Additional Coverage:
- ‘The gun is not at fault’: Weapons sellers hit back after fury over school shootings (irishstar.com)
Atlanta, GA – At the 154th annual National Rifle Association convention, gun manufacturers defended their products in the wake of recent school shootings, asserting that accessibility to firearms isn’t the root of the problem. Several representatives spoke with reporters and offered their perspectives.
DJ Adams, 31, argued that firearms are merely tools, reflecting the character of the user. “The product is only a representation of the user,” Adams stated. He suggested that those who disagree should consider humanities classes to better understand societal motivations.
Simon McCarthy, 30, Sales and Business Development Manager for Diamondback Firearms, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that Diamondback’s products are designed for self-defense, not harm, and highlighted existing background check procedures. While open to further limitations on gun ownership, McCarthy stressed the importance of respecting individual rights.
Steve Cleverley, 51, Director of Business Operations for 51-50 rifles, agreed, stating, “It’s people committing the atrocities, not the product.” He framed the issue as a battle between good and evil, with firearms serving as tools for the “good guys.”
These statements come just days after a shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee left two students dead and six others injured, one critically. The suspected shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is reportedly a registered Republican and the stepson of a local sheriff’s deputy.