Hanna Sides with Anti-Gun Politicians in a Stinging Rebuke of the NRA

Press Release

Republican Representative Richard Hanna sided with anti-gun politicians in a stinging rebuke to the National Rifle Association's position on American's Second Amendment rights. In a Utica, NY radio interview on WUTQ 100.7's "Talk of the Town" show, Hanna called for more gun control in the wake of the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, CA.

When asked what can be done to prevent future attacks, Hanna stated, in part:

"The people on the no-fly list, for example, can get guns. That seems to me to be something we ought to be looking at." (December 4, wutqfm.com)

Just one day earlier, anti-Second Amendment and gun control advocate, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), attempted to push NRA-opposed legislation through Congress nearly identical to what Hanna said he would support.

Hanna's sudden call for more gun-control runs counter to common sense and the NRA's position on this issue. The NRA is opposed to a blanket denial of Second Amendment rights to Americans on the no-fly list. In a statement by Jennifer Baker, the NRA's director of public affairs said: "The NRA does not want terrorists or dangerous people to have firearms, any suggestion otherwise is offensive and wrong." Baker continued, "Under the current system, law enforcement is notified every time a person on the list attempts to purchase a firearm. Law Enforcement then makes a case by case decision on the appropriate follow-up for each circumstance. The NRA's only objective is to ensure that Americans who are wrongly on the list are afforded their constitutional right to due process."

The no-fly list, which has been crafted by bureaucrats, is controversial, secretive and has amassed over 700,000 names. Many have wrongly appeared on this list including: journalists, U.S. representatives and even children. A report also found that 72 employees from the Department of Homeland Security are on the no-fly list. Removing your name from this list, even if it has been wrongly added, has proven to be nearly impossible. Stripping those who have been added to the no-fly list of their Second Amendment rights and consequently ignoring the Fifth Amendment of due process, is a misguided infringement on our constitutionally protected freedoms.

In the same interview, Hanna also went on to dismiss Upstate New York Sheriffs' call for law-abiding gun owners with concealed carry licenses to legally carry their guns to protect themselves and deter terrorist acts like the one in San Bernardino, CA.

In response to the Sheriffs' recommendation to exercise the Second Amendment, Hanna said:

"He can say what he likes. I don't see the point of that." (December 4, wutqfm.com)

Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney from New Hartford, NY is challenging Rep. Hanna for the Republican nomination in NY's 22nd Congressional District. She was the first legislator to introduce a bill calling for the full-repeal of New York's onerous and unconstitutional SAFE Act.

"In the wake of this week's horrific terrorist attacks, the usual anti-gun politicians and now Richard Hanna want to take away Second Amendment rights first and ask questions later. It is wrong when leaders in Washington exploit these tragedies for political expediency," said Tenney.

Tenney who has an A rating from the NRA, NYSCOPE and Gun Owners of America is an unwavering Second Amendment supporter and a fierce advocate for the employees at Remington Arms, a gun manufacturer in her district. Remington Arms, a division of the Freedom Group, is currently under attack from state lawmakers and New York City Mayor, Bill DeBlasio, who is calling for divestment of government pension funds in New York City and across the country in the stock of the gun maker. Tenney said:

"When terrorism strikes our homeland, our first obligation is to protect our families. As Americans, we have the right to defend ourselves against radical Jihadist terrorism under the Second Amendment. Our rights and the need to protect ourselves must be our focus, not exploiting the tragedy by calling for more gun control. Unfortunately, the usual anti-gun politicians and Rep. Hanna want to diminish the right of self-protection guaranteed under the Second Amendment", said Tenney. "I agree with the NRA's position on the inconclusive no-fly list and support the right for licensed gun-owners to legally conceal carry a gun for self-protection," Tenney concluded.

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