Military branch failed to enter the gunman’s criminal history into federal background check database used for gun purchases, judge finds
Wall Street Journal
A federal judge ruled that the U.S. Air Force bears most of the responsibility for the 2017 mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, because it failed to enter the shooter’s criminal history into a federal background check database used for gun purchases.
The decision Wednesday from U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez of the Western District of Texas comes in a civil lawsuit brought by survivors and families of victims of the massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, which left 26 people dead. The 26-year-old gunman, former Airman Devin Kelley, killed himself shortly after the attack, the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.
In his decision, Judge Rodriguez said the Air Force bore 60% of the responsibility for the shooting and ordered parties to set a trial plan within 15 days to assess monetary damages for the survivors and victims’ families in the case.
“The trial conclusively established that no other individual—not even Kelley’s own parents or partners—knew as much as the United States about the violence that Devin Kelley had threatened to commit and was capable of committing,” the judge wrote. “Moreover, the evidence shows that—had the Government done its job and properly reported Kelley’s information into the background check system—it is more likely than not Kelley would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting.”
Joining us to talk about this decision is Stephen Willeford, known as the Good Guy with a Gun who helped to stop the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.
- Stephen, can you give our listeners some background on this shooting?
- If the Air Force had flagged Airman Devin Kelley would he have been prevented from obtaining a weapon?
- Is the background check system a deterrent in terms of keeping guns out of the hands of evil and disturbed individuals?
- How are the victims of this mass shooting doing today?
- Where can listeners go for more information?
ABOUT STEPHEN WILLEFORD (In Central Time): A native of Sutherland Springs, Texas, Stephen Willeford was raised in a family of five on a dairy farm near the First Baptist Church. He is the fourth generation to live on a few hundred acres of land in Wilson County. Stephen has always relied on his faith to guide his life, and his deep roots in Sutherland Springs are a product of his family’s commitment to their community. An avid sportsman, Stephen began shooting at a young age and honed his shooting skills by participating in shooting competitions as he grew older. He made sure his three children were trained in gun safety, passing along his expertise.
After helping stop the deadliest mass shooting in the history of Texas in November 2017, Stephen has become known across the country as the “good guy with a gun.” Stephen credits his unwavering faith and penchant for preparedness as to why he was able to step in during this critical incident, believing that each day of his life prepared him for what happened on that Sunday morning. Stephen has begun speaking publicly about his life and experiences, even delivering a lauded speech at the National Rifle Association Convention in May 2018. Because of his selfless service to his community, Stephen was also an honored guest of members of the Texas delegation at the 2018 State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
An experienced professional plumber, Stephen earned his license from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship School in San Antonio and has nearly 35 years of experience in his field. In 2018, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Stephen to serve on the Texas Private Security Board. He is a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), was an NRA-certified instructor and a former assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. Stephen has been married to Pam Farmer Willeford for 30 years and has three children and three grandchildren.
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing, and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 700,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or Celinda Hawkins at 432-349-2736 or at interview.guests@gmail.com.
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