Empty Shell Casing: $1,000 Fine, One Year In Jail

No, not in North Korea or Jamaica, but Washington, DC:

Washington police are operating under orders to arrest tourists and other non-residents traveling with spent bullet or shotgun casings, a crime that carries a $1,000 fine, a year in jail and a criminal record, according to a new book about the city's confusing gun laws.

"Empty shell casings are considered ammunition in Washington, D.C., so they are illegal to possess unless you are a resident and have a gun registration certificate," pens Emily Miller in her investigative book, "Emily Gets Her Gun: ... But Obama Wants to Take Yours."

Under the law, live or empty brass and plastic casings must be carried in a special container and unavailable to drivers. Having one, for example, in a cup holder or ash tray is illegal.

Yes, an empty shell casing is so dangerous!  Why, you might be driving down the street, pull out your reloading equipment, prime it, load the powder, squeeze the bullet in, and be ready...to do what?  Throw it at someone?

Sebastian at Shall Not Be Questioned recounts the story of what happened when the maintenance guy somewhere he used to work found an empty 9mm casing, and caused an astonishing overreaction.  I keep waiting for evidence that someone in Washington DC has a working brain.