Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) warned Monday that terror attacks like the one in Garland, Texas this week – for which ISIS is claiming responsibility for - threaten the free speech rights of all Americans:
“Yesterday, Islamic extremists opened fire on a free speech event in Garland, Texas. In the exchange of gunfire, one security officer was injured; however, the swift actions of local law enforcement stopped these cold blooded terrorists before they could carry out their full premeditated attack on the innocent.”
Gohmert said Americans should stand up to the “radical fanatics” who threaten freedom in America:
“It is evident that our right to free speech has, yet again, been attacked by radical fanatics – bent on destroying our American way of life and free society. However, now is not the time to waver, wonder, or whine as militant extremists extort away our first amendment rights. Without the right to speak freely, even when it offends someone else, the door is closed to every other freedom. “
Gohmert commended the police for saving the lives of potential victims of the attack:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those harmed or affected by this shooting yesterday. The men and woman of the police force who, ultimately, saved countless lives by their heroic actions need to be seen as the defenders of peace that the overwhelming majority of our law enforcement are.”
Congressman Gohmert is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security and the Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.