The spokesman for the Gun Owners of America explains the protective purposes of those that carry firearms, especially in the wake of the Brown University shooting.
It’s been a scary week around the world as of late, between the shocking death of actor/director Rob Reiner and his wife, as well as what took place in Australia. But we shouldn’t overlook what happened at Brown University either, as it adds to a scary statistic for 2025.
The incident took place over the weekend, where the suspect stormed the university, killing two people and wounding nine others before going on the run from the police. At this time, he’s still at large.
This adds to a growing – and concerning – number of active shooter events that have taken place this year. 389. That’s a record high and indicates the importance of stopping these shooters before they take more lives.
While the police are certainly doing whatever they can to stop suspects like the Brown University shooter, there may be a need for extra protection. And this is where Concealed Carry citizens come in.
Approved across 29 different states, this enables certain trained individuals to carry firearms in public, but in an obvious discreet fashion. Should the need arise, these people could assist in subduing certain threats, or keeping the peace where need be.
For many, they serve as an extra layer of protection. But obviously there are those that object to Concealed Carry or Open Carry, believing that having additional weapons on property – like, for example, a school – may be an unnecessary danger. Based on the Brown University situation, however, it could make all the difference.
Could the high number of active shooter events call for an even greater need for Concealed Carry, especially as 2026 approaches? Joining us now is Stephen Willeford, the “Hero With a Gun” who serves as spokesman for the Gun Owners of America. We welcome him to the show!
Q&A:
- For those unfamiliar with Concealed Carry, explain to us how it works. What process is needed in order for someone to be approved for Concealed Carry?
- Now, some states, such as Florida, don’t require a permit. However, aren’t they required to still have some form of gun training, or something else to show they qualify?
- What kind of difference do you think someone that practices Concealed Carry could have made in a situation like the one that took place in Brown University this week?
- What are your thoughts as a whole on the shooting that took place at Brown University? Should students be concerned?
- Do you feel that Concealed Carry is more important than ever, considering the alarming number of active shooter events we’ve seen in 2025?
- What about those that would argue about a certain danger from those that practice Concealed Carry or Open Carry? What counterargument would you have for them?
- Speaking of the new year, where do you see the discussion surrounding gun rights going as it approaches?
- 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.
- Where can people find your book?
- You can purchase the book here on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle format.
- 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 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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