Spokesman Stephen Willeford discusses the case, and why the GOA firmly believe the government is in the wrong.
The Mexican government is unfairly going after American firearms manufacturers, particularly Smith and Wesson, believing they are the cause for the uptick in violence within their country. However, several pro-gun advocates – including the Gun Owners of America (GOA) – are fighting back.
Alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, the group has filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court, noting that Mexico’s government is merely using the case to deflect liability, blaming gun manufacturers instead of the violent cartels running wild within their borders.
Erich Pratt, who serves as Senior Vice President for Gun Owners of America, noted, “Mexican officials continue to pass the blame on who bears responsibility for the violence in their streets, but they should stop looking at gun makers and start looking in the mirror. Gun manufacturers bear no blame for the rampant violence committed by the cartels, just like auto manufacturers wouldn’t deserve blame if their cars were the weapon of choice for street gangs.”
The Supreme Court has yet to decide on the case, but with so many voices pointing out where the Mexican government is in the wrong, it certainly has to weigh heavily on it.
Joining us now to discuss this nomination further is Stephen Willeford, who currently serves as spokesman for the Gun Owners of America. Stephen is the “hero with a gun” from the Sutherland Springs incident in 2017, which he has since co-written a book about. We welcome him to the show!
Q&A:
- Why did the Gun Owners of America feel the need to file an amicus brief in this particular case?
- Do you believe the notion that the Mexican government would rather blame American gun manufacturers for the violence within their country, rather than the drug cartels that are running rampant?
- Do you believe the Supreme Court will consider this amicus brief, along with the numerous arguments filed by other gun groups?
- Where do you see the argument for gun rights going in 2025, especially as Donald Trump moves back into Presidential power?
- 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.
