AOR Interviews GOA’s Texas State Director: Defending the Second Amendment - 2024 NRA Annual Meeting
June 19, 2024
Criminal defense attorneys Andrew Marcantel and Rachel Moss meet with Wes Virdell, Texas State Director for Gun Owners of America (GOA), at the NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. As both an activist and a political candidate, Mr. Virdell shares insights into GOA’s mission, ongoing legal battles, and the federal overreach of gun-related rights.
The Mission of GOA
Founded in 1976 by California State Senator H.L. Richardson, GOA functions as a no-compromise Second Amendment advocacy group. The organization is well known for its grassroots mobilization efforts and its efficiency in budget management. Mr. Virdell emphasizes that the funds raised go directly toward legal battles and on-the-ground advocacy.
“Our basic job with GOA is… we sue the government often, and we try to recruit as many activists as we can to come to the Capitol.”
-Wes Verdell
Challenging Federal Overreach
GOA has been involved in multiple lawsuits against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and federal laws that it considers unconstitutional. One major effort is GOA’s lawsuit challenging the ATF’s “universal registration” policy, which requires all firearm sales to go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Mr. Virdell states it creates unnecessary obstacles for law-abiding citizens.
“Imagine you’re a 19-year-old female in college… waiting 10, 20 days for a firearm to protect herself from an imminent threat.”
-Wes Verdell
Another dispute involves the Suppressor Freedom Act, which challenges federal jurisdiction under the Interstate Commerce Clause. GOA argues that suppressors manufactured and kept within Texas should not be subject to federal regulation. The case is currently pending before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
State Versus Federal Power
Mr. Virdell expressed broader concerns about federal overreach – not just in firearms regulation but also at the border and in landowner rights. He plans to address Texas Parks and Wildlife’s authority to enter private property without consent, based on the reasoning that the state “owns the deer.” Mr. Virdell described this as a Fourth Amendment concern. He emphasized the need for probable cause or landowner permission prior to such searches.
His legislative agenda also includes a bill to pause civil litigation while related criminal cases are ongoing, especially in self-defense incidents. The measure aims to protect individuals from facing both criminal charges and civil lawsuits at the same time, thereby upholding due process.
The Bruen Decision
Mr. Virdell noted that Texas was largely unaffected by the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case. He highlights that the state had already adopted constitutional carry and strong protections for gun owners. GOA remains alert as states and federal agencies try to override the Bruen decision through regulatory action.
“Texas is mostly doing everything right already.”
-Wes Verdell
Conclusion
Mr. Virdell acknowledged that the government is shaped by those who show up, testify, and litigate. The attorneys emphasize that clearing a person’s record is not easy, and once you’re on that list, it’s incredibly difficult to get off without a good attorney.
At Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm, we don’t just talk about defending freedom, we do it in the courtroom, every day. If you’re a responsible gun owner or someone who values freedom, we encourage you to explore our AOR Program. If you would like to know more about our law firm and how our AOR Program can help you, please call 866-404-5112 or email us.
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