While the nation grieves in response to two mass shootings with dozens of victims, today at 4:00 PM Iowa Representative Steve Holt (R-Denison) will host the 7th annual “Sweet Freedom Celebration & Gun Shoot” fundraiser for his campaign. Announced participants include U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bob Vander Plaats, the President of the Family Leader which is the state affiliate of an LGBTQ hate group, and Caitlyn Dixson, the director of Iowa Right to Life.
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement calling on the event to be cancelled, and for immediate action to be taken to prevent similar mass shootings:
“It is unconscionable for Holt and Grassley to participate in an event like this in the wake of this weekend’s horrific tragedies. Tonight‘s event should be canceled, and both of these elected officials should take immediate action to prevent an attack like this from happening in Iowa by passing comprehensive gun reform laws.”
After receiving a number of questions on his public Facebook page, as of late Sunday Holt had refused to cancel the event, responding “I could not disagree with you more. It is the loss of our value system brought about in part by idiotic far-left ideology that forced Biblical values from our schools, the media and the public square that brought our nation to this point. It is not about the gun. It is about the character of the person holding it. My event will go on as scheduled.” You can read Holt’s entire comment by clicking here.
Senator Grassley’s office has not made a statement about the event today, and Grassley, a prolific user of social media, has not tweeted himself.
Additional Information:
REPORT: Gun Violence in Iowa: A Cautionary Tale
7th Annual Sweet Freedom Celebration & Gunshoot – Facebook Event Link & Information
7 Annual Sweet Freedom Celebration & Gunshoot Flier
Statement by Iowa Rep. Steve Holt on Sunday, August 4th
