The spokesman for the Gun Owners of America discusses the shocking death of the beloved coach, and explains how better protection can avoid incidents like this.
Another devastating shooting has taken place, this time at Laney College.
Right before the weekend, legendary Oakland football coach John Beam was assassinated with a gunshot to the head. Police later apprehended 27-year old suspect Cedric Irving Jr., who was carrying a gun.
Police are calling this a “very targeted incident,” and are looking further into the matter – namely why Irving would attack Beam, since he was not attending the college.
“Coach’s Beam’s legacy isn’t measured in championships or statistics. It’s measured in the thousands of young people he believed in, mentored, and refused to abandon, including my nephew, while at Skyline High school. He gave Oakland’s youth their best chance, and he never stopped fighting for them,” she wrote, adding, “Gun violence has stolen the life of a man who dedicated himself to building up the young people of this city,” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee explained.
And while some politicians will likely use the incident to explain why guns should be banned, it instead opens up a question. What could have happened if someone that was Concealed Carrying was able to stop someone like Irving before he struck? Can people who are legal Concealed Carry citizens truly make a difference in incidents such as these?
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 the assassination of someone like John Beam? Are we seeing far too many incidents such as these?
- Do you believe politicians could try to turn this incident into something they’d use for their “ban guns” argument?
- You’ve often discussed the importance of Concealed Carry. Do you believe those that utilize this can actually make a difference in incidents like these?
- Why are so many states against Concealed Carry to begin with? Are they really that concerned about more guns being in certain areas or buildings?
- More and more states have been passing Concealed Carry as of late. Do you believe even more will join in 2026?
- For that matter, where do you see the argument surrounding gun rights going as the new year approaches?
- 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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