Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford explains the importance of the practice, and how it can keep people safe.
An “active shooter” event took place in Des Moines, Iowa this week, with many people being injured before the suspect inevitably took his own life.
It brings about a number of questions about the state of gun control in the United States, but there’s one answer that seems particularly clear – banning assault weapons isn’t the answer.
The main reason for this is that, even with any sort of ban in place, people can still get their hands on weapons as needed. It’s like putting up a restrictive piece of tape that many people will be able to walk right through.
So what is the answer? Constitutional-Carry, or Concealed Carry as some people call it. This would enable licensed private citizens to answer to events such as this, in an effort to keep people safe.
And for those that would argue otherwise, remember that California attempted a weapons ban several months ago, but active shooter events remained on the rise.
Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis solidified this point while speaking with the Des Moines Register and NBC News. In a statement, he noted, “We obviously have a responsibility to create safe environments. The federal government is probably not going to be leading that effort, I think it is more of a local and state issue, but we’ve shown how it’s done in Florida.”
(Side note: Florida is officially recognized as a Constitutional-Carry state, enabling its citizens to act as necessary during such “active shooter” events.)
Joining us now to discuss this further is Stephen Willeford, a spokesman for Gun Owners of America. You may recall how Willeford acted as the “hero with a gun” in the Sutherland Springs incident back in 2017, which he has since co-authored a book about. His experience in the practice of Concealed-Carry, and his belief that all people have the right to bear arms, should be useful in this conversation. Welcome, Stephen!
Q&A:
- So you’ve noted for the longest time that Constitutional-Carry, or Concealed-Carry, is a far more effective solution to “active shooter” events than gun bans. Explain to us why it’s a great solution.
- What about those that would argue that having someone practice Constitutional-Carry would automatically mean more guns on the streets? What would you say to them?
- Do you believe President Biden, alongside the ATF, will continue to try and enact gun restriction laws as 2024 goes on? Even with the Second Amendment providing protection for U.S. citizens?
- What are your thoughts on how the situation in Des Moines, Iowa was handled?
- Do you agree with Gov. DeSantis that Florida has provided a good example with Constitutional-Carry?
- 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. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001 or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
