Second Amendment Institute Announces Challenge to Washington D.C.'s "Assault" Weapons Ban

Photoed Above Left to Right: Attorney George Lyon with co-plaintiffs Tia and Rich Hawkins (G&D FFL), with Lead Plaintiff Tyler Yzaguirre

LTC Tulsi Gabbard and Gabby Franco Accept Champion Award

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Tulsi Gabbard and Gabby Franco Honored at Second Amendment Institute’s Annual Champion Ceremony

 Washington, DC - June 24, 2024 –


The Second Amendment Institute celebrated a momentous evening as it awarded Tulsi Gabbard, four-term Congresswoman and potential Vice-Presidential choice for President Trump, and Gabby Franco, a trailblazer in the shooting sports community and the first female shooter to represent Venezuela in the Olympics, with the prestigious Second Amendment Champion Award.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Washington, DC, recognized Gabbard’s about face stance from the pro-gun control side while serving in Congress, to a powerful voice for the pro-gun rights movement, and commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights. Joining Gabbard in the evening's honors was Gabby Franco, who made history as the first female shooter to represent Venezuela in the Olympics and has been a vocal advocate for Second Amendment rights for over 18 years. Her dedication and advocacy efforts were celebrated as she received the Second Amendment Champion Award alongside Gabbard.

In a sold-out event attended by nearly 70 Second Amendment advocates and enthusiasts, Gabbard expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her dedication to upholding the constitutional right to bear arms.

“How could I, in good conscience, associate myself with a party that hates freedom…they choose their own power over freedom.” Gabbard stated. “When you look at the weaponization of the government…it’s happening to people all across the country, to those who are standing up for their rights, and exercising their right to the Second Amendment.”

Following Tulsi Gabbard was Gabby Franco who centered her speech on defending Second Amendment rights to ensure that Americans aren’t disarmed, like those of her fellow Venezuelans and others who live in Latin American countries. “I am honored to be here tonight to accept this award…we have to make sure that we do everything in our power to stand up and fight for our Second Amendment rights.”, stated Franco.

Second Amendment Institute President Tyler Yzaguirre said in regards to the 2024 recipients:

“I felt that Ms. Gabby Franco was the right choice for one of our two recipients this year due to her lifelong dedication of defending the Second Amendment, and experience firsthand what it’s like to have a government disarm its people. Yes, LTC Tulsi Gabbard used to be on the gun control side while serving her District of Hawaii in Congress…which was her job; to carry out the will of her constituents. However, LTC Gabbard saw the error of her ways, and for the past (almost) three years now, has used her influence and voice to reach millions of Americans with a very strong pro-2A message, and that we must do whatever it takes to defend our Second Amendment rights.”

The ceremony was graced by special guests who have made significant contributions to the Second Amendment cause. Among them were Dick Heller, the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case DC v. Heller; Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform; and Phil Van Cleave, President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL).

Each guest’s presence underscored the importance of the Second Amendment and the community’s dedication to preserving it. Dick Heller praised the honorees, stating, “Tulsi Gabbard and Gabby Franco exemplify the spirit of the Second Amendment. Their dedication and advocacy are inspiring to all who cherish our constitutional rights.”

Grover Norquist gave brief remarks about burdensome taxes against the Second Amendment, and how they are hurting the everyday consumer.

The Second Amendment Institute’s annual Champion Ceremony continues to be a hallmark event, bringing together advocates and leaders dedicated to protecting one of America’s most cherished freedoms. This year’s ceremony highlighted the crucial work of individuals who have defended the right to bear arms and inspired a new generation of advocates.

This ceremony honors distinguished individuals who have either dedicated their life to defending the Second Amendment or through a series of specific actions, have created a new wave of defense for the Second Amendment on a national level.

For more information on the Second Amendment Institute and future events, please visit www.SaiNational.org

 **Media Contact:**

Tyler Yzaguirre

Tyler@SaiNational.org

2024 2A Champions Named

MAY 21, 2024 — WASHINGTON, DC

FOUR-TERM CONGRESSWOMAN LTC COLONEL TUSLI GABBARD AND OLYMPIC SHOOTER GABBY FRANCO NAMED 2024 SECOND AMENDMENT CHAMPIONS.

LTC Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat now turned America-First Independent, and Olympic shooter originally from Venezuela Gabby Franco, were named the Second Amendment Institute’s Second Amendment Champions for 2024.

