n response to Friday morning's public statement by NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre
– the first public remarks by the National Rifle Association since last
week's shooting in Newtown, Conn. – this evening "Piers Morgan Tonight"
invites Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone, to share his insight and reactions:
"That was the most irresponsible, and I think, hurtful response to an
American tragedy that I have heard," said Canada, referencing
LaPierre's suggestion of more firearms as an answer for the current
epidemic of gun violence in the country. "He should be ashamed of
himself to come and tell the American people 'I am not going to do
anything reasonable – not one thing.'"
As the pro-gun lobby continues to laud the value of military grade
weapons – the likes of which have been used in several recent mass
killings – Canada voices his opposition:
"It is shameful because they can give you not one logical reason that
an American citizen needs an assault weapon. Not one. They aren't good
for hunting, they serve no purpose," says the 60-year-old social
activist. "In the hands of someone really mentally ill, they can do
damage that is inconceivable to us."
Watch the clip, and listen to the interview, then tune in this
evening at 9 as Canada further explains the pressing need to address
this issue through legislation, so as to better "protect our children."
