TRUCKS AND END LOADERS — WHAT NEXT?

TRUCKS AND END LOADERS — WHAT NEXT?

Trucks and end loaders were the weapons used in recent terrorist and criminal attacks. What’s next, you might ask? Let’s talk about that in this week’s 2A Wrap-Up. 

FRONT-END LOADER ATTACK

In the middle of the night in Garland, Maine, a criminal attacked a home, and several vehicles, with a stolen front-end loader — this story comes from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Facebook Post: 

“Gunshots were fired during an incident involving a stolen front-end loader in Garland.

 

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m., the Penobscot Regional Communications Center received a report of individuals who appeared to be stealing a large front-end loader from a gravel pit near their residence. The incident was reported to be occurring on Upper Notch Road in Garland.

Shortly after receiving the initial call, the complainant reported that the front-end loader was now in their driveway, attempting to run through their house. The complainant also mentioned that the machine was destroying vehicles in the driveway.

The initial investigation suggests that individuals exited the home and fired several rounds at the front-end loader. The machine then reversed out of the driveway and fled the scene. It crossed a large field and went down a woods road.

At approximately 6:10 a.m. PRCC received another report that a large front-end loader was driving on the roadway, it was eventually located by law enforcement on Center Road in Charleston. The lone occupant surrendered to law enforcement without incident and told them, he had been shot. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the man to a local hospital. Upon his release, he was arrested and transported to the Penobscot County Jail. 

The operator of the front-end loader was identified as Michael Thompson (37) of Corinna. This investigation remains active and additional charges may be pending.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Maine State Police.”

This appears to mimic an attack five months earlier 30 miles outside of Honolulu, Hawaii. (Let’s not forget the ISIS-inspired truck/shooter attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.)

In every one of these attacks, a good guy with a gun stopped the attacks. Despite what you might hear on National Public Radio, good guys with guns DO stop bad guys with guns, regardless of what they use to start the attack. Special thanks to AmmoLand.com for the tip on this story. Please stay alert, you never know when you may have to defend yourself and others.

IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK IS BROWNELLS

For the last 75 years, Brownells has been the go-to source for all things firearm-related. Visit their website and use your IFC member discount  IFC10 at checkout for $10 off, on orders $150 or more. 

2A LOBBY DAY AND THE IFC-PAC DINNER

2A Lobby Day on February 18th at the State Capitol is fast approaching.    The event at the Capitol is free. However, you should buy your buy your tickets now for the IFC-PAC BBQ Dinner that evening, with Iowa Hero, Major Jeff Struecker of Black Hawk Down Fame. 

This week’s 2A Wrap-Up reminds us to be Ready at All Times. Help us defend all of Iowa’s rights by renewing or joining IFC today.

Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.

Dave Funk
Member, Board of Directors
Iowa Firearms Coalition
#2A4IA