FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Corey Graff, Executive Director

888.202.1645

October 23, 2003

Green Lake Sheriff's Deputy Killed, WGO Takes Tough Stand On "Assault Weapons" Ban

Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. (WGO) — Wisconsin’s only no compromise gun rights organization — announced today their remorse for the family and community of murdered Green Lake Sheriff’s Deputy Bruce Williams.

Williams was killed Sunday (October 19, 2003) when Aric Tonn, 21, used an AK-47, semi-automatic rifle to gun down the deputy who was responding to a domestic abuse complaint.

WGO also said they’re keeping their sights set on making sure a gun ban up for reenactment and expansion next year doesn’t see the light of day.

The killing has called attention to the 1994 semi-auto ban, under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of that year. A sunset clause drafted into the act — which banned production and importation of numerous semi-automatic rifles and magazine (clip) styles — will mature in September of 2004.

"This killing is a tragedy, further demonstrating the absurdity of gun control laws," said Corey Graff, executive director of Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. (WGO). "No amount of gun legislation could have prevented this senseless act. Infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens to own the firearms of their choice will only destroy our American freedoms. That’s why our mission is to ensure the unconstitutional, liberty-robbing semi-auto ban sunsets in 2004."

Graff said that gun control proponents argue there’s no need for private citizens to own military-style weapons. "Can you imagine a country like America being disarmed after an event like September 11?" said Graff. "Possession of state-of-the-art firearms is essential for our security — both to deter invasions upon our lands and our freedoms."

Two police officers were killed last year in Hobart, when a man drove his pick-up truck into the officers’ squad car. "Even though that pick-up truck was used as an ‘assault weapon,’ no one would tolerate a ban on pick-up trucks. Nor should they accept a gun ban in America on an entire class of essential firearms," said Graff.

WGO said Deputy Williams’ life should be honored by safeguarding freedom, not hindering it.

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