A spokesman for the group discusses the importance of the newly released documentary, which focuses on the importance of safety.
The Gun Owners of America aren’t holding back when it comes to discussing an important subject – the safety of airline pilots on planes, particularly in the face of 9/11.
Alongside Guns Out TV, the group has released a new documentary that discusses the fight in Washington D.C. to arm said pilots in an effort to deter future hijackers following what took place on that fateful date over 23 years ago.
Featuring a number of GOA staff members and pilots involved in the efforts, the documentary, available here on YouTube, discusses many steps in protecting those on airplanes following 9/11.
Though certainly not easy, legislation finally did pass the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2002, which allows DHS to deputize and train pilots to carry firearms and defend aircraft cockpits with deadly force as needed.
The film commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the passed act, which is why the Gun Owners of America wanted to highlight its importance – especially at a time when gun rights come into heavy discussion.
John Velleco, who serves as Executive Vice President for Gun Owners of America, noted, “GOA is proud to have put so much time and effort into this production, and for me, this victory always gives me a tremendous sense of personal pride. 9/11 may never have happened had pilots been armed, but through our no-compromise lobbying efforts, we did our part to make sure it can never happen again.”
A spokesman for the Gun Owners of America joins us now to discuss the documentary further.
Sam Parades is available to speak on this subject, serving as Executive Director of the Gun Owners of America.
Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who serves as the spokesman for the Gun Owners of America, is also available.
Q&A:
- Why do you feel it’s important for pilots to be armed? Thwarting would-be hijackers and potential other disruptions on planes?
- Why were so many against the legislation of arming pilots, you think? Were they so concerned about safety these groups believed it was a threatening measure?
- Would you say airlines have been much safer since the passing of this act 22 years ago?
- How great is it to see the Gun Owners of America involved in making a documentary with an important a subject as this?
- Could the GOA possibly get involved in working on other documentaries as well?
- Where can we find this documentary?
- FOR STEPHEN: You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- FOR STEPHEN: Where can people find your book?
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Sam Paredes…
Sam Paredes has been with Gun Owners of California for over 35 years, currently serving as Executive Director, a position he has held since 1998. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Gun Owners of America and Treasurer of Gun Owners Foundation.
GOC is a non-profit lobbying organization formed to protect and preserve our Second Amendment rights in California. Paredes is a registered lobbyist, has testified in hundreds of legislative committee hearings and has advocated on behalf of the gun community before the California Fish and Game Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Justice.
Paredes has been interviewed by virtually every California news outlet as well as national and international media such as Fox News, ABC World News Tonight, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, the Larry Elder Show, Al Jazeera and the BBC (Britain and Australia) as an expert on gun laws in the Golden State. He is a frequent speaker before conservative groups and has given workshops on “Confrontational Politics” in Missouri, Nevada and throughout California and has served as co-host of Sacramento’s “Just Guns” radio show on Money 105.5 FM.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
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