November 6, 2017
For Immediate Release:

GOA: In the Midst of Tragedy, Gun Control Fails as an Armed Citizen Prevails 

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. 

— GOA —