Maloney Statement in Response to Gun Owners of America Executive Director Larry Pratt's Call for Death Threats Against Elected Officials

Statement

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement in response to Gun Owners of America Executive Director Larry Pratt's praise for threats on her life and call for threats of armed violence against elected officials. Pratt's statement was highlighted in a Rolling Stone Article published this week.

"As someone who has been on the receiving end of violent threats, I can tell you that it is no small matter. To hear Mr. Pratt say he was "glad' about the threats made against me shows just how unhinged he is.

"Let there be no doubt about it, Mr. Pratt is actively encouraging his members to threaten violent action against members of Congress they disagree with. This rhetoric has no place in a democracy and law enforcement should consider investigating the extent to which Mr. Pratt's organization is involved with making threats against other elected officials.

"These comments are especially reprehensible in light of what happened to my good friend Congresswoman Gabby Giffords who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a gunshot wound received during a public event, a shooting that also cost the lives of six other people. Pratt's rhetoric essentially invites similar attacks on other members of Congress.

"These statements show just how outrageous the extreme pro-gun movement has become. Most Americans and most gun owners don't support a violent overthrow of the government. They believe we can and should address our difference through the democratic process -- not through violence. It is unfortunate and disturbing that Mr. Pratt disagrees."

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