Owner of Web-based Firearms Company that Sold to Virginia Tech and NIU Shooters to Forgo Profits to Help Prevent Future Loss of Life - Owner of Web-based Firearms Company that Sold to Virginia Tech and NIU Shooters to Forgo Profits to Help Prevent Future Loss of Life

GREEN BAY – A regrettable tie to two mass murders on college campuses is spurring a firearms dealer to forgo profit for the sake of preventing future loss of life.

Eric Thompson’s company, TGSCOM Inc., sold Virginia Tech shooter Cho Seung-Hui a Walther P22 through the Web site www.thegunsource.com. Steven Kazmierczak, who killed five people at Northern Illinois University (NIU) on February 14th, received two 9mm Glock magazines and a holster he ordered from the TGSCOM Inc. Web site www.topglock.com.

Ever since the NIU shootings, Thompson has been using his unfortunate coincidence to press for changes that will make it easier for law-abiding citizens to carry a gun to protect themselves, the people they love and their neighbors.

Today, Thompson is backing up his words with actions. For the next two weeks, Thompson will not take any profit on firearms sales from any of his over 100 Web sites. Instead, Thompson will offer guns to customers for the same cost he pays for them.

“I hope and pray I will never again be in a position where I am asked questions about selling items used in a crime,” said Thompson. “The next news story I want to be involved in is how I sold a firearm to someone who helped stop a mass murderer. By forgoing a profit, I hope to help give law-abiding citizens the tools to prevent tragedy.”

By logging onto www.gunsatcost.com, law-abiding citizens will have the chance to purchase a firearm to protect themselves and their loved ones. Customers will have over 5,400 different kinds of firearms from which to choose.

Since learning of the unfortunate and random twist of events that made Thompson’s company a part of both the NIU and Virginia Tech shootings, Thompson has said he has “a special responsibility to work to prevent future tragedies.”

Thompson has since launched a Web site, www.gundebate.com, to help spur a dialogue in search of solutions to stop future mass shootings and also to act as a clearing house for public safety ideas.

Thompson also announced that he plans to visit Blacksburg, Virginia on Thursday, April 24 to speak at a Virginia Tech Students for Concealed Carry on Campus event. Thompson will use the speech to highlight his support for giving law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves from criminals.

Thompson recently partnered with Students for Concealed Carry on Campus to provide hundreds of holsters donated by his customers and gun manufacturers to nearly 30 colleges and universities for students to participate in the second-annual “empty-holster protest.” The purpose of the protest is to object to state laws and university policies that forbid law-abiding citizens from carrying concealed weapons on campuses.

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Message From: Fred P. on 8/7/2009 10:27:41 PM

From Virginia to Illinois and now Wisconsin, this company must just be rolling in the dough. Eric makes the money and the public pay the cost.

Message From: andy on 7/14/2008 3:39:14 PM

How bout giving the current crop of students across this nation a fair chance of fighting back at the unlikely attempt to mass murder them. reality_czech, you've had your college experience and are lucky to not been a victim of one of these atrocities. Why not give the licensed and trained students the ability to defend their lives like everywhere else? Sure you only care about your rights and not these kids because you equate a speeding vehicle burrowing down a highway to that of my inanimate object (pistol) that sits in my trousers during Phil 1101.

Message From: reality_czech on 4/28/2008 11:22:24 PM

This is comical. You want every college kid to carry a piece? Are you nuts? The shooting statistics would definitely show an increase in accidental and criminal shootings. Bottom line --- there would be more people shot at college if college students were allowed to carry legally. Its common sense folks. Yes, I am a college educated person who has a CPL (concealed pistol license). Yeah I support less government but I also support reasonable safety precautions too. This is why we have speed limits. Just because you can handle a 3000lb car at 130MPH doesn't mean your neighbor can even though he passed the drivers test too.

