They include a Queens, New York man who was shot in the forehead by a BB gun as he left a temple.

CNN: Hate crime reports up in wake of terrorist attacks

Intending to "spin people out" - or worry them - Cook pointed the BB gun at a member of the public, who reported it to the PCSO, the court heard.

BBC: Torquay PCSO airgun shooting: Mark Cook jailed

But, while that may be like shooting an elephant with a BB-gun, the Mayor is taking a shotgun to a far more egregious and insidious influence peddling tactic.

FORBES: Rahm Emanuel Hits Lobbyists Where It Hurts