Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
It didn’t take long.
Within hours of the foiled attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association gala, calls for more gun control started circulating. And the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) is pushing back hard.
The target this time: Brian Stelter.
CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb blasted him, calling the commentary “nonsense” and accusing the CNN analyst of skipping over key facts surrounding the case.
“In an analysis, CNN’s Brian Stelter insinuated that nobody will consider tougher gun laws to prevent such an incident,” Gottlieb said. “He should have looked at the facts before going off half-cocked.”
According to CCRKBA, the suspect at the center of the incident legally purchased both a shotgun and a handgun in California, widely considered one of the most restrictive states in the country when it comes to firearm laws.
“The suspect…had to pass two California background checks and endure two separate waiting periods,” Gottlieb noted. “Just what more does Stelter think could be done?”
That point is central to the organization’s argument.
If one of the strictest regulatory environments in the country didn’t prevent the suspect from acquiring firearms legally, CCRKBA says it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of simply adding more restrictions.
Gottlieb also took aim at what he described as the broader narrative forming in some media coverage, suggesting the focus on firearms is missing the bigger issue.
“President Trump referred to the suspect as a ‘whack job,’ and after reading his manifesto, that description seems appropriate,” he said, adding that the writings indicated the attack was premeditated, not impulsive.
He went further, tying the incident to what he described as years of “vile, hate-filled rhetoric” directed at the president.
“This was not some spur-of-the-moment act,” Gottlieb said. The criticism didn’t stop there.
“We find it disgusting and abysmally lazy for any journalist…to engage in gun control poppycock at this point,” he added, contrasting Stelter’s commentary with other outlets that were still working to establish the facts of the case.
CCRKBA also pointed out that the suspect reportedly transported the firearms across state lines (possibly by train) again underscoring what they see as enforcement and criminal behavior issues rather than legislative gaps.
At the core of the organization’s response is a familiar argument: Law-abiding gun owners aren’t the problem.
“Tens of millions of gun owners…didn’t hurt anyone Saturday night,” Gottlieb said. “We watched in shock with everyone else.”
He closed with a broader critique of media rhetoric surrounding political figures, suggesting it can have real-world consequences.
“Instead of demanding more gun control,” Gottlieb said, “maybe it’s time for them to control their mouths.”
The incident itself remains under investigation, and the suspect is expected to face prosecution. But as is often the case, the political and cultural fallout is already unfolding.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
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