RELEASE: GOA Statement on Las Vegas Shooting


October 2, 2017
For Immediate Release

GOA Statement on Las Vegas Shooting

Springfield, VA – Executive Director of Gun Owners of America (GOA) Erich Pratt stated the following after the tragic shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada:

“Everyone at Gun Owners of America was extremely troubled and saddened to see the tragic and terrifying report of the shooting in Las Vegas. GOA and all our employees send their sincerest prayers for the victims, their families, and all involved in this heartbreaking incident.

“At the same time, it is disturbing to see anti-gun politicians and celebrities politicizing the tragedy by calling for further restrictions on guns. 

“We cannot blame gun owners, the gun itself, or the liberties protected in the Second Amendment for how evil people abuse that freedom. 

“The vast majority of gun owners handle their firearms responsibly. Guns are used up to 100 times more often to save a life than take life (according to Obama’s Center for Disease Control in 2013). Even so-called ‘assault weapons’ are used in self-defense. Consider the Texan homeowner who successfully used an AR-15 to defend himself against a drive-by attack involving three shooters. 

“Furthermore, terrorists and evil doers use other instruments, such as trucks, to take lives as shown in the tragic attack in Nice, France, where 86 people lost their lives. 

“Again, GOA is heartbroken over this tragedy and our deepest sympathies go to out to all involved.” 

Erich Pratt, or another GOA spokesperson, is 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.

– GOA —