Contact: John Snyder, 202-326-5259 or 703-418-0849 

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- John Michael Snyder of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) announced here this morning that he supports the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) in its attempt to seek congressional approval for the right of pilots to carry guns in the cockpits of commercial airlines.

“I personally am 100 percent behind Capt. Duane Woerth, ALPA President, in his reported intent today to testify for this approval before a congressional committee,” said Snyder.

The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Washington Times, the New York Daily News, CNBC-TV and others all have named Snyder Dean of gun lobbyists. 

“If such a rule had been in effect on September 11, the tragic events of that horrible day may not have occurred,” Snyder continued. “ALPA obviously is seeking protection for the air-traveling public at large as well as specifically for individual pilots. Guns in the hands of the right people can be used to save lives. It is insane to keep them out of those hands! It is way past time for Congress to see the light in this regard and to take the proper action.”

Snyder noted that during the national Gun Rights Policy Conference held this past weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio, participants endorsed unanimously airline safety legislation introduced by Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. The bill, H.R. 2896, the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, would allow airlines to establish policies for arming pilots or sky marshals so that they can protect their own lives and the lives of their passengers, as well as possibly thousands on the ground below. 

“It’s time for gun control proponents to get off their anti-gun kick and to get with the program, the program of defending a newly united America,” he said.

Snyder is Public Affairs Director of CCRKBA, Vice President – Washington Liaison of the National Association of Chiefs of Police, Treasurer of the Second Amendment Foundation and National Vice President for Public Relations of the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens.

Related Reading

Where Does It End?

Don't Finance the Murder of the Bill of Rights

Which Airline Will Command and Control the Skies?

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself ...

The Obvious Solution

Closing the Cockpit Loophole by Captain Duane Shaw

Airplanes & Guns: Myths and Reality

POSTER: "Which is more difficult for a pilot to operate?"

The Airplane and Air Flight Laws of Physics

"Airline Safety and Anti-terrorism Act of 2001"

U.S. Code Regarding Carrying of Weapons on Planes

An Examination of Airport Security