WAFB: Teen Uses AK-47 Street Sweeper Assault Rifle

[aroundlsu]

I think they used just about every anti-gun word in this story:

http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7983423

Do we need to send letters to the editor to correct them?

FTFA:

A Baton Rouge teenager is accused of using an assault rifle to try to kill his father Friday afternoon.

Detectives found bullet casings littering the street near the 3300 block of Brady Street, in the Istrouma area.

Despite multiple shots being fired, detectives say the victim was only shot in his arm. He survived and was taken to Earl K. Long Hospital for treatment.

"The juvenile and his father had a verbal argument that ended in gunfire," said Baton Rouge Police spokesman Cpl. L'Jean McKneely, Jr.

The teen reportedly used an AK-47-type assault rifle in the shootings, which is commonly known as a "street sweeper."

The teenager was charged with attempted murder. Because he is a juvenile, police did not release his name or the name of his father.

 

[spanky]

Surprised they didn't throw in the all-intimidating "semi AUTOMATIC"

 

[aroundlsu]

About to send this to the reporter. What do you think?

A "street sweeper" is not an assault rifle or a rifle of any type. The firearm commonly known as a street sweeper is a shotgun called an Armsel Striker.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armsel_Striker

I imagine you chose the words street sweeper, assault rifle, and "AK-47 style" because they were catchy and sounded very evil. Or maybe the police on the scene gave you those words. Regardless, it's irresponsible and unethical to use words in a news story for the sole purpose of causing fear in the general public. Why couldn't use just write the teen used "a rifle" without the scary and incorrect adjectives? Or write the exact type of rifle that was used. I highly doubt it was an actual AK-47. Would it have been any different if a hunting rifle was used?

Please post a correction to your story and at the very least remove the phrase "street sweeper".

Thank you.

PS The Advocate used none of the anti-gun terminology you did. I consider this fair reporting.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/16395061.html

Edit: The reporters email is rhays@wafb.com. Please write and let's get this corrected.

 

[CajunTim]

I don't see him doing anything. He used commonly known"" and has the right to free speech no matter how incorrect he may be.

 

[aroundlsu]

As a reporter he has the responsibility to write accurate stories. "Street Sweeper" is not accurate by any stretch. This is a local story and reporter. It won't take much to get his attention on this. The Advocate was honest enough to write a complete adjective and slang free story.

 

[gunz4me]

Bleh, I once saw a local news reporter call a seized SKS an "assault weapon" and an "AK-47". It was just a poor old regular SKS with the fixed 10 round mag, yet it was miss-labeled as "evil" by the lying media.

I pretty much gave up on watching the news because I am convinced that most news stories fall under the category of "we tell you what we want you to hear" versus reporting the actual facts of the events that took place. It seems to me that modern society has forgotten what was taught back in the good old days: "Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see".

 

[Manimal]

I used to work for Fox & NBC...I don't watch the local news, it's garbage.

 

[aroundlsu]

Wow, great news. He wrote back and has actually changed the story to remove "AK-47" and "street sweeper" though he left in "assault rifle" which I think is a good compromise since it may have actually been an assault rifle for all I know. One voice can make a difference! Original email below.


RE:BR Teen Accused of Trying to Kill Father with Assault Rifle
You make a great point. I have deleted those references from my online
report.

Sincerely,

Robb Hays
Assistant News Director
WAFB-TV, CBS Affiliate
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
(225) 215-4801
rhays@wafb.com

 

[Manimal]

That awesome man! Thank you, very much. And good job!

 

[aroundlsu]

I offered to take the reporter to Precision and demonstrate the difference between an AK-47, assault rifle, and the many other weapons they confuse on a daily basis. Hope some of you guys can help if he says yes!

 

[SpeedRacer]

Duh. Everyone knows an AK is called a CHOPPA!!! Get it right news cracka.

 

[Jon]

Good job guys.

 

[CEHollier]

I offered to take the reporter to Precision and demonstrate the difference between an AK-47, assault rifle, and the many other weapons they confuse on a daily basis. Hope some of you guys can help if he says yes!

I can help you. I have a couple of nice AK's and an AR. I may even have access to a full auto. It will be fun.

 

[CEHollier]

Gentlemen,

I think this clip says it all...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysf8x477c30

 

[Speedlace]

Gentlemen,

I think this clip says it all...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysf8x477c30

Don't know why, but I always enjoi watching that vid.

 

[CajunTim]

Wow didn't see him changing it up ecspecially late on a Friday night, Good deal.

 

[Dave328]

Excellent vid PainMan!

 

[Manimal]

this is a Myspace featured video...

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29815920


...

 

[SimonJester308]

Good job calling him on it. I wish more gun owners would be as diligent.

 

[CEHollier]

this is a Myspace featured video...

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29815920


...

Damn... He all but had a weapon up his butt