Church turns Battleground as Shooter brings Sunday Bloodshed to Kentucky
Stephen Willeford is uniquely positioned to speak on the recent church shooting in Lexington, Kentucky. As the man who famously stopped the Sutherland Springs shooter in 2017, Willeford brings unmatched firsthand experience to the conversation. On that day, he grabbed his AR-15, confronted the heavily armed gunman barefoot, and helped end what could have been an even deadlier rampage. His quick action saved lives—and turned him into a national voice on the importance of armed citizen response.
Now, with another Sunday morning attack shaking the nation—this time at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, where a gunman killed two women, wounded a trooper, and injured churchgoers before being shot dead—Willeford’s voice is urgently needed. He can speak to what happens in those crucial moments before law enforcement arrives, and why preparedness, both mental and physical, can mean the difference between life and death.
Willeford is more than a hero—he’s a firearms instructor, a longtime gun rights advocate, and a spokesman for Gun Owners of America. He understands both the practical and moral dimensions of armed self-defense, especially in faith-based communities increasingly targeted by violence.
He is available now for interviews to discuss:
- The importance of having trained, armed congregants or volunteer security in churches
- What really happens in the “longest 90 seconds” before police arrive
- How regular citizens can prepare themselves mentally and physically for the unthinkable
- What policymakers get wrong—and right—about gun control versus active defense
- The lasting impact of having to take a life to save others
Stephen Willeford doesn’t speak from theory. He speaks from experience. Book him today for timely, powerful commentary on a tragedy that hits far too close to home.
To schedule an interview with Mr. Willeford, please reply to this message.
Stephen Willeford: The Good Guy With a Gun Who Saved Lives—Now Speaking Out Before It’s Too Late.
Related Articles:
2 dead, 2 injured at Lexington church after suspect shoots trooper: police | Fox News
Two dead and three injured, including state trooper, in Kentucky shootings | Kentucky | The Guardian
Q&A:
- What went through your mind the moment you heard about the Lexington church shooting?
- How do you emotionally process hearing about another church attack, knowing what you lived through in Sutherland Springs?
- What do you say to Americans who still believe armed citizens shouldn’t be in places of worship?
- What is the biggest misconception people have about defensive gun use during mass shootings?
- In your experience, how critical is mental readiness compared to physical preparedness in these moments?
- What specific steps should churches take today to protect their congregations from similar attacks?
- How has your own life changed since you stopped the Sutherland Springs shooter, and how does that shape your advocacy now?
- What policy recommendations would you make to better protect soft targets like churches without infringing on civil liberties?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.
ABOUT MARK JONES…
Mark Jones is National Director for the Gun Owners of America and also directs the National Hunter Outreach Program across the United States. He also manages legislative responsibilities in Wyoming and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist.
Mark built GOA’s National Hunter Outreach Program almost four years ago after retiring from his first career as a Big Game and Small Game Biologist. Mark has nearly three decades of experience performing wildlife research, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, managing wildlife resources, working with hunters and recreational shooters, and engaging in legislative issues with governmental policy.
Mark has been very active in helping GOA take on a National role in protecting the American Hunting Traditions. He is also well known in the Legislature and political circles where he has worked to pass a variety of pro-Second Amendment and pro-hunting Legislation in recent years.
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or by email Jerry McGlothlin at bookings@specialguests.com.
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