Message From: ICE on 4/27/2008 4:08:04 AM

Hey Mom, I love you lots but I only agree that too many accidental deaths without proper training and too many children killing a sibling or parents is true. Gun owners or soon to be gun owners, get proper gun handling training and ALWAYS lock your guns when you store them especially around youths. Let's make Mom proud!!!

Message From: ICE on 4/27/2008 3:50:46 AM

Hey Shooter, since you believe we're idiots for owning a gun, crawl back into your small dark safe hole and be a nobody for the rest of your life. Who knows, maybe someday somewhere someone will save your life who's carrying a gun. Will you look into his or her eyes and thank them for saving your pathetic life, or will you think of them as idiots???

Message From: on 4/26/2008 10:30:01 PM

The campus killers could have just as easily plowed their car into a crowd of people.

Message From: Art SC on 4/26/2008 9:38:49 PM

It's not often that the less afluent or financially endowed amongst us are given a fighting chance to protect ourselves. I commend this gentleman for his bravery because the socialist leftists of this country will do all they can in their predjucial and bigotted ways to twist this into something evil. I wouldn't even be surprised if Mr. Thompson's family is even threatened or otherwise intimidated by those would would prefer us to be sheep.

Message From: azgunnut on 4/26/2008 2:13:02 PM

Did they fine Oldsmobile when Ted Kennedy drove his off the bridge, then waited and waited and waited before he called the police? When Ted wanted to make Ms. Kopeckny (sp) was dead, and his sexual affair forever hushed?

Message From: urbanracer032 on 4/26/2008 12:47:02 PM

My sincerest respects to you, Mr. Thompson, for taking a stand and for highlighting the laws that are frivolous and obtrusive in an effort to help educate and inform Americans. Armed civilians are anabsolute necessity, and are correctly trained both in a classroom enviroment and on a range,to protect both themselves and others in harms way as opposed to the typical response from "Anti-firearm" liberals, "to intimidate and create havoc", and expect others to follow suit in their campaign of scaring the average person. And in doing so, putting stringent laws in effect to hinder the law abiding citizen of his or her constitutional right only makes it easier for the criminal to possess weapons and carry out these attrocious acts. Weapons are a tool, they do not harm anyone, it is the person using this tool and pulling the trigger that harms someone.

Message From: docmagnum357 on 4/25/2008 11:03:01 PM

Both the pro gun side of the second amendment debate and the anti gun side are based on fear. Pro gunners are afraid of "goblins" as Jeff Cooper called them, and the antis are afraid of people who have no criminal record, have passed a background check every bit as thorough as the one a police officer goes thru, and many times is more proficient than the average police officer. The quetion is, who has a resonable fear? Personally, I will fear goblins, and be armed against them, while trusting my neighbors to be good citizens.

Message From: spatin on 4/25/2008 11:02:25 PM

I hope you will hold this "sale" open for a while so I can get my federal rebate from President Bush. I intend to use my federal rebate to buy guns and ammo, and I would just as soon buy it from you as anyone else. Sidney

Message From: rankNfileLEO on 4/25/2008 10:17:06 PM

Mr. Thompson, Thank you for supporting and advocating the "RIGHTS" of We The People. To the Anti-gun folks, Please...please stop spouting off based upon your emotional reactions. Please begin plying logic and good common sense in your decision making. And, please stop trying to enforce your emotional knee-jerks upon the rest of us. Personal responsibility has become a lost commodity. And, socialist liberals are a direct cause of society's move in that direction. Guns are not your scourge. The lack of rearing, the lack of discipline and telling all of your kids that they are perfect are the causes of your woes. The folks that get a break from me are the ones whom take responsibility for their actions. A lawful carrier of a firearm will NEVER see the back seat of my cruiser and earns respect from mine and me.

