August 4, 2019
For immediate release

Waco, TX — Gun Owners of America released the following statement today from Rachel Malone, GOA-Texas Director:

“This weekend, innocent lives were ended by violent acts, and Texans are reeling from the attack against shoppers in El Paso. This horrific taking of precious life is despicable and irreparably harms countless Texans. Gun Owners of America grieves with those who are mourning the loss of family and friends, and we pray for healing for the injured.

“Tragedies like this remind us that life is precious, fragile, and worth protecting. We acknowledge that evil will always exist in this world. However, we seek to minimize the harm that evil people want to inflict. 

“GOA calls on Texans to stay alert and be prepared to protect yourselves and your families. 

“We also call on our elected officials to remove barriers that hinder law-abiding citizens’ ability to take responsibility for their own safety. 

“Finally, we urge Texans to pray for those who are hurting from this tragedy, and to extend help and loving arms as you are able.

“The barbaric attack in El Paso highlights the truth that Texas’ permitting system for gun carry harms minorities disproportionately, adding unnecessary barriers that do not increase safety but only decrease Texans’ ability to carry a firearm as an effective defense tool. Permit requirements do not keep criminals from committing despicable crimes; they only add barriers for law-abiding citizens who want to save their own lives. 

“Texas’ general ban on carrying handguns for self defense arose out of racism. The permitting system continues to propagate elitist attitudes. It’s time for us to finally get rid of all such racist laws that only hurt law-abiding, peaceful citizens.

“No Texan should have to choose between following the law or carrying a handgun to save his life. No Texan should have to ask the government’s permission to carry a tool to protect herself and her child. Gun Owners of America stands for policies that increase safety without decreasing freedom.”  

Rachel Malone, 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.

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