Carjacking victim's family to join Walkers at Governor's Mansion

'Defense' Walkers calling on Taft to stop obstructing HB12

James A. "Tony" Gordon, a 27-year-old father, died on Wednesday, August 6,
2003 after being shot in the chest during an attempted carjacking in Dayton.
On Sunday, November 30, his family will join other Ohioans concerned about
the right to self-defense in a Walk around the Governor's Mansion.

Tony's family will be wearing t-shirts bearing his image. Other Walkers are
expected to carry photos of Gordon, and other Ohioans who were rendered
defenseless by Ohio's concealed carry ban. In October, the family attended
a Walk in Manchester, Senate President White's hometown. Two days later,
White reversed four months of delays by appointing conferees to a committee
on House Bill 12, the concealed carry bill.

"I would like to thank all of the people who have been so kind to us in this
terrible time of our lives! I loved my son so very much and will always have
this big empty hole in my heart," said Phyllis Gordon, Tony's mother. "I
also would urge everyone who believes that we have the right to carry a
weapon to defend ourselves, such as in the situation that my son was put in,
to please contact your congressmen and let them know how you feel! Maybe if
Tony was able to have a weapon, he would be here now!"

Ohioans For Concealed Carry is concerned with all criminal victimizations -
the desire to reduce violent crime is a key reason why we advocate the
passage of a concealed carry law, such as every state surrounding Ohio, and
45 states in our nation, now enjoy.

What brought us special concern in Tony's case was the manner in which he
was victimized. According to Lt. John Huber, Dayton Police department, Tony
was killed while trying to "drive away" from his attacker "and was shot for
it."

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

For months prior to Tony's tragic death, Ohio State Highway Patrol
bureaucrats have been emailing concerned citizens, stating that "the
fundamental nature of a motor vehicle" allows persons who are victimized to
"drive away from an attacker." In the February 16, 2003 issue of the
Columbus Dispatch, OSHP Capt. John Born stated "We do not want a loaded
firearm readily accessible to the driver of a car. If there's a dangerous
situation and you're in your car, you can drive off," explaining why the
OSHP opposes allowing citizens to carry firearms for their own defense.

Whether aware of it at the time or not, Tony was doing just what the OSHP
would have recommended he do in that situation. While his car was stopped
for a red light at the corner of North Main St. and Fairview Ave in Dayton,
an armed criminal approached his car and shouted at him to get out. Tony
tried to drive away, and his attacker fired, striking him in the chest.

There was a second reason for which Tony's victimization got our attention:
his 13-year-old nephew was a passenger in the car. Gov. Bob Taft is
insisting that any concealed carry bill he sign include a lockbox provision,
which would force persons in vehicles with minor occupants to lock up their
firearms, and render them useless in the event of an attack. Had the
Senate's version of House Bill 12 been law on the night Tony was attacked,
Taft's carjacker protection provision would have ensured that Tony still
could not have been armed, because his nephew was with him.

Taft's office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, have refused to comment on
whether Mr. Gordon's murder would weigh at all on continued insistence on
the lockbox, or "Carjacker Protection" provision.

Thankfully, Tony's nephew was not injured, thanks to the heroic efforts of
Tony. Despite his injuries, Tony managed to drive his car a few blocks back
to his home. Upon arrival, he pounded on the door, yelling 'Dad, Dad!'. When
his father, Mr. James Gordon, opened the door, Tony said " 'Dad, I'm shot'
". Tony later died of the gunshot wound to his chest.

Ohioans For Concealed Carry has established a memorial fund at Fifth Third
Bank to benefit the 2 year-old daughter and 13-year old nephew of slain
father James A. "Tony" Gordon.

"This has been a devastating tragedy," said Chad Baus, Ohioans For Concealed
Carry spokesperson. "Establishing a memorial fund to help the family through
this devastating time seems like such a small thing in comparison to their
great loss. Our hope is that it will help the family and lessen the
financial burden during their time of grief. Fundraising events will be
listed on our website. We invite everyone to hold an event of their own to
help the Gordon family because together, we can make a difference."

Tony was a very loving father and role model to his nephew. He was a
professional mechanic and his hobbies included, auto restoration and car
shows. Tony recently completed work on a truck with his father and nephew
they had built together and the three were planning to attend a car show
that Wednesday with it.

Checks should be made out to the "Tony Gordon Memorial Fund" and may be
deposited at any Fifth Third Bank location, mailed to: Fifth Third Bank,
5790 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449, or to Ohioans For Concealed Carry
(OFCC), P.O. Box 25488 - Cleveland, Ohio 44125.

To make a secure online donation, click on the photo of Tony Gordon at the top of the www.OhioCCW.org homepage, or email
[email protected].

Tony's attacker remains at large. Anyone with information about his homicide
is asked to call Dayton police at 333-COPS or Sgt. Gary White at 333-1190.