A new report from the Gun Violence Archive has revealed that, during last week’s Fourth of July weekend, there were a large number of deaths and injuries due to shootings.
According to the report, a total of at least 220 people were killed, while 570 were wounded. It also notes 500 “instances of shootings” over the course of the four day weekend. Out of those, at least 11 were classified as active shooter events.
These numbers were up from the previous year, where more than 180 people were killed and 516 were injured.
This includes the Chicago incident last week, when a shooter attacked a parade in Highland Park, killing seven people and injuring more than two dozen others before being captured.
Here now to reflect on the gun violence is Stephen Willeford. Stephen serves as advisor to the Second Amendment Foundation, as well as 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 certainly welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- What does the increase in Fourth of July violence numbers say about some particular gun owners in this country?
- You’ve pushed for “concealed-carry” (or open carry) in the past. Do you believe if there were more of these people on the streets during this weekend, those numbers would’ve come down in any regard?
- Some, like vice president Kamala Harris, believe this past weekend is a call to try and get various types of rifles banned from sales. But wouldn’t that hurt private gun owners or those that “conceal-carry” in certain states?
- What do you think about the Highland Park’s response in regards to the shooting? We’re starting to see more attentiveness with police forces in response to shootings.
- If you had the chance to write a gun bill of some sort, what provisions would you include to both protect private gun owners as well as those trying to protect others?
- Where can we learn more about you and your current work with the Gun Owners of America?
- My official website is http://www.stephenwilleford.com. You can read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Stephen Willeford:
Stephen represents the 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 the Gun Owners of America. You can read more about him at http://www.stephenwilleford.com.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
