The spokesman for the Gun Owners of America explains why a North Carolina law pertaining to gun safety isn’t as big a problem as some people might think.
With the ongoing string of “active shooter” events, there’s been a lot of talk about having people with Concealed Carry licenses being able to bring firearms into certain areas to keep people safe. And that includes schools, which is sadly a regular target for events such as these.
This past week, a law was passed in North Carolina. House Bill 193 enables certain individuals to carry firearms in private schools, provided they receive the school’s permission, have a permit to Concealed Carry, and can complete eight additional hours of training for gun safety.
It’s a move meant to keep students safe from potential shooters. However, some are concerned that the presence of guns may make them feel unsafe.
Gov. Josh Stein, who tried to veto the law before it went into effect, noted, “This bill would make our children less safe. Just as we should not allow guns in the General Assembly, we should keep them out of our schools unless they are in possession of law enforcement.”
However, several Republicans argue that law enforcement may not always be on hand – hence the need for an unlikely hero to step up to keep kids safe.
It’s a topic that’s certainly been ripe for discussion, but should it be that heavy a concern? 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:
- What are your thoughts on North Carolina passing a law that allows those that practice Concealed Carry to bring firearms into private schools?
- Gov. Stein expressed concerns about such firearms being brought into schools outside of law enforcement. Does his complaint have any validity? Or do you feel he’s overreacting, and that someone with Concealed Carry could provide additional security?
- Do you think the requirements surrounding bringing a firearm into the school sound more than fair? Especially with the need for a permit?
- Many believe that students would be “intimidated” by someone who brings a firearm into a private school. What would be your counterargument for such concerns?
- 29 states currently allow Concealed Carry. Do you think we could see even more states go this way in 2026? Or could some politicians continue to make arguments against this?
- Speaking of gun rights, where do you see the discussion going as the New Year comes closer?
- 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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