Senate Public Safety chair calls for removal of OK2A leader after ‘shameful and dangerous’ comments

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, is calling for the removal of Don Spencer as the executive director of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association (OK2A) after making comments Paxton said could put the lives of legislators and other elected officials in danger.  

At an event held in Duncan last month, Spencer told the audience, “We win at the ballot box, so we don’t have to go to the ammo box.” Paxton said the comment crossed every conceivable line of decency.

“I have supported and continue to support the efforts of OK2A in their goal of protecting the Second Amendment, but Mr. Spencer’s words can only be seen as a direct physical threat against those candidates and office holders who they can’t beat in an election,” Paxton said.  “Incendiary comments like this could push someone that might be unstable over the edge, resulting in physical attacks on elected members of the Legislature, Congress, or even local officials like city council and school board members.”

Paxton said he would always support thoughtful, responsible legislation protecting Second Amendment rights; however, those in leadership positions, like Spencer, have a responsibility not to throw jet fuel into an already volatile political environment.

“Don Spencer’s rhetoric is not new.  He has been vocally critical of legislators who do not follow his exact lead but calling for pulling out the ammo box as a way to deal with non-compliant legislators is a new low,” Paxton said.  “As a state Senator and chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, I am calling for OK2A to remove Don Spencer as executive director of this important organization.  As the leader of OK2A, his shameful and dangerous comments will result in the loss of his credibility and the ability to advance OK2A’s agenda in the Public Safety Committee.  I also call on fellow legislators to join me in publicly condemning his comments.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Lonnie Paxton at 405-521-5537 or Lonnie.Paxton@oksenate.gov