Statement

Representative Joe Walsh (IL-8) sent a letter today to Acting President Dennis Henigan of the Brady Campaign, an anti-Second Amendment organization, to describe the importance of gun rights and how they are currently being disregarded, particularly in Illinois. Last week, Acting President Henigan requested an "explanation" after Rep. Walsh stressed the importance of permitting conceal carry firearms in the state and the right to keep and bear arms before gun rights advocates in Huntley, IL.

"I am happy to today respond to Mr. Henigan's request for clarity when I emphasized that the Second Amendment is the most important amendment in the Constitution -- because it protects every other amendment," said Rep. Walsh. "I hope I was clear in that and wanted to send this letter to help ensure that message is clear."

"Illinois is now the only state in the entire nation that doesn't allow lawful Americans to carry a firearm. Violent crimes continue to decrease even as more states such as Wisconsin -- that recently passed a concealed carry permit -- repeal archaic laws crafted to restrict gun rights."

"We need not forget that freedom was gained and will always be maintained by a strict interpretation of our Constitution and this certainly includes the Second Amendment. While I respect the mission of the Brady Campaign to reduce crime and violence, we strongly disagree on how this should be done. It should not be done through the slow dismantling of our right to bear arms, and by disarming law abiding Americans."

"Gun rights advocates are on the front lines in defending our freedoms. I stand with them in this noble mission and will always be an outspoken advocate for Second Amendment rights and particularly, a repeal of Illinois laws preventing the right-to-carry."