Runyan Invites Gun Seller to Anti-Violence Summit
As the Senate Judiciary Committee was debating gun control measures and hearing emotional testimony from Gabrielle Giffords, Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) was holding his own gun summit at which he invited a gun shop owner and no one from a gun control advocacy group. Runyan's aide defended the guest list, saying a community activist who lectures about gun safety provided the counter-point.
Runyan Invites Gun Seller to Anti-Violence Summit
Jan Hefler
As the Senate Judiciary Committee was debating gun control measures and hearing emotional testimony from Gabrielle Giffords, Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) was holding his own "gun summit" in Mount Holly, Burlington County.
A gun shop owner who represented the NRA was among the 26 invited guests at Runyan's summit, but no one from the traditional gun control advocacy groups was included.
After the two-hour roundtable discussion, Runyan said he remains undecided about whether to support any of the proposals that are on the table to curb gun violence.
Runyan, who is financially backed by the NRA, said the existing laws need better enforcement, echoing remarks that NRA executive president Wayne LaPierre was making to the Judicial Committee around the same time.
Runyan's press secretary, Andrew Fasoli, said that the founder of the non-profit Stop Drop Your Gun was invited and provided the "counter-point" to the gun shop owner, who urged a hands-off approach to restrictions on guns. Fasoli said that Runyan and Sheriff Jean Stanfield, who co-hosted the event, brought him in as a counter-balance."
Kelly Logan, the founder, recommended Burlington County sponsor a gun buyback program to get illegal guns off the street. His mission is to educate young people on the "perils of weapons and drugs," according to his website.
Fasoli said that Runyan and the Burlington County Sheriff, who co-hosted the event, "brought Kelly Logan in as a counter-balance."
All of the other guests were professionals in law enforcement, education and the field of mental health. Most stressed the importance in early intervention with children to prevent them from joining gangs or resorting to violence.
"Runyan, who is financially backed by the NRA, said the existing laws need better enforcement, echoing remarks that NRA executive president Wayne LaPierre was making to the Judicial Committee around the same time."
Well of course he's going to parrot the same line that the NRA uses when he's aleady been bought and paid for by them.— daxtremesolja
Most of these Newtown/Ghetto shootings are caused by "children under the age of 30".
Place age restrictions (NOT a ban) and monitoring on gun owners under the age of 30. After that let them buy grenade launchers.
It may make up for Runyan's next vote against Abortion.— Cuddles
I hope somebody mentions that if Jesus had a gun, he would probably still be alive today.— pic man- Big John's vote has already been bought! Didn't take this Jock long to figure out how to make extra Campaign Money! Power to the people...NOT!— cooperhawk
- Congressman Runyan should be lauded for having the courage to have someone from the arms industry participate in the anti-violence discussions.— TetVet
