Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 01:12:03 -0500
From: alerts@gatekeeper.nra.org (NRA Alerts)
To: firearms-alert@shell.portal.com
Subject: INFO: Letter to Congress in re Pizza Man's Self-Defense Use of Firearm


March 29, 1995

Dear Member of Congress:

As the Crime Subcommittee opens hearings on honest citizens' use
of firearms in self-defense, I would like to call to your
attention the enclosed clippings from today's newspapers.

Tony Leone is an accounting student in Virginia, a National
Guardsman, and a gun owner.  In fact, he is a competitive shooter
who hopes to compete on the U.S. Olympic Team one day.  And last
week, Mr. Leone joined another growing group.  Tony Leone joined
the ranks of the millions of Americans who have used firearms in
self-defense.  Mr. Leone was working at his part-time job,
delivering pizzas; when he was assaulted by a gang of would-be
robbers, he drew his semi-automatic handgun and drove off the
assailants.  

You'll notice in one of the articles that a representative of an
anti-gun lobbying group claims that guns don't make people safe,
that they're "more of a detriment than a benefit."  But like most
of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who defend themselves
with firearms each year, Tony Leone didn't fire a shot.  The mere
presence of his handgun prevented further injury,  stopped a
crime -- and kept him safe.  

I urge you to bear Mr. Leone's story in mind as you consider the
issue of firearms legislation in the coming weeks.  Of course, if
I can be of further assistance on this issue, please don't
hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Tanya K. Metaksa
Executive Director