Message From: snakedoctor on 4/25/2008 9:22:38 PM

It's funny, reading all the anti-gun comments by people who have no knowledge or experience with them, how they get all emotional with the topic, and can't admit they don't know anything about guns, and never let the facts get in the way of forming an opinion, whereas the shooters in the crowd talk about responsiblity, and making difficult choices in the face of a catastrophe, and selflessly trying to do the right thing. Carrying a gun isn't for everyone, nor should it be, but it is for most, a last ditch effort to save lives, because at the end of the day, the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun. Too bad we can't get the Democrats to admit it publicly, even though they like to carry(like Chuckie Schumer). The left wingers think the presence of a gun makes things less safe, whereas the right wingers think it makes things more safe. How can you educate people that already think they have all the answers? The Dems act like teenagers think, I swear.

Message From: Ray on 4/25/2008 7:15:32 PM

As a retired NYPD Detective, I can only state that if a person follows the law, there is no good reason this person should not be allowed to purchase a weapon. A properly trained person will not use a gun in haste and can therefore protect others as well as his own family. I plan on placing an order with Mr. Thompson within the time period allowed. Most firearms dealers hold you up with a cash register.

Message From: AB on 4/25/2008 6:02:28 PM

THE BAD GUYS HAVE GUNS WE NEED THEM ALSO TO PROTECT OUR HOME AND FAMILY.

Message From: TooManyGuns on 4/25/2008 5:31:57 PM

Dear TooManyIdiots - Here are the sources illegally trafficked firearms from the 2000 ATF report http://www.atf.treas.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/pdf/followingthegun_internet.pdf 31% were bought from licensed dealers by straw purchasers 31% were bought at gun shows or flea markets 4% were stolen from a residence So if a straw purchaser wants to buy a gun, they are going to go to TOPGLOCK where they can get them cheap thereby increasing their profit margin when they resell to a criminal. If someone wants to commit a crime and they have no criminal history, they will go to TOPGLOCK where they can buy an arsenal really cheap. It's simple economics.

Message From: Rob on 4/25/2008 5:27:57 PM

Only two states don't allow concealed carry - so Eric isn't going to profit from this any more than he already is. The plain truth is that there is NOTHING that can stop a rampage killer once he has started aside from another person with a gun. Our country needs more sheep dogs who are willing to step up and lead the flock - the rest of you who are too scared of guns to understand them - that's fine, but let the rest of us do our jobs. I can assure you, if you are ever in one of these situations, you would trade all of your earthly possessions for a good guy with a gun - whether it be a cop, a soldier, or an armed Samaritan - to save your skin.

Message From: TooManyIdiots on 4/25/2008 4:06:23 PM

Criminals can't buy guns LEGALLY. They buy guns that are purchased through nefarious means. They are often STOLEN. That means the cost of the gun by the seller is $0.00. The profit margin is 100%. So a gun bought on the street by a criminal is often MUCH cheaper than the price for those of us who purchase them LEGALLY. Making a firearm more affordable allows those LAW ABIDING citizens who ARE economically challenged to purchase a weapon for self-defense. Career criminals don't take to a life of crime because it PAYS LESS than getting a legitimate job. They can easily afford the weapons they use. Your argument is inane. By your logic we should keep the price of automobiles at record prices because if we made vehicles cheaper, more criminals would use them to commit crimes.

Message From: Jerome on 4/25/2008 4:00:36 PM

According to this website the gun discount offer is open to "all law abiding citizens who can legally purchase and possess firearms." How do you check to see if a person is "law abiding?" A background check will only catch those who already have a criminal record. What about all the criminals who have never been caught? What about the husband who wants to buy a gun to kill his wife or the employee who wants to kill his boss, etc. etc. Just because someone does not have a criminal record does not mean they are "law abiding." So please tell me how you are going to screen your buyers to ensure that they are law abiding and that they will only use your guns for lawful purposes.

