Testimony of Christopher Killoy President and Chief Executive Officer, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Before the Committee on Oversight and Reform

Introduction

Chairwoman Maloney, Ranking Member Comer, and distinguished Members of the Committee, my name is Christopher Killoy. I am the President and CEO of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., more commonly known as Ruger.

As a father, husband, graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, former member of the Armed Services, responsible gun owner and American, I am deeply saddened by the horrific criminal events in Highland Park, Uvalde, Buffalo and elsewhere, and I condemn this criminal behavior in the strongest possible terms. I also wish to extend my sincerest sympathy to anyone who has lost a loved one as the result of a senseless crime. No words can express the pain and sorrow that comes with such a tragic loss.

The criminal misuse of firearms is a complex societal issue, and I sincerely hope the Committee is successful in investigating the root causes of the horrific tragedies that have taken place. Having served our country and worked in the firearms industry for over thirty years, I hope that, through my testimony today, I can offer you a helpful perspective regarding lawful gun ownership and safe and responsible firearm use in this country, consistent with the fundamental right guaranteed by the Second Amendment of our Constitution. I look forward to answering your questions on these topics. However, I am concerned that some of you today may be tempted to demonize particular firearms - or the law-abiding Americans who purchase them - rather than focus on identifying and addressing the fundamental root causes of criminal violence.

Before delving into the issues raised by Chairwoman Maloney in her invitation to speak before you today, I offer a brief history of our Company, our customers and our products to help put those topics in context. Read More