The Gun Owners of America explain why gun bans aren’t effective in protecting young children.
Many states argue that putting gun bans in place is the resolution to the growing wave of violence in the United States. However, a devastating incident in Louisiana seems to say otherwise, according to Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford.
A mass shooting took place over the weekend in the city of Shreveport, with eight children killed and two adults wounded.
The suspect, Shamar Elkins, had killed seven of his own children and another child, before wounding their mother and another party. He attempted to escape, but he was killed in police pursuit following a carjacking.
“It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport, and we all know my heart goes out to this entire community for the tragic event that has taken place this morning,” noted Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.
This marks the sixth mass killing in the U.S. for 2026, but also shows what’s happening worldwide with a recent tragedy at Mexico’s Teotihuacan pyramids, which resulted in the death of one Canadian woman and the injury of six others. And it goes to show that states can set up all the gun bans in the world, but people will still gain access to firearms and do harm to others. So what can be done?
Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who serves as spokesman for the GOA, believes that Constitutional-Carry and Open-Carry are a viable solution, with an authorized (and trained) representative ready to act in situations such as these. It could make all the difference between life or death, which is absolutely crucial when it comes to children.
Willeford joins us now to discuss the situation further. We welcome him to the show.
Q&A:
- What are your thoughts on the devastating shooting that took place in Shreveport over the weekend, and the loss of eight children?
- What does this say about the growing state of violence within the United States?
- Does this show just how ineffective state-driven gun and weapon bans are, since people apparently can get their hands on the firearms anyway?
- You’ve often discussed an alternate solution revolving around Constitutional-Carry or Open-Carry authorized representatives, who can stop active shooter events before they can do further harm. Tell us why this is a more effective resolution.
- What about those that are concerned about these representatives carrying around firearms?
- There are some states that feel this doesn’t resolve the problems, although over half of the U.S. now supports Open-Carry. What do you think would be the convincing factor when it comes to safety?
- 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?
- 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.
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or by email Jerry McGlothlin at bookings@specialguests.com.
