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‘The Second Amendment Shall Not Be Infringed!’: Sandy Hook Victim’s Father Interrupted During Public Hearing

Jan. 29, 2013 8:48am Billy Hallowell

UPDATE: The folks over at Twitchy point out that MSNBC selectively edited their clip to advance the idea that the father was “heckled.” Read our complete breakdown of the evidence in our follow-up story here.

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Some of the parents who testified about gun control before a subcommittee of the Connecticut Legislature on Monday called for stricter laws and improvements in mental health care. While Mark Mattioli, whose 6-year-old son James was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School attack, instead, focused upon personal responsibility and a call to civility, other parents mentioned cracking down on so-called assault rifles. Among them was Neil Heslin, a father whose child, Jesse, also perished during the rampage. As he was making his case against assault weapons, he was interrupted by alleged gun rights advocates who were a part of the audience.

Right after Heslin made the point that citizens do not need access to “these assault-style weapons or military weapons,” a man in the audience spoke out fervently against the father’s appeals.

“The Second Amendment shall not be infringed,” he uttered in response to Heslin’s seemingly-rhetorical question:

The Daily Mail has a recap of how the incident unfolded, with a hand-full of individuals purportedly joining the man in voicing their angst over the issue:

He said: ‘It’s not a good feeling. Not a good feeling to look at your child laying in a casket or looking at your child with a bullet wound to the forehead. It’s a real sad thing,’ said Heslin, who held up a large framed photograph of himself and his son.

A handful of people at the packed legislative hearing then shouted about their Second Amendment rights when Heslin asked if anyone could provide a reason for a civilian to own an assault-style weapon.

‘We’re all entitled to our own opinions and I respect their opinions and their thoughts,’ Heslin said. ‘But I wish they’d respect mine and give it a little bit of thought.’

Watch a portion of the incident at the start of the MSNBC clip, below (UPDATE: however, as Twitchy notes, the network edited out the portion where Heslin asks his rhetorical question):

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Following the incident, MSNBC host Martin Bashir covered the event on his show, deriding those who interrupted (or responded, depending on who you ask) and claiming that the behavior was inexcusable; his guests agreed.

“This, I think, has to be a new low in this debate — the idea that you would desecrate the memory of the victims of Newtown and insult their families,” Democratic strategist Julian Epstein said during the segment (watch it in its entirety, above). “This shows just…how extreme and outrageous the NRA — and I assume the hecklers were NRA moles — how they’ve become.”

But Twitchy took issue with this assessment, writing:

MSNBC is propping up its story with a blatantly edited video. In fact, Heslin was not heckled. Gun rights advocates in the audience indeed voiced their support for the Second Amendment — after he asked why anyone would need “assault-style weapons or high-capacity clips.” You’d never know based on the MSNBC version, which completely cut out the footage of Heslin’s question.

Watch the unedited footage, below:

The audience at the Gun Violence Prevention Working Group hearing in Hartford, Conn., numbered well over 1,000 individuals and featured a wide array of perspectives. From people advocating greater firearms controls to NRA-enthusiasts and gun rights activists, ideological diversity was in no shortage.

What do you think about the incident? It seems Heslin was certainly interrupted (unless he wanted the audience to weigh in), but were the responses hecklers or merely passionate Second Amendment adherents? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that audience members may have been responding to a rhetorical question posed by Heslin.

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Related:

‘The Problem Is Not Gun Laws’: Watch the Emotional Speech by a Sandy Hook Victim’s Dad That Got a Standing Ovation

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (131)

Al J Zira
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 1:50pm
I don’t think you should interrupt a guy who lost his child, God forbid it happens to one of us. The problem is as soon as there’s a tragedy like this, the government goes into full swing and tries to limit freedoms through unconstitutional laws in the name of protection.

Then there’s a “Gun Prevention Working Group” to discuss the issues surround gun violence. Their name tells you where they stand and they surround themselves with like minded to push their agenda. There is no voice for the other side other than the guy that had the guts to tell them yesterday it has nothing to do with gun laws.

So what’s left? You’re relinquished to standing in the audience listening to people with only one thing in mind, regardless of constitutionality, seek affirmation from others to pass laws. So someone in the crowd had enough and spoke. It’s the only chance you have to speak your case. And, of course, what happens? He”s vilified by the media and labeled a mole.

It’s a script that’s followed to a tee.

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idontknow3
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 1:48pm
Santa Rosa County, Milton, Florida

Pro-2nd Amendment Rally
All Gun Owners
and 2nd Amendment supporters
are invited to attend!
*February 8, 2013 – 5:00 pm*
In the Parking Lot of the Santa Rosa County
Administration Building – 6865 Caroline St. Milton, FL.
(behind McDonald’s)

With the severe attack on 2nd Amendment Rights, a group of Santa Rosa County Constitution believers have decided to stand together in peaceful solidarity in protest against those who are pushing to take away our Constitutional right to bear arms. The public and all governmental leaders, local, state and federal are invited to stand with us.

