Gabby Giffords: Governor Hobbs Makes Right Call to Veto Deadly ‘Shoot First’ Bill
Washington DC — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, founder of the national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, released the following statement after Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a deadly ‘Shoot First’ bill that has earned wide condemnation.
The bill would have made it legal for property owners to shoot anyone who appears anywhere on their property, no matter how expansive the land or whether it’s marked as private property.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
“Today, Governor Katie Hobbs made the right call and vetoed a dangerous bill that would have led to additional gun violence and unjust killings here in Arizona. We’ve seen how similar laws in other states have been used as an excuse to ‘shoot first and ask questions later,’ often in an attempt to mask hate-fueled violence. This specific bill was born out of fearmongering and hatred toward immigrants. I’m grateful that our state has a leader like Governor Hobbs—her courageous and resolute action will keep Arizona safe.”
GIFFORDS submitted a letter to Governor Hobbs urging her to veto the bill. Similar laws came under the national spotlight in 2012 when Trayvon Martin, a Black teenager, was murdered while visiting family in Florida. In 2020, three white men in Georgia also tried to use the law to justify killing Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was shot while jogging.
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