The state of Tennessee has suspended the handgun carry permit of James Yeager, CEO of Tactical Response, who recently said he would “start killing people” should President Obama take executive action on gun control.
State officials explained they revoked the permit because of Yeager’s “material likelihood of risk of harm to the public,” according to a local TV station. Tactical Response is a Tennessee-based company that specializes in firearms and tactical training.
“The number one priority for our department is to ensure the public’s safety,” wrote Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “Mr. Yeager’s comments were irresponsible, dangerous, and deserved our immediate attention. Due to our concern, as well as that of law enforcement, his handgun permit was suspended immediately. We have notified Mr. Yeager about the suspension today via e-mail. He will receive an official notification of his suspension through the mail.”
Yeager released a second video Thursday in which he refused to back down from most his statements.
“I do not condone anybody committing any kind of felonies up to and including any aggravated assaults or murders, unless it’s necessary,” he said. “Right now it is not necessary.”
Full statement from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security below:
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced today the suspension of James Yeager’s handgun carry permit after he was featured in a threatening YouTube video post that went viral earlier this week.
The decision to suspend Yeager’s handgun carry permit was based on a “material likelihood of risk of harm to the public” (TCA 39-17-1352).
Yeager, 42, of Camden, Tenn., allegedly claimed he would “start killing people” if the Obama administration took executive action to pass gun control measures.
“The number one priority for our department is to ensure the public’s safety. Mr. Yeager’s comments were irresponsible, dangerous, and deserved our immediate attention. Due to our concern, as well as that of law enforcement, his handgun permit was suspended immediately. We have notified Mr. Yeager about the suspension today via e-mail, and he will receive an official notification of his suspension through the mail,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said.
Mr. Yeager is also the CEO of Tactical Response, a firearms and tactical training school in Camden. He is not a Department of Safety and Homeland Security certified instructor, nor is his school department certified.
Mr. Yeager has the right to seek review of the department’s decision in the general sessions court of his county of residence or through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
