Trump DHS Pick Mullin Faces Questions on Felon Gun Storage

Trump DHS Nominee Markwayne Mullin Faces Scrutiny Over Felon Employee, Illegal Gun Storage

Washington D.C. – As Senator Markwayne Mullin, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, prepares for his confirmation hearing, new allegations have surfaced regarding his past business dealings. A report by The Washington Post details how a convicted felon, who was employed by Mullin’s family plumbing business, claims the Senator was aware of his criminal history and permitted him to illegally store firearms and ammunition at the workplace. The revelation raises significant questions about Mullin’s judgment and adherence to legal standards as he seeks a top national security role.

Allegations of Permitted Illegal Gun Storage

The core of the allegations, as reported by The Washington Post, centers on an employee with a history of felony convictions who worked for Mullin’s family business prior to Mullin’s tenure in the Senate. According to the former employee, Senator Mullin was aware of his felony status but allowed him to store weapons and ammunition in a safe at the business premises. This practice, if true, would have violated federal and state laws prohibiting felons from possessing firearms, and also potentially laws against providing firearms to individuals known to be felons.

The situation came to light in 2009 when police searched the office safe and discovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. The former employee, who has prior violent felony convictions from California, stated that he had a close relationship with Mullin during that period. He claims Mullin not only knew about his criminal record but also engaged in recreational shooting with him and even gifted him firearms, ostensibly for cleaning purposes.

“This employee had two prior felonies from years earlier in California that were actually violent offenses and under both federal and Oklahoma law that made it illegal for him to possess guns. It could also be illegal to sell or otherwise provide guns to someone you know is a felon.”

Mullin’s Past Relationship with the Employee

The former employee’s account paints a picture of a personal relationship extending beyond the professional. He alleges that prior to Mullin’s time as a senator, they socialized frequently, with Mullin even hosting him at his home. The employee also claims they shared a homemade shooting range on Mullin’s property near Tulsa, where they would shoot recreationally, sometimes with Mullin’s children present. Mullin himself has previously acknowledged engaging in recreational shooting with the employee and gifting him firearms, though he stated these were for cleaning.

The crucial point of contention remains whether Mullin possessed knowledge of the employee’s felony status at the time the firearms were stored at the business. The employee asserts that Mullin was indeed aware. However, there is no record of Mullin being charged in connection with the 2009 incident, and court documents do not explicitly address what Mullin may have known or not known.

Response from Mullin’s Office and the White House

When approached by The Washington Post for comment, Senator Mullin’s office did not provide a response. The White House, in its statement, characterized the allegations as stemming from a “disgruntled employee” and dating back approximately 20 years. They pointed to statements released by Mullin’s congressional campaign in 2012, when similar issues first surfaced. These statements included a testimonial from a sheriff who was not involved in the 2009 case and who later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge himself.

Efforts to reach the U.S. Attorney who handled the original case were unsuccessful, as the individual is now retired. Without further corroboration from law enforcement officials involved at the time, the precise extent of Mullin’s knowledge remains unclear from the available public record.

Broader Implications for DHS Confirmation

The allegations cast a shadow over Senator Mullin’s nomination for a critical cabinet position. The Department of Homeland Security oversees a vast array of agencies responsible for national security, border control, and emergency management. The nominee is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and demonstrate a thorough understanding and respect for the law.

Questions surrounding the illegal storage of firearms by a convicted felon, particularly when the employer is alleged to have been aware, could become a significant hurdle during Mullin’s confirmation hearings before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Senators will likely press Mullin for detailed explanations regarding his knowledge of the employee’s background and his actions, or inactions, related to the firearms found at his business.

What’s Next?

All eyes will be on Senator Mullin’s confirmation hearing, where these allegations are expected to be a central focus of questioning. His ability to provide satisfactory answers and demonstrate his fitness for the role of DHS Secretary will be crucial. The outcome of these hearings could significantly impact not only Mullin’s political future but also the composition of President Trump’s national security team.

Source: WaPo: Trump's DHS pick Sen. Mullin once hired felon who illegally stored guns at work (YouTube)