This is the text of a letter sent from suspected bomber Timothy McVeigh to Congressman John J. LaFalce (D-NY). McVeigh questions the legal limits placed on citizens who wish to defend themselves.

Tim McVeigh
6289 Cambell Blvd.
Lockport, NY  14094

16FEB92

Mr. John LaFalce
111 W. Huron St.
Buffalo, NY  14202

Dear Mr. LaFalce,

Recently, I saw an article in the Buffalo News that detailed a
man's arrest; one of the charges being "possession of a noxious
substance" (CS gas).  This struck my curiousity (sic), so I went
to the New York State Penal Law.  Sure enough, section 270
prohibits possession of any noxious substance, and included in
section 265 is a ban on the use of "stun guns".  Now I am a male,
and fully capable of defending myself, but how about a female?

I strongly believe in a God-given right to self-defense.  Should
any other person or a governing body be able to tell a person that
he/she cannot save their own life, because it would be a violation
of the law?  In this case, which is more important: faced with a
rapist/murderer, would you pick a.) die, a law abiding citizen or
b.) live, and go to jail?

It is a lie if we tell ourselves that the police can protect us
everywhere, at all times.  I am in shock that a law exists which
denies a woman's right to self-defense.  Firearms restrictions are
bad enough, but now a woman can't even carry mace in her purse?!?!

/s/Tim McVeigh
(716) 625-9368