Two more “active shooter” events have the Gun Owners of America once again discussing the importance of licensed heroes.
Another weekend, another pair of dangerous “active shooter” events that leave people wondering if there were any way for them to be prevented. Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford believes there is a solution at hand.
- Two more “active shooter” events took place over the weekend, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of at least one suspect.
- This brings the total of such events to over 180 for 2026 alone – a number that continues to grow at an alarming rate.
- Though over half of the United States supports open-carry and concealed-carry, there are still some that believe unfair gun laws should be put in place.
The first incident took place in Midland, Texas on Friday, where nine people were injured by a gunman. He was eventually cornered in a standoff, and was called deceased soon thereafter.
“My heart breaks for the victims and their families,” noted Midland Mayor Lori Blong. “We are praying for every person touched by today’s events and for the law enforcement officers who risked (their) own safety to protect our community.”
Just one day later, another “active shooter” event took place, this time inside Haywood Mall in South Carolina. A dispute had led to someone pulling out a firearm, resulting in two injuries. An investigation is ongoing, but according to local police, multiple people “are in custody.”
These are the two latest incidents in a growing – and dangerous – statistic surrounding “active shooter” events. So far, a staggering total of 180 “active shooter” events have taken place, resulting in hundreds of injuries and several deaths. While police are doing the best they can to contain these shooters, clearly a second type of defense is needed.
That is where open-carry and concealed-carry (or Constitutional-Carry) citizens come in. They are licensed individuals that carry firearms for the sake of safety, enabling themselves to step up when the situation calls for it. Though over half of the United States allows these citizens to arm themselves, there are several states that still refuse to accept this resolution, instead putting up unnecessary gun laws in their place.
But considering the rise of “active shooter” incidents, shouldn’t more consideration be given in an effort to save lives? Stephen Willeford, a spokesman for the Gun Owners of America and the 2017 “hero with a gun” from the Sutherland Springs incident, joins us now to discuss the situation further.
Q&A:
- What do you think about the latest “shooter” events that have taken place this weekend, resulting in several injuries and one death of a suspect?
- With these incidents, the total of “shooter” events in the U.S. now clocks in at over 180. What does this say about growing danger within the United States?
- You’ve been a long-time supporter of open-carry and concealed-carry (or Constitutional-Carry). What are the big differences between the two, and which would you say you support more?
- Half of the United States supports one of these types of carry. However, there are several states that still refuse to, instead putting unnecessary gun laws in place. Why do they choose to do this instead of adopting this style of protection?
- Are some citizens simply concerned that a “carry” type of citizens will mean an additional gun “in their neighborhood” or area? What would be your response to this?
- Do you think, with this growing number of “active shooter” events, we’ll see President Trump possibly consider an open-carry/concealed carry sort of program for the U.S. as a whole?
- 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.
