Weapons Prosecutions Up New data from the Department of Justice show federal prosecutions of weapons-related criminal cases have risen sharply during George W. Bush's terms as president. In fact, weapons was the third-largest criminal enforcement area in 2004, jumping from 5,490 prosecutions in 2000 to 10,937 in 2004. NSSF senior vice president and general counsel Lawrence G. Keane applauded the rise. "The firearm industry has always supported aggressive enforcement of existing gun laws," he said, adding that the industry helps push for prosecutions with its Don't Lie for the Other Guy program. Alabama is the latest state to launch the program, unveiled Thursday in Birmingham.