In a free-flowing interview regarding a pending state bill that would override bans on guns in city parks, one Tennessee lawmaker waved off concerns about accidental shootings by stating that guns are just as safe as bicycles.
In the interview, conducted by the Nashville Post, State Rep. Glen Casada (R) defended the proposed law, saying gun ownership is backed up by the Constitution and it is the "state’s obligation to guarantee the constitutional rights" of citizens.
Pressed by a reporter over the danger presented by potential gun accidents -- including by licensed gun permit holders -- Casada waved off concerns, saying, 'There’s accidents with bicycles in parks. Should we outlaw bicycles?"
"Yeah, but bikes very rarely kill people," the reporter replied.
"That's not true, I disagree with that statement," Casada retorted.
The reporter pressed the lawmaker to clarify, asking, "Guns are weapons. Are you saying a gun is as safe as bicycle?"
"If used properly I am. If used properly, " Casada replied while waving his hand dismissively.
Asked by the reporter, "In the event of an accident, which is more likely to kill someone?" Casada found the line of questioning not to his liking by replying, "Now we're back in theoretical. I think in Tennessee we're dealing with a lot more questions than guns in parks. I think this is a minor thing in the scope of what we're doing good in Tennessee."
Pressed, once again, to say if he was fine defending the bill, even if it resulted in someone being accidentally shot, Casada passed the buck to God.
"If someone gets run over by an automobile accidentally, there's nothing I can do about that," he said. " These are things beyond, they're called acts of God, they're beyond our control."
State Rep. Gerald McCormick (R) then jumped in to defend Casada, saying the press was focusing too much on the issue.
"I don't think you're presenting, I think you're advocating, " the Republican House Majority leader said. "Is this the only thing that's important to you guys? I mean, seriously."
Watch the video below, uploaded to YouTube by SanVic:
