Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr argued today in Atlanta that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defamed a Georgia sporting goods store. Barr argued in a federal appeals court that Bloomberg defamed the store when he labeled it one of several "rogue gun dealers" putting firearms on his city's streets. Barr is pursuing a 400 million dollar libel lawsuit against Bloomberg and New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. Barr is taking a break from the campaign trail to argue the case himself. He claims New York officials damaged the reputation of Adventure Outdoor Sports in Smyrna when they suggested the shop violated federal gun laws. Bloomberg is suing 15 firearms brokers in five states, including Georgia, allegedly connected to selling guns used in New York City crimes.
