Stephen Willeford talks with Todd Starnes about Michigan Church shooter and GOA GOALS Summit in Knoxville
In a recent interview with Todd Starnes, Stephen Willeford of Gun Owners of America (GOA) discussed the state of the Second Amendment, the erosion of gun rights, and the personal responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. The conversation highlighted Willeford’s firm belief that armed citizens play a crucial role in protecting their communities and that attempts to curtail gun rights ultimately undermine public safety.
Willeford, known nationally as the man who intervened in the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting in Texas, brought a firsthand perspective to the discussion. He emphasized that the government cannot be everywhere at once and that in moments of crisis, it is often the average citizen—armed and prepared—who is positioned to make a difference. He argued that stories like his demonstrate why Americans must not only preserve their right to bear arms, but also embrace the moral responsibility that accompanies it.
Starnes and Willeford explored the broader implications of recent legislative and cultural shifts. Willeford expressed concern that political leaders in Washington and in statehouses across the country are pushing increasingly restrictive gun control laws that, in his view, punish law-abiding citizens while doing little to deter criminals. He warned that such policies create soft targets by disarming honest people, making them more vulnerable to those who ignore the law.
The conversation turned to the role of the GOA, which Willeford described as an uncompromising advocate for the Second Amendment. Unlike larger, more establishment-oriented gun organizations, GOA does not support any form of gun control or regulation that infringes upon constitutional rights. Willeford highlighted the organization’s work in the courts and legislatures, fighting back against federal and state efforts to impose red flag laws, waiting periods, bans on so-called assault weapons, and other measures he believes are unconstitutional.
Willeford also touched on the cultural battle surrounding firearms, noting that younger generations are often misinformed about guns and the intentions of gun owners. He stressed the importance of education—not only in firearm safety but also in the history and principles of the Constitution. Without this foundation, he argued, Americans are more easily swayed by emotional appeals and misinformation that frame guns solely as instruments of violence.
The interview also addressed the aftermath of high-profile mass shootings and how those events are used by media and political activists to push for sweeping gun control. Willeford acknowledged the horror and tragedy of such events but cautioned against using them as a pretext to strip citizens of their rights. He believes that armed resistance, like his own intervention at Sutherland Springs, is rarely acknowledged by mainstream media because it contradicts the dominant narrative that more guns equal more violence.
Willeford and Starnes spoke at length about personal preparedness. Willeford described how he had trained and drilled for years, knowing that evil could strike anywhere. When it did, he was ready. He encouraged others to do the same, emphasizing that owning a firearm is not enough—it requires practice, discipline, and a mindset of service to one’s community.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the idea that freedom is not free. Willeford maintained that preserving liberty requires vigilance, courage, and a willingness to stand firm in the face of cultural and political pressure. He framed the Second Amendment as not merely a right to possess firearms, but as a bulwark against tyranny and a safeguard of all other rights. Disarming the public, he warned, is historically a precursor to authoritarian control.
Starnes agreed, noting that the fight over the Second Amendment is really a fight over the future of the country—whether it will remain a nation of self-reliant individuals or be transformed into one dependent on centralized authority. Willeford concluded by calling on Americans to become more involved: to join organizations like GOA, to educate their communities, and to vote for leaders who respect the Constitution.
The interview offered a passionate, unapologetic defense of gun rights, grounded in real-world experience and a deep commitment to constitutional principles. For Willeford, the Second Amendment is not an abstract issue—it is a matter of life, liberty, and the ability to stand between evil and the innocent when no one else is there to help.