STAND FREE AND BE LOUD FOR BY DECREE WE ARE ENDOWED.

Take off work a little early, and come by. We will begin right at 5:00 pm.
Invite a friend, join us as we make a positive statement!

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jessieH
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:39pm
Completelly staged.

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- Depressed_American
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 1:22pm
  You are probably right.
  
  The Left in this country is trying to vilify anyone who does not agree with their issues. I bet they were probably Left-Wing plants, who intended to discredit/embarrass the NRA…. Just like what happens at Tea-Party Rallies…..
  
  Report this comment
Depressed_American
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:30pm
It was bad and VERY Disrespectful that the Hecklers interrupted the father during his speech. He is entitled to his opinion on Gun Control!!!

HOWEVER, give it to a Liberal news to always make assumptions WITHOUT verifying their facts BEFORE making a statements against an organization. Just like every time there is a shooting in this country, the Left-Wing Media starts blaming those on the right, even when it turns out the shooter is a Left-Wing nut job…….

NOT every Gun-Right Advocate belongs to the NRA!!! I don’t belong to the NRA, and I believe that our Second Amendment Rights “SHALL NOT BE INFRINDGED UPON……” I have no desire to own a gun, BUT I don’t advocate taking away your right to own a gun. You don’t like Guns, then DON’T buy one, HOWEVER, you’re desire NOT to own a gun DOES NOT GIVE you the right to take away my right to own a gun!!!!

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Rowgue
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:26pm
Even if the heckler was really a gun rights guy though, he didn’t do anything to “insult” the families of dead kids. The talk show idiots were pretending like he was personally attacking the families and making fun of their kids being killed. Nothing of the sort happened.

And if there is to be any outrage over those parents being put in the middle of a contentious debate it falls in the lap of congress. These people have no expertise in guns or gun violence. They have no business testifying to congress. They are politcal pawns being paraded out to the public in an attempt to appeal to emotion and hope people will throw all rationality and logic out the window.

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Carrie3570
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:53am
He asked a question. – When asking a question, be prepared to hear an answer.

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loveliberty83
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:39am
somethin is fishy-we were all told the kids had multily wounds & the coffins were all sealed but he said he seen his son in the coffin, shame on them using dead kids to get their agenda

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DougHuffman
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:35am
Progressives get a pass on dancing in the blood of innocents, while damning a virtuous extremist. “I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!”

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wolverine
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:21am
The left has the corner on heckling if you don’t want to be heckled stay out of the public forums

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Pacman116
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:19am
Wow! Hecklers stating facts. Amazing!

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AnotherLiberalDouche
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:15am
The anti-2nd Amendment people will continue to try and use the “necessity” approach. Be warned.

“Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.” – W Pitt (1783).

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lefty5005
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:10am
Not replying to anyone specifically but the Feds want the assault style weapons outlawed because many vests won’t stop the round. That is specifically why they should “not” be outlawed. Makes no difference anyway because the vest won’t stop many handgun rounds either. The insanity from the Feds is totally irresponsible because they know that if certain weapons are outlawed only criminals would have them. We had Prohibition from ~1923 to 1933 and look what it bred. I could only imagine what a gun ban would do to the country. These idiots can’t think beyond the next minute.

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Idaho2aa
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:03am
We all have a right to speak out but this was the wrong approach. Heckling people is something that the left does. Let the guy speak his mind and then speak up.

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SkidTorque
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:01am
I would like to see the full context of Mr. Heslin’s statement and the response of the audience. The MSNBC clip is obviously slanted to put gun rights advocates in the worst possible light.

However, with that said, without knowing the full context of Mr. Heslin’s statement and subsequent response from people in the audience, it is difficult to condone the response as presented in the video clip. Passions are high on both sides (but particularly for the grieving father). Reasoned debate was not going to be had with the grieving father on that day. Responding with impassioned statements regarding the 2nd amendment at that time, reasonable as they may be, was going to serve no purpose to this grieving father other than hardening his heart. Compassion would have gone much further.

There was a great opportunity to reach out to Mr. Heslin and let him know that while we can grieve and mourn with him for his loss, that there is hope in the midst of this tragedy. While his suffering seems unbearable at this time, the moment his son’s life was taken from this earth, Jesus greeted him in heaven. His son knows no fear, no pain, no tragedy, only perfect love.

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Grizzlyof5
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:45am
I find his answer to this grieving father’s statement appropriate. My heart goes out to this entire community but it is not up to a still grieving father to decide what guns I get to keep to protect my children. He asked the question and the so called heckler only stated once the second ammendment. I’m glad he spoke up at a time when speaking out is crucial. The gunman would have killed more had the police not shown up with guns that are the very ones they want to ban from us. I’d like to see the pictures of Americans whose lives have been saved by these guns but I’ll bet you won’t see a conference with them on the front row speaking out will we? You can’t dictate morality and so there will always be bad guys and good guys.

