Rep. Michael DeBose (D), remembered for becoming pro-concealed carry after mugging, dies at 58

by Chad D. Baus

The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that State Rep. Michael DeBose, a Cleveland Democrat, has passed away at the age of 58.

From the article:

DeBose, 58, had struggled for several years with Parkinson's syndrome. He entered the Clinic Sunday with an infection.

The lifelong Clevelander represented District 12 from 2002 to 2010, when term limits forced him out. He'd also been a Cleveland school board member and associate pastor of Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

In his first years in office, DeBose had a solid history of anti-gun votes in the Ohio legislature. But all that changed on May 1, 2007, after he was the victim of a violent robbery attempt:

One night that year, DeBose came home from Columbus and walked along the block to stretch. A car pulled up. Two youths jumped out, one flashing a gun, and ran toward him. He screamed and escaped.

The attack led him to support broader rights to carry and use weapons. "If more people were packing guns," he said, "it might serve as a deterrent." He got a permit for a concealed handgun and sometimes carried one.

Buckeye Firearms Association donated the organization and legwork needed to set up the CCW class DeBose took, along with his wife and 10 neighbors/members of his church.

The volunteers of this PAC wish to offer our condolences to the DeBose family.