United States v. Hung Shun Lin, A/K/A Chang Wu

WALD, Circuit Judge:

On April 13, 1995, appellants Hung Shun Lin (“Lin”) and Qui Gao (“Gao”) were convicted by a jury of hostage-taking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1203. Lin was also convicted of two counts of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 924(a)(2). On appeal, both appellants challenge the application of the Hostage Taking Act to the conduct underlying their indictment and contend that, even if the Act properly applies,…