STATEMENT: Capt. Kelly Responds to Rep. Norman Brandishing a Loaded Gun in a Constituent Meeting and His Comments about Gabrielle Giffords

Washington, DC – Retired United States Navy combat veteran and NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, co-founder of the gun safety group Giffords , released the following statement reacting to the news that during a public constituent meeting about gun safety, South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman pulled out his loaded gun and put it on the table.

Rep. Norman went on to tell The Post and Courier he pulled out the weapon and placed it on a table for several minutes in an attempt to make a point that guns are only dangerous in the hands of criminals, and stated: “I’m not going to be a Gabby Giffords. I don’t mind dying, but whoever shoots me better shoot well or I’m shooting back.”

Statement from Captain Mark Kelly:

“Congressman Norman is right – he’s no Gabby Giffords. And what this country needs are more leaders like Gabby Giffords. As a Congresswoman, Gabby worked with her neighbors and across party lines to solve problems. Since the shooting, she’s dedicated her life to finding solutions to stop the epidemic of gun violence that leaves over 100,000 Americans shot every year. Based on the overwhelming support Americans have for sensible solutions to reduce gun violence, it’s clear Americans share her determination.

“Americans are increasingly faced with a stark choice: leaders like Gabby, who work hard together to find solutions to problems, or extremists like the NRA and Congressman Norman, who rely on intimidation tactics and perpetuating fear. If we want to protect our kids and communities, Congress must get serious about passing safer gun laws. For our kids’ sake, let’s show our leaders we expect them to behave more like Gabby and less like Congressman Norman.”