The Blog @ Spolitics

Wootengate and the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban

According to this timeline put together by the Anchorage Daily News, in April 2005 Palin’s sister got “a domestic violence protective order against Wooten.”

Consider this in light of the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban aka the Lautenberg Amendment which has been on the books since 1997:

The Act bans shipment, transport, ownership and use of guns or ammunition by individuals convicted of misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, or who is under a restraining (protection) order for domestic abuse.

One might presume this would interfere with Wooten’s ability to remain a State Trooper, at least until the matter is resolved. But according to Anchorage Daily News, upon notification of protective order, “A trooper captain order[ed] Wooten to obey the protective order and turn in his weapons, badge and patrol car when he’s off duty.”

So, presumably, Wooten was allowed to carry his weapon as long as he was on duty. I’m sure that was a comfort to the stepson he Tased or the stepfather (Palin’s father) he threatened to kill. And we’re supposed to believe that the scandal here isn’t that Trooper Wooten is still on the job, but that the Governor wanted him fired?

Update: Palin released a statement and affidavit telling her side of the story and calling for a formal review of the replacement of Commissioner Monegan.