Let’s dive into the bold opening statement from some of the loudest progressive voices out there: Blue Future, College Democrats of America, College Democrats of Georgia, Georgia High School Democrats, Leaders We Deserve, Path to Progress, Voters of Tomorrow, and the Young Democrats of Georgia. They came out swinging, condemning Trump and his GOP crew for hosting a debate watch party at a gun megastore *just days* after a school shooting.
“Just days after students and teachers were murdered in Apalachee High School, Republicans are hosting a debate watch party an hour away at the world’s largest gun store. The Trump team is evil for disrespecting the victims like this — and by continually refusing to support life-saving gun violence prevention policies.
Donald Trump is out-of-touch with the vast majority of Americans on gun violence prevention. He continues to suck up to the gun lobby and insult victims, as shown by today’s event. As young organizers in Georgia and across the country, and members of a generation that has been defined by mass shootings, we know Donald Trump’s flagrant disregard for young Americans’ lives will cost him this election.”
The statement didn’t pull any punches, calling Trump’s coziness with the gun lobby a glaring sign of how out-of-touch he is with the majority of Americans. And, as if we needed more proof, here they are, hosting a watch party in a massive gun shop (touting themselves as The Biggest Gunshop In The World) while victims are still being buried.
In fact, within the last hour, they put up this banner.
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Here’s a Tweet (I’m not fucking calling it X) of their event!
Here’s the view at Adventure Outdoors in SMYRNA:
Inside, a large, open event space
Across the hall, a store full of ammunition and other fun supplies pic.twitter.com/YUlHFEDVaP— Michelle Baruchman (@mlbaruchman) September 11, 2024
and another…
Greetings from the ballroom of Adventure Outdoors in suburban Cobb County, where 250+ Republicans are watching tonight’s presidential debate.
Lots of positive vibes and Williamson Bros BBQ are fueling optimism about Trump’s performance against Harris. pic.twitter.com/9bFNCmFZQM
— stephen fowler (@stphnfwlr) September 11, 2024
Boom. The young organizers are taking a clear stand, spotlighting a GOP more interested in pandering to the NRA than actually protecting kids.
Here’s a video of a guy going into the store, bragging about how large of a selection of guns they have, even saying that they have a shooting gallery.
There’s no connection to the shooter with this shop as it’s been reported that he purchased his guns from a more than willing seller from Mike’s Gunroom.
The Trump campaign shrugged off the backlash, claiming they scheduled the event months ago. But for Dems and gun control advocates, it’s just another example of the party’s cluelessness when it comes to the reality of gun violence. Even state Senator Sally Harrell jumped in, reminding everyone that most voters just want to send their kids to school without fearing they won’t come home.
If there’s one takeaway from this, it’s that the MAGA movement, dripping in NRA money and right-wing conspiracies, refuses to budge on common-sense gun control—even in the face of tragedy. Holding a debate party at “The World’s Largest Gun Store” days after a school shooting? That’s just another reminder of the enemy within.
Featured image via screengrab.
