Gun Owners Of America Issue Statement On Sutherland Springs Tragedy

As more information flows in regarding the horrific events in Sutherland Springs, the anti-gun zealots are already spouting their nonsense. The Gun Owners of America, however, are stepping up to set the record straight for pro-gun activists.

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From their press release.

Springfield, VA – Executive Director of Gun Owners of America (GOA) Erich Pratt made the following statement after the tragic attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas:

“Gun Owners of America grieves at the senseless attack on churchgoers in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The evil which would cause even a demented individual to open fire in a church is incomprehensible to any sane mind. Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to the victims of this horrific tragedy.

“Sadly, Democrats are using this tragedy to raise a ‘War Chant’ for more gun control, but more gun control would have not stopped the shooter.

“The shooter passed background checks, and he was denied a carry permit. However, these gun control measures — even with the denial of a carry permit — did not prevent the shooter from carrying out his evil act.

“However, an armed citizen who engaged and chased the shooter did end the threat. Officials have stated he ‘may have saved countless lives.’

“If there is any message to be learned from this, it is that Congress and the state legislatures need to disabuse themselves of the notion that passing more gun control laws will somehow make Americans safe.

“Gun Owners of America continues to urge Congress to pass H.R. 38 which, among other things, would further encourage law-abiding Americans to carry guns with them.”

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews.Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over 1.5 million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Newsroom

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In this case, it seems prudent to point out that it appears the shooter passed those background checks despite being incarcerated for 12 months following a court-martial in the Air Force for assaulting his wife and child. That should have disqualified him from owning a firearm, but for some reason, it was not reported to the NICS and he was permitted to purchase four guns over four years.

It’s possible that such information was found during the background check required for a Texas Concealed Handgun License, thus being the reason for him being turned down for that. Unfortunately, it’s too early to know for certain just why his application for a CHL was rejected for certain, so it’s only speculation.

What we do know is that for some reason, a man who clearly should not have been allowed to buy firearms under existing law apparently was. Now, 26 people are dead; entire families have been torn apart by this tragedy.

All because of what looks like a clerical glitch somewhere in the system.

Meanwhile, the left will continue to pontificate on the need for more gun control despite the fact that the necessary measures were already apparently in place. Then again, when have they ever let facts get in the way of their anti-gun jihad?

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