Washington, D.C., police wanted to arrest David Gregory after the then-host of NBC’s “Meet the Press” held up a high-capacity ammunition magazine during an interview with the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre just after the Sandy Hook massacre, according to newly revealed documents.
David Gregory held up a magazine for ammunition on “Meet the Press” in December 2012. (Image source: NBC)
David Gregory held up a magazine for ammunition on “Meet the Press” in December 2012. (Image source: NBC)
D.C. law prohibits the possession of a magazine capable of holding 10 rounds or more, even if it’s empty. Police began an investigation after Gregory’s action, and it was later revealed authorities had actually denied NBC’s request to show the magazine on-air. Ultimately, D.C.’s attorney general announced that he wouldn’t prosecute Gregory.
“[The office of the attorney general] has determined to exercise its prosecutorial discretion to decline to bring criminal charges against Mr. Gregory, who has no criminal record, or any other NBC employee based on the events associated with the December 23, 2012 broadcast,” D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan said at the time.
But the blog Legal Insurrection figured there was more to it. After its Freedom of Information Act requests were denied, the outfit filed a lawsuit, assisted by conservative watchdog Judicial Watch. After a court decision, D.C. police on Thursday released an affidavit indicating they wanted to arrest Gregory.
Here’s an excerpt:
Image source:
Image source: Legal Insurrection
In it, the investigator wrote in the affidavit that “there is probable cause that the offense of possessing a ‘high-capacity’ magazine was committed in the District of Columbia. Therefore your Affiant requests the issuance of an arrest warrant for Gregory, David Michael.”
Image
Image source: Legal Insurrection
Image source: Legal Insurrection
Image source: Legal Insurrection
Legal Insurrection’s William A. Jacobson noted, “The MPD recommended a warrant for Gregory’s arrest, but that request was nixed by the D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan because — my paraphrase — Gregory was just too nice a guy and had no other criminal intent.”
Yet others have been prosecuted in D.C. for possessing similar magazines with no criminal intent, except they didn’t register as high a profile as Gregory, Jacobsen said. He emphasized that it shouldn’t be illegal to merely possess a high-capacity magazine in D.C.
Gregory has since been replaced on “Meet the Press” by Chuck Todd.
Here’s the clip that started it all:
This story has been updated.