**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
