Federal Trial of 2 Men Puts Kansas Gun Law in Spotlight

Two Kansas men accused of federal firearms violations are scheduled for trial this week in a case that indirectly involves a Kansas law seeking to prevent federal prosecution of anyone owning firearms made, sold and kept in the state.

Shane Cox and Jeremy Kettler’s trial is scheduled to start Tuesday in federal court in Wichita. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Cox, owner of Tough Guys gun store in Chanute, is charged with illegally making and marketing firearms, specifically sound suppressors. Kettler bought a silencer from Cox.

The men’s attorneys argued the charges should be dismissed because the men believed their actions were legal under a state law. The Second Amendment Protection Act says firearms, accessories and ammunition manufactured and kept in Kansas are exempt from federal gun-control laws.