CBS on Thursday once again showed itself to be the network that will at least consider not demonizing law-abiding firearms owners. This Morning co-host Gayle King highlighted a good guy with a gun who stopped an armed carjacker in Washington State. Pastor David George, described as a “holy hero” by the onscreen graphic, killed a gunman who was firing on others.
King explained: “The pastor who is being called a hero for killing a carjacker at a Walmart near Seattle is speaking out. David George says he heard gunshots inside the store on Sunday and then he saw the suspect run out pointing a gun.”
She added: “George, who legally carries a gun, fired to stop the shooter.” The man, who is also a volunteer firefighter, then rushed to help the injured victims. CBS played a clip of George describing why he carries a firearm:
I am grieved that the shooter's reckless actions endangered and hurt numerous individuals and demanded that he be stopped before doing more harm. I carry a firearm for the same reason I carry a first aid bag, hoping to never have to use them but always being prepared nonetheless.
CBS has stood out as a network that actually will, sometimes, consider the conservative side of the gun debate. On February 27, 2018, the network talked to Americans who see gun congrol as an “assault on their freedoms.”
On June 13, 2018 CBS This Morning offered a serious look at Florida’s plan to arm teachers and other staff at schools.
Though CBS journalists make some efforts at balance, they still, overall, tilt towards the anti-gun activist point of view.
A transcript is below. Click “expand” to read more:
CBS This Morning
6/21/18
8:10am ETCBS GRAPHIC: Holy Hero
NORAH O’DONNELL: Ahead, we'll hear from the pastor with a gun who's being praised for shooting an armed carjacker in a Walmart parking lot. Ahead, why the pastor says he was just doing what he’s trained to do.
...
GAYLE KING: The pastor who is being called a hero for killing a carjacker at a Walmart near Seattle is speaking out. David George says he heard gunshots inside the story on Sunday and then he saw the suspect run out pointing a gun. He says the gunman tried to break into two cars and shot and critically wounded one person. George, who legally carries a gun, fired to stop the shooter.
DAVID GEORGE: I am grieved that the shooter's reckless actions endangered and hurt numerous individuals and demanded that he be stopped before doing more harm. I carry a firearm for the same reason I carry a first aid bag, hoping to never have to use them but always being prepared nonetheless.
KING: George is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT and right after pulling the trigger he rushed to help the victims. He became very emotional during that news conference a couple of times. Because, I as they, it’s very y difficult to take someone's life even when you think that you have a right stop someone. It deeply affected him.
JOHN DICKERSON: Yeah, as it would.
KING: I understand that.