Gabbard, who previously supported gun control measures while serving in Congress, had a change of heart in 2022 after witnessing firsthand the demise of her once beloved JFK-era Democratic Party.

“Despite what many Democrats would like you to believe, the original intent had absolutely nothing to do with hunting or hobby. Very simply, the second amendment exists for two reasons and two reasons only. First, every American has the inalienable God-given right to protect themselves and their loved ones from threats of violence. As crime continues to rise throughout the country and progressive DA’s refuse to take dangerous criminals off our streets, firearm sales, especially among first time owners have hit record highs. Even with the relentless attacks on our second amendment from Democrats and our national media, Americans innately understand that gun ownership, combined with proper training, offers an unmatched level of security.”

Gabby Franco was the first female shooter to represent Venezuela in the Olympics. As an accomplished author, speaker, competitive shooter, and instructor, she is recognized worldwide for her shooting skills and advocacy for the right to own and bear arms. Gabby’s 25 years of experience in Olympic, self-defense, and practical shooting have served as a platform to educate and empower thousands of people through live and virtual training across the United States and Puerto Rico. For over eighteen years, Gabby has shown her commitment to promoting the shooting sports by not only participating and winning medals in various competitions, but also sending a message of dedication, sportsmanship, and positive attitude.

The Ceremony will take place Thursday, June 20, 2024 in Washington, DC.

2023 2A Champion Award

Congressman Chip Roy of Texas and Dianna Muller (President/Founder of the DC Project), were awarded with the Second Amendment Institute’s annual Second Amendment Gun Rights award for their unmatched dedication to defending the Second Amendment of all Americans.

Fifty Second Amendment activists packed the house at the private residence steps away from the U.S. Capitol to honor Rep. Roy and Muller with beverages provided by Ammunition Distillery.

Notable attendees included Dick Heller (DC v. Heller), Cheryl Todd (SAI Board of Directors/DC Project Arizona State Director), Karla Mooney (DC Project Maryland State Director), Staci Claunch (DC Project Southwest Regional Director), and Brian Oakes (DC Young Republican Chairman).

Join the Second Amendment Institute today to receive updates about this event and more at: https://www.sainational.org/join

Learn More About the DC Project: https://www.dcproject.info

Photoed Below:

1) Congressman Chip Roy and Dianna Muller
2) SAI President Tyler Yzaguirre, Congressman Chip Roy, and Dianna Muller
3) Congressman Chip Roy addresses attendees
4) DC Project ladies with an attendee in the middle of the group
5) Dianna Muller addresses attendees

A special thank you to Congressman Chip Roy’s staff, the DC Project, and HSP Direct for making this event possible.

SAI AND STUDENTS FOR SELF-DEFENSE LAUNCH PREMIER ANNUAL COLLEGE CONFERENCE

As of January 3, 2019, tickets for the premier annual student conference of SAI and S4SD went on sale to the general public.

Defending Freedom Action Summit presents students and young professionals with the opportunity to network with more than 350 patriotic Americans who have a passion to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

Additionally, DFAS touts a stellar lineup of Conservative and Libertarian leaders from across the country, including headliners such as Pastor Darrell Scott of President Trump's team, Harlan Hill of Fox News and the Trump 2020 Advisory Board, and Lauren Cooley, an editor of the Washington Examiner.

Tickets currently range from $25 - $500, with an increase on February 1st.

Those who want to attend are encouraged to promptly purchase their tickets, due to limited availability.

Questions and comments should be directed to Alex DeGarmo, Regional Field Coordinator of Students for Self-Defense. Alex can be reached at saiDevoNE@gmail.com.

SAI EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO MOLLIE TIBBETTS'S FAMILY

The tragic death of Mollie Tibbetts reminds us that we must continue to fight for self-defense rights.

As citizens must work to prevent such tragedies.

Mollie was a college student at the University of Iowa, residing in a state that does not allow her to carry a concealed weapon at the age of 20, and furthermore does not allow campus carry.

In a world that the radical left wants to continue to allow in illegal immigrants, like the one that murdered Mollie, and destroy our hardworking law enforcement, now more than ever we need to fight for our God-given right to self-defense.

The Second Amendment Institute extends its deepest condolences to Mollie Tibbetts's family and joins the nation in mourning.