Police Groups to Warn Officers Nationwide About New Cop Killer Gun, Urge Appropriate Congressional Action

1/26/2005 2:58:00 PM


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To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Anne Rosello of The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with the Million Mom March, 202-898-0792

News Advisory:

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Brotherhood of Police Officers and other national law enforcement groups will sound an alarm to law enforcement professionals around the country about a new handgun available to the general public that is capable of firing bullets through soft police body armor.

The press conference will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at the First District headquarters of the District of Columbia Police Department located at 415 Fourth Street SW in Washington, D.C. Speakers will include Bernard Thompson, legislative Chair of NOBLE; Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Brian Jordan, Gaithersburg, Md. Police Chief MaryAnn Viverette who serves as Vice President of the IACP and Steve Lenkart, Legislative Director of the IBPO.

The gun, the Five-SeveN handgun manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium, is lightweight and easily concealable. It is marketed by the company on its Web site as intended "to defeat the enemy in all close combat situations in urban areas, jungle conditions, night missions and any self defense action. Enemy personnel, even wearing body armor can be effectively engaged up to 200 meters. Kevlar(r) helmets and vests as well as the CRISAT protection will be penetrated." -- http://www.fnherstal.com/html/Index.htm.

Staff of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence recently purchased the weapon at a Virginia gun dealer and test-fired it. The bullets successfully penetrated a police Kevlar vest. A video of the test will be shown and available to news media.

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