Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford explains why Bill Lee’s request is asking for trouble, particularly with how the state may judge who’s “a danger.”
In an effort to make his state safer from gun violence, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order that would strengthen background checks for purchases of guns. But on top of that, he also pressed lawmakers to pass their own protection law, one that would prevent guns from being in the hands of those he deems a “danger to themselves or others.”
“I’m asking the General Assembly to bring forward an order of protection law,” Lee explained after signing the order. “A new, strong order of protection law will provide the broader population cover, safety, from those who are a danger to themselves or the population.”
With the order, Lee hopes to have updated information added to the Tennessee Instant Check System, mainly surrounding new criminal activity or vital mental health information.
While Lee is no doubt trying to prevent instances similar to the recent Covenant shooting, lawmakers will have their hands full trying to validate such rules, particularly when it comes to who decides whether someone is a “danger” enough to remove their guns. This could create havoc for private gun owners, especially those who may have to go through mental health testing just to prove themselves competent enough.
With us to discuss this further is Stephen Willeford, 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 welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- Do you believe Lee thought everything through with his proposed rule to remove guns from those “who are a danger to themselves or the population?”
- How much of a violation would you say this is to private gun owners? Is there a chance these potential rules could be taken to court and overturned due to the Constitution?
- You’ve talked about in the past how those that Constitutional-Carry (or Concealed-Carry, as some call it) can provide way protection than any sort of gun ban. Do you believe Nashville would benefit greatly from this?
- Why do you think President Biden seems more hellbent on a ban of “assault weapons” rather than seeing what Constitutional-Carry can do with “active shooter” events? Is it just an easier path for him to take?
- What kind of resistance do you think we’ll see as lawmakers attempt to carry out Lee’s request regarding deciding who’s a “danger” or not with carrying a gun?
- What do you think the biggest problem with this proposed law is? Deciding who is a “danger” or not? Or something else?
- Tell us more about your “hero with a gun” incident in 2017, and the importance of being ready against an “active shooter.”
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
My official website is http://www.stephenwilleford.com. You can read more about 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 2nd Amendment issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. You can read more about him at http://www.stephenwilleford.com.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
