NRA Leaders

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Member Profile

Richard Pearson

Nominating Committee Member

Richard Pearson

Nominating Committee Member

Biography

Richard Pearson received a B.S. in Education in 1966 and an M.S. in Education in 1973 from Illinois State University. He worked as a social studies and geography teacher in various middle and high schools around Illinois from 1966 until 2001. From 1994 until 2004, Pearson has held various positions within the Illinois State Rifle Association, including membership chairman, lobbyist, president and executive director. From 1988 until 1997, Pearson acted as a rifle instructor at the NRA Training Counselors program. He is also a member of the NRA Nominating Committee.


All Statements (6 total)

Statements by Category (6 total)

  • Conspiracy Theory
    In an interview with Guns.com on May, 2, 2016, Pearson commented on former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Capt. Mark Kelly, of Americans for Responsible Solutions announcing the new "Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition" days earlier. Pearson responded by saying, "The fact that Kelly and spouse are here to muscle Illinois gun owners is an insult to every citizen of the state. It’s time for Kelly and Giffords to pack up their wagon and head back to New Jersey or Arizona or Outer Space or wherever they’re claiming to be from these days." Giffords was shot in the head and gravely wounded during a mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011. Pearson also commented on a bill that would require: a) Background checks for gun dealer employees, b) Special training to help gun store employees spot illegal straw purchases of firearms, and; c) Inspections by state officials to identify missing firearms in dealers’ inventories. He stated, "It’s clear that Kelly and his pals in the general assembly are determined to regulate, intimidate, and eventually eliminate lawful firearm retailers."

    Sources [1]

  • Lobbying Activity
    In an interview with Guns.com on May, 2, 2016, Pearson commented on former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Capt. Mark Kelly, of Americans for Responsible Solutions announcing the new "Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition" days earlier. Pearson responded by saying, "The fact that Kelly and spouse are here to muscle Illinois gun owners is an insult to every citizen of the state. It’s time for Kelly and Giffords to pack up their wagon and head back to New Jersey or Arizona or Outer Space or wherever they’re claiming to be from these days." Giffords was shot in the head and gravely wounded during a mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011. Pearson also commented on a bill that would require: a) Background checks for gun dealer employees, b) Special training to help gun store employees spot illegal straw purchases of firearms, and; c) Inspections by state officials to identify missing firearms in dealers’ inventories. He stated, "It’s clear that Kelly and his pals in the general assembly are determined to regulate, intimidate, and eventually eliminate lawful firearm retailers."

    Sources [1]

  • Race
    On April 13, 2016, Pearson was quoted in an Illinois State Rifle Association press release about a proposed Illinois bill, HB 3160, that would allow family members and law enforcement to petition a judge to have firearms temporarily removed from an individual in crisis (because of mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, or some other reason). "I know every legislator on the HB 3160 sponsor list very well," said Pearson. "I can tell you this, each and every one of them harbors a deeper hatred for gun owners than they do sympathy for victims of domestic violence.  It's abundantly evident that the gun controllers in the General Assembly have jumped on the backs of domestic violence victims in hopes of reversing their decades-old losing streak in the Illinois legislature ... Try to sneak a kiss after a date? Lose your guns. Tell an off-color joke? Lose your guns. Lock up the kids’ Xbox? Lose your guns. Tell your wife to do some sit-ups? Lose your guns. Sound ridiculous? Well, that’s exactly how HB 3160 would rewrite gun laws in Illinois.” Pearson provided no evidence to support his claims about Illinois' Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act, which would provide due process for the subjects of such orders. The state of California enacted similar legislation in 2014.

