FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA) July 16, 2020: Lately there has been a copious amount of news and commentary surrounding the incident wherein Mark and Patricia McCloskey wielded firearms in response to a protest in front of their house. The mission and purpose of the Pink Pistols is to encourage the safe and legal use of firearms in all situations, including self defense, by EVERYONE, especially members of the queer community. In regard to the McCloskeys, we can respect their right to self defense against threats as they perceived them. However, we absolutely condemn their appalling ignorance of, and disregard for, basic firearm safety. As to the whys and wherefores of their case, Operation Blazing Sword - Pink Pistols leaves that in the hands of the St. Louis, MO legal system. Signed, the OBS/PP Board of Directors Operation Blazing Sword, Inc. is a grass-roots 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ people become responsible firearm owners. Pink Pistols, Inc. is dedicated to the legal, safe, and responsible use of firearms for self-defense of the sexual-minority community. - http://www.blazingsword.org/ - http://www.pinkpistols.org