Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford explains why the overturning actually hurts gun owners more than one might think.
Several of the United States have put their own interesting spin on “gun laws” into effect. However, Missouri’s take on disabling certain Federal gun laws was too much for one particular judge to bear. And it has left much room for debate.
The law, deemed the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), had initially declared that certain federal gun laws affected the rights of individuals’ rights to bear arms, per the Second Amendment. However, U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes has taken it out of effect, deeming it unconstitutional. And the reasoning? Believe it or not, the Second Amendment.
Wimes noted how its Supremacy Clause prohibited state laws from taking priority over preset federal laws, noting how Missouri’s measure was “counterintuitive to its stated purpose.”
“While purporting to protect citizens, SAPA exposes citizens to greater harm by interfering with the federal government’s ability to enforce lawfully enacted firearms regulations designed by Congress for the purpose of protecting citizens,” he explained.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey noted that the state plans to appeal, noting how he remains stagnant in “defending Missourians’ fundamental right to bear arms.” But even with the Second Amendment providing the right to bear arms, it could be an uphill struggle moving forward.
Joining us now is Stephen Willeford, a spokesman for Gun Owners of America. You may recall in 2017 how he stopped the Sutherland Springs, Texas mass shooting, acting as the “good guy with a gun.” His expertise is welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- This is a rather interesting Missouri state law when it comes to defending the rights of gun owners. How much of a problem is it now that a U.S. District Judge has overturned it?
- Usually, the Second Amendment provides support for those who prefer to bear arms. How interesting is it that one of its measures actually acts in favor of the Federal Government this time around? How would you say this is a loss for gun owners?
- Do you think that Attorney General Bailey stands any chance with his appeal, or do you think the fight to restore the law is pretty much a lost cause given the measure in the Constitution that prefers federal law to state law?
- Why do you think the state of Missouri put the law into effect to begin with? Do you believe they may have been onto something when it comes to some of the restrictive federal gun laws that are in effect? Or could their reasoning have come from elsewhere?
- Do you believe the overturning of this law will have much of an effect on the rights of citizens in the U.S.?
- Tell us more about your “hero with a gun” incident in 2017, and the importance of being ready against an “active shooter.”
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
My official website is http://www.stephenwilleford.com. You can read more about 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 2nd Amendment issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. You can read more about him at http://www.stephenwilleford.com.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
