When in October 1996 the British Government banned most handguns, Dame Vitrola in protest emigrated permanently to the United States. She became a key spokesperson for the American Rifle Association. "Britain now lies defenceless before the seething masses of Europe!" she declared at their national convention. Applause was rapturous. "Never say: it can't happen here." She then repeatedly fired a .22 calibre pistolover the heads of the crowd, crying "Freedom!" with each shot. This resulted in her prompt arrest.