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Sen. Cruz Visits Leander Gun Manufacturer; Fires Back At Gun Control


LaRue Tactical, a precision firearms manufacturer based in Leander, Texas, set the stage Tuesday for Texas Senator Ted Cruz to echo his promise to fight gun control.

The freshman senator received a warm welcome from gun advocates. In front of a large crowd and more than 100 LaRue Tactical employees Cruz fired back at stricter gun laws. Cruz said President Obama is taking advantage of the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut to fuel his efforts to strip away guns.

"I think that effort is cynical, I think that effort is political, and I think that effort is wrong," Cruz said

During the press conference Cruz picked apart Obama's gun control initiatives and said the focus needs to be on deterring and punishing violent criminals.

"No amount of stripping the rights of the men and women here to defend ourselves and our families will do anything to prevent violent criminals from carrying out horrific acts," Cruz said.

Those who support stricter gun laws said it would help reduce violence among other things. Cruz suggested a bipartisan compromise that would come with a policy to require states to turn over mental health records.

"There are 18 states across the country that have submitted fewer than 100 mental health records to the national background check," Cruz said.

Cruz said Texas has submitted more than 200,000 mental health checks.

Mark Finger with LaRue Tactical said he backs Cruz, and he has been paying attention to the heated debate because his business is under attack. Fingar said gun control is not the answer.    

"They are pointing this at us, the makers of the inanimate object," Fingar said. "Do you blame a car for drunk driving?"

By Cassie Gallo