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brovet
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:38am
The heckler was correct! Why does the media put a badge of honor on some hecklers (Code Pink and Occupy Wall Street, etc.) and demonize others (any pro Second Amendment person)? The media has an agenda and they follow it to a T.

Instead of demonizing the correct heckler maybe they would be better served to research why the founding fathers put the Right To Bear Arms right after Free Speech and Freedom of Religion. The Second Amendment was so important because the founders knew that an armed citizenry was one that could protect themselves for an oppressive government. Read your history!

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lindasb11
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:34am
OMG the outrage………………..when liberals do this it’s ok, but oh no it’s a conservative so it’s unacceptable.

The conversation that was displayed in the MSNBC clip was FACTUALLY incorrect. Everything they stated just believe the opposite and that’s the truth. Never let the truth get in the way of a liberal trying to destroy your freedom.

They keep trying to tell people about the fictional assault weapons that don’t exist as well as the fact no weapon sold to the public sprays bullets. Each bullet released is done by a single pull of the trigger. Making it semi-automatic.

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jungle J
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:17am
the interrupter was a progressive operative on the payroll. the sane see through their fraud.

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searching for the Truth
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:59am
Put it this way Billy – let’s say you live in Israel ( yeah I know, you don’t ) and there are people screaming to take your guns away – perhaps call it a Lobby Against Gun Rights ( yeah I know they have rights as well ) – say , even , there was a family slaughtered because someone crept through a window and cut their throats ( Lord forbid ) – did you know that the Bible says that in the End Times the enemy will enter through windows. With this Given the warning thingy ( I know your not comfortable with guns- yeah, I know ) – but with this Given , by God – people want me to sacrifice my children to the alters of stupidity because they did – I say they can all go to hell.

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- searching for the Truth
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:05am
  People, satan does not fight fair !
  
  Report this comment
- searching for the Truth
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:47am
  Here’s a novel truth – a mortician told me years ago to prepare for your death before your family has to deal with it – why? Because, they try every angle , every pitch – oh- don’t your loved one deserve that bright gold casket, not that plain wood one – and, for a few dollars more , we can add a musical band to play along- don’t you think ? This is the same way politicians are playing the flute – and, for the wise one’s out there – guess who the flute player is?
  
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- searching for the Truth
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:59am
  To play against the flute player one enters a game with a marked deck !
  
  Report this comment
RaydocX
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:55am
it is unfortunate that the still mourning parents of the children of Sandy Hook are being dragged out or feel compelled to volunteer to use their children’s deaths to push the gun control debate…

it can easily be argued that the policies they are pushing contributed to their kids deaths…

BUT, shouting them down… even trying to argue with them is a guaranteed lose situation at present… real tears… real anguish will trump reason in the public debate…

it’s why we have a REPUBLIC… so reason can prevail over emotion.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:38am
The gun grabbers are a vile lot indeed,they’ll exploit this man because his child was murdered and use him to advance their anti-freedom agenda. They’re as vile as Barry Soetoro and his entire regime.

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- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:13am
  This is what you must know:
  
  Try not to be such a ragingly arbitrary apologist . You’re an embarrassment to your own hypocrisy.
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:39am
  Years of abusing acid has destroyed your brain and the proof is in your idiotic
  Posts. Seek help for your drug addiction and mental health issues.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:51am
  PRO: Agree . Our old Needy Tim just can never get enough attention. Unfortunately, he never seeks the mental health attention he so desperately needs.
  
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MrKnowItAll
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:37am
These Anti-Gun Nuts did not Grow Up in Detroit. Like I did.
Everyone of them should be forced to visit 7 mile and Van **** in Detroit by themselves.
No more Anti-Gun Folks after their visit. You have my WORD!

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walnutportconservative
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:36am
Just as many of those, who are for suppressing the rights of ownership, have missed the facts of lacking civility, and morral or mental issues, so do those who cling to the right to own and bear arms. Let’s face it folks, the issue is the thinking, or lack of thinking about the consequences of actions, which allows these sinful crimes to be followed through. We are a sick society with a huge morral void. A God size void.

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justangry
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:35am
Come on Blaze, you’re shooting the same angle as the huffpo on this piece.

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ferggie
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:34am
My heart goes out to the families that lost members at the hands of that evel man. I understand that families might want to speak out and target anything that they can blame to help deal with their lose. I must say that the lose a a family member and use that lose to give them the right to speek out against guns it does not mean I do have the right to stand and demand my constitutional rights not be violated. A MAN killed those people not a gun.

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- ferggie
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:37am
  OOP’s
  It should have said that “it does not mean I do NOT have the right to stand…”
  
  Report this comment

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