    Sources [1]

  • Women's Rights
    On April 13, 2016, Pearson was quoted in an Illinois State Rifle Association press release about a proposed Illinois bill, HB 3160, that would allow family members and law enforcement to petition a judge to have firearms temporarily removed from an individual in crisis (because of mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, or some other reason). "I know every legislator on the HB 3160 sponsor list very well," said Pearson. "I can tell you this, each and every one of them harbors a deeper hatred for gun owners than they do sympathy for victims of domestic violence.  It's abundantly evident that the gun controllers in the General Assembly have jumped on the backs of domestic violence victims in hopes of reversing their decades-old losing streak in the Illinois legislature ... Try to sneak a kiss after a date? Lose your guns. Tell an off-color joke? Lose your guns. Lock up the kids’ Xbox? Lose your guns. Tell your wife to do some sit-ups? Lose your guns. Sound ridiculous? Well, that’s exactly how HB 3160 would rewrite gun laws in Illinois.” Pearson provided no evidence to support his claims about Illinois' Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act, which would provide due process for the subjects of such orders. The state of California enacted similar legislation in 2014.

    Sources [1]

  • Conspiracy Theory
    On April 13, 2016, Pearson was quoted in an Illinois State Rifle Association press release about a proposed Illinois bill, HB 3160, that would allow family members and law enforcement to petition a judge to have firearms temporarily removed from an individual in crisis (because of mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, or some other reason). "I know every legislator on the HB 3160 sponsor list very well," said Pearson. "I can tell you this, each and every one of them harbors a deeper hatred for gun owners than they do sympathy for victims of domestic violence.  It's abundantly evident that the gun controllers in the General Assembly have jumped on the backs of domestic violence victims in hopes of reversing their decades-old losing streak in the Illinois legislature ... Try to sneak a kiss after a date? Lose your guns. Tell an off-color joke? Lose your guns. Lock up the kids’ Xbox? Lose your guns. Tell your wife to do some sit-ups? Lose your guns. Sound ridiculous? Well, that’s exactly how HB 3160 would rewrite gun laws in Illinois.” Pearson provided no evidence to support his claims about Illinois' Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act, which would provide due process for the subjects of such orders. The state of California enacted similar legislation in 2014.

    Sources [1]

  • Lobbying Activity
    On April 13, 2016, Pearson was quoted in an Illinois State Rifle Association press release about a proposed Illinois bill, HB 3160, that would allow family members and law enforcement to petition a judge to have firearms temporarily removed from an individual in crisis (because of mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, or some other reason). "I know every legislator on the HB 3160 sponsor list very well," said Pearson. "I can tell you this, each and every one of them harbors a deeper hatred for gun owners than they do sympathy for victims of domestic violence.  It's abundantly evident that the gun controllers in the General Assembly have jumped on the backs of domestic violence victims in hopes of reversing their decades-old losing streak in the Illinois legislature ... Try to sneak a kiss after a date? Lose your guns. Tell an off-color joke? Lose your guns. Lock up the kids’ Xbox? Lose your guns. Tell your wife to do some sit-ups? Lose your guns. Sound ridiculous? Well, that’s exactly how HB 3160 would rewrite gun laws in Illinois.” Pearson provided no evidence to support his claims about Illinois' Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act, which would provide due process for the subjects of such orders. The state of California enacted similar legislation in 2014.

    Sources [1]

  • Race
    In 2014 it was revealed that individuals with a history of violence were being authorized to teach concealed carry permit training classes in the state of Illinois. This included domestic abusers and police officers who had been documented using excessive force. When asked by the Chicago Tribune on August 7, 2014 about advocates in Illinois who were seeking to correct the problem, Pearson stated, "They would think that Jesus Christ could teach, but certainly not Moses. Nothing is ever tight enough for them."

    Sources [1]

  • Women's Rights
    In 2014 it was revealed that individuals with a history of violence were being authorized to teach concealed carry permit training classes in the state of Illinois. This included domestic abusers and police officers who had been documented using excessive force. When asked by the Chicago Tribune on August 7, 2014 about advocates in Illinois who were seeking to correct the problem, Pearson stated, "They would think that Jesus Christ could teach, but certainly not Moses. Nothing is ever tight enough for them."

