House Leaders Reaction to Governor's Press Conference Lobbying Against SB 88

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien and House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt today released the following statement regarding the Governor’s press conference with Manchester Police Chief David Mara, Attorney General Michael Delaney and other law enforcement administrators opposing the right for New Hampshire citizens to defend themselves

House Speaker William O’Brien:

“Senate bill 88 simply ensures that in New Hampshire, lawful gun owners can defend themselves when they are threatened. This common-sense legislation would make New Hampshire the 32nd state to have a Castle Doctrine or ‘Stand your Ground’ law, and we should have been a leader in this important area of protecting individual rights. We can look at the recent riots in England as evidence of what happens when citizens’ right to own and carry firearms is infringed upon. While mobs of thugs roam the streets invading public shops and private homes, the people of England have no means to protect themselves and their families. Luckily here in America and in New Hampshire we honor the unalienable right to bear arms. Having the right to carry a firearm, but then saying that you can’t use it to defend yourself when your life is in danger is absurd and shows a lack of respect for the safety of Granite Staters. Not only does Senate bill 88 allow our state’s citizens to protect themselves, it also ensures the deterrence of events like the riots in Britain; with the override of the Governor’s veto, something like this simply would never happen in New Hampshire.”

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt:

“While this is not a novel position for the Manchester Police Chief to be taking—law enforcement bureaucrats traditionally are in favor of disarming the public—the truth of the matter is taking away the rights of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms does nothing to reduce crime. Armed self-defense is the bedrock upon which our freedoms arose and are guaranteed.”