re right Braddock, There are many on the left who would love a civil war and are actively pushing for it! Funny part is these wimps do’nt plan on doing any fighting themselves!! They are banking on the police and the military to do their “dirty work” while they sit in their ivory towers ! Heres the funny part, dose anyone but the deluded left really believe that the police and military will stand with the commies! Some may but most (especially the military) will stand with us Since the left has absolutly no GUTS whatsoever it will be a short fight, Then we will be able to finally “Clean all the rats out of the barn”!
  
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