    Sources [1]

  • Lobbying Activity
    In 2014 it was revealed that individuals with a history of violence were being authorized to teach concealed carry permit training classes in the state of Illinois. This included domestic abusers and police officers who had been documented using excessive force. When asked by the Chicago Tribune on August 7, 2014 about advocates in Illinois who were seeking to correct the problem, Pearson stated, "They would think that Jesus Christ could teach, but certainly not Moses. Nothing is ever tight enough for them."

    Sources [1]

  • Poverty
    Speaking to the Chicago Tribune on December 27, 2013 about a new law allowing Illinois residents to carry concealed handguns in public, Pearson stated, "If you're walking through an outdoor art show and you can't stop and take a look at the art, it doesn't make sense. The legal permit carriers aren't the problem. The people who are the problem are the gangbangers, the illegal carriers of firearms, the drug dealers. I'm sure if they're carrying and want to stop and look at the artwork, they will."

    Sources [1]

  • Race
    Speaking to the Chicago Tribune on December 27, 2013 about a new law allowing Illinois residents to carry concealed handguns in public, Pearson stated, "If you're walking through an outdoor art show and you can't stop and take a look at the art, it doesn't make sense. The legal permit carriers aren't the problem. The people who are the problem are the gangbangers, the illegal carriers of firearms, the drug dealers. I'm sure if they're carrying and want to stop and look at the artwork, they will."

    Sources [1]

  • Vigilantism
    Pearson spoke to the Daily Herald on December 15, 2013 about Illinois' Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card. Illinois residents are required to obtain a FOID card (which involves a background check) before purchasing or possessing any firearms or ammunition. FOID cards can be revoked by the state if an Illinois resident becomes a prohibited purchaser (i.e., a convicted felon, individual under an active restraining order, etc.) at some point. "We're not really happy with the FOID law, but it's not going anywhere. It's entrenched," said Pearson. "The original point of the Second Amendment was you shouldn't have to have an ID because it's your right to own a gun."

    Sources [1]

  • Women's Rights
    Pearson spoke to the Daily Herald on December 15, 2013 about Illinois' Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card. Illinois residents are required to obtain a FOID card (which involves a background check) before purchasing or possessing any firearms or ammunition. FOID cards can be revoked by the state if an Illinois resident becomes a prohibited purchaser (i.e., a convicted felon, individual under an active restraining order, etc.) at some point. "We're not really happy with the FOID law, but it's not going anywhere. It's entrenched," said Pearson. "The original point of the Second Amendment was you shouldn't have to have an ID because it's your right to own a gun."

    Sources [1]

  • Lobbying Activity
    Pearson spoke to the Daily Herald on December 15, 2013 about Illinois' Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card. Illinois residents are required to obtain a FOID card (which involves a background check) before purchasing or possessing any firearms or ammunition. FOID cards can be revoked by the state if an Illinois resident becomes a prohibited purchaser (i.e., a convicted felon, individual under an active restraining order, etc.) at some point. "We're not really happy with the FOID law, but it's not going anywhere. It's entrenched," said Pearson. "The original point of the Second Amendment was you shouldn't have to have an ID because it's your right to own a gun."

    Sources [1]

  • Political Violence

    In a November 2, 2012 interview for Campus Campaign, Pearson stated, “The firearms are the basis of freedom in the United States. Firearms are what got our freedom and firearms are what maintains our freedom. Those who are deprived of their use, generally fall under the control of the government. In the United States, there is one thing that we know. That is, the government can’t protect [you] and if it gets in a tough spot, it won’t protect you. The only thing you can do is protect yourself … We own arms to resist any type of take over, and we will do that.”

    Sources [1]

  • Vigilantism

    In a November 2, 2012 interview for Campus Campaign, Pearson stated, “The firearms are the basis of freedom in the United States. Firearms are what got our freedom and firearms are what maintains our freedom. Those who are deprived of their use, generally fall under the control of the government. In the United States, there is one thing that we know. That is, the government can’t protect [you] and if it gets in a tough spot, it won’t protect you. The only thing you can do is protect yourself … We own arms to resist any type of take over, and we will do that.”

    Sources [1]