In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing for the merits of additional federal gun control on Jan. 30, 2013.
Three advocates for additional gun control, one being Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson, squared off against three proponents for the Second Amendment, including NRA’s Wayne LaPierre.
When asked by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, “We need the firepower and the ability to protect ourselves from our government” — from our government, from the police — “if they knock on our doors and we need to fight back.”
“Do you agree with that point of view?” Senator Durbin asked NRA executive VP Wayne LaPierre.
LaPierre initially responded, “I think without any doubt, if you look at why our founding fathers put it there, they had lived under the tyranny of King George and they wanted to make sure that these free people in this new country would never be subjugated again and have to live under tyranny.”
Then the NRA VP continued with a statement that has since been proven to be true in both Ferguson, Mo., and now Baltimore, Md.
“I also think, though, that what people all over the country fear today is being abandoned by their government. If a tornado hits, if a hurricane hits, if a riot occurs that they’re going be out there alone. And the only way they’re going protect themselves in the cold and the dark, when they’re vulnerable is with a firearm. And I think that indicates how relevant and essential the Second Amendment is in today’s society to fundamental human survival.”
Then Durbin turned to the chief and stated “Well, Chief Johnson, you’ve heard it.” He continued, “The belief of the NRA is the Second Amendment has to give American citizens the firepower to fight back against you, against our government.”
When LaPierre went to comment on the maligned statement by Senator Durbin he was cut off.
The Baltimore County police chief responded, “I find it to be scary, creepy. And it’s simply just not based on logic. Certainly, law enforcement across this nation is well-prepared to deal with any natural or man-made disaster that will occur. And, frankly, I just — I can’t relate to that kind of thinking.”
Baltimore, according to the chief, is prepared to deal a crisis such as the one that is currently going in the city.
However, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake decided to give rioters and, “those that wish to destroy” the time and space to do so without intervention from the police. When police were asked why they are watching the looting and doing nothing to stop the crime they responded, “Ask the mayor.” (MAYOR: City Being ‘Destroyed By Thugs’ In ‘A Senseless Way’)
Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation including: restricted magazine capacity, a roster of acceptable guns, restrictions on personal sales, handgun licensing and mandatory waiting periods.
Baltimore, in spite of its strong gun control, is one of America’s most dangerous cities. Calls for violence against the police were made by nationally-known gangs operating in the rioted area. (RELATED: Bloods, Crips Team Up To ‘Take Out’ Baltimore Cops)