Message From: TooManyGuns on 4/25/2008 3:30:47 PM

According to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) reports, the cheaper the gun, the more likely it is to be used in a crime. Most law abiding citizens can already afford to purchase a gun if they want one. However, there are many criminals who are economically disadvantaged and they will be happy to respond to your sale. Both the Virginia Tech and NIU murderers passed background checks. If your guns were on sale at the time they could have bought even more. All you are doing is flooding the market with cheap guns and making it much easier for criminals to get their hands on them. Many lives will be lost as a result of your actions. Why don't you do what Walmart has done which is to implement additional safeguards above the federal requirements to prevent criminals from buying your guns? That would really save lives and would not impact law abiding gun owners at all.

Message From: Patriot on 4/25/2008 1:05:07 PM

Thompson knows that if concealed weapons laws are approved, his sales of guns & ammo are going to jump sky high. He may talk a good talk about the 2nd Amendment - but really, for him it comes down to money. Moreover, has anyone advocating concealed weapons at college actually been on a campus recently? Have you ever been near a kegger or a frat party, where some random fight between drunk 19-y.o. males can break out any second?? Imagine adding guns to these scenarios. It will make every State U. look like the Wild West...which, let's be honest, is what some of the John Wayne-fetishizin' gun lovers out there actually want...

Message From: Rick on 4/25/2008 12:27:43 PM

I support what you are doing. An armed citizenry is necessary. The benefits are well documented and supported by data. I will buy from you because you have taken this stand. Don’t mind the sheeple who don’t want to defend themselves.

Message From: Mom on 4/25/2008 11:35:20 AM

I think it was in poor taste for Eric to go on campus to promote guns at this time. I would feel so sick to my stomach that I would sell the business and do something else. Yes, I agree anyone could have sold it to him and that is the chance you take when you are in this business. Forget the guns, too many accidental deaths without proper training, too many children killing a sibling or parents.

Message From: JustAGirl on 4/25/2008 10:15:58 AM

Kudos to you, Eric! I was pleased to hear that you did not apologize last night, as the actions of Cho had nothing to do with you whatsoever. Had he not purchased a gun from you, I'm certain he would've found another way to obtain a weapon. Sadly, people are so quick to point fingers and wrongly blame someone to try and make themselves feel better. And John, I couldn't agree with you more! Wake up, people, and start holding yourselves accountable for any and all irresponsible actions. While I realize the incident was tragic, the media and authorities needlessly continue to fuel this fire, which unfortunately is why you’re dealing with the backlash. Best wishes to you in all your endeavors! :)

Message From: colby on 4/25/2008 8:17:03 AM

I applaud Mr. Thompson for taking responsibility. I agree with Randy, I will definitely consider doing business with him. I had planned on buying a new rifle this fall but I may just move that up in order to take advantage of this offer.

Message From: Randy on 4/25/2008 7:23:51 AM

I just read about the owner of this website / store that visited VA Tech to discuss concealed carry on campus. I commend him. In support of his actions and willingness to "take fire" himself, I think we all should consider doing business with him, I know I will. I also want to add, for the families and loved ones of the slain, my heart goes out to you. But please don't confuse one disturbed shooter with the majority of law abiding people who carry concealed weapons. PLEASE consider the fact that had there been these types of people on campus, the response would have been much faster and while SOME lives would still have been lost, MOST would have been spared.

Message From: Steve on 4/25/2008 4:05:58 AM

Actually shooter, increasing the number of Sheppards with spears decreases the number of wild animals attacking your flock. Your paucity of understanding is indeed something to be ashamed of.

Message From: Shooter on 4/25/2008 2:55:21 AM

Guns + people = death Simple equation. Increase the number of guns, you increase the chances of being killed by some other idiot that has a gun. You should be ashamed...

Message From: John on 4/24/2008 10:10:48 PM

People in this country need to relearn how to take responsibility for themselves. Our laws are making us victims. I applaud this program and your support of campus concealed carry. Gun free zones only disarm the law abiding.

Message From: Str8shooter on 4/24/2008 9:35:14 PM

A bold and commendable move by Mr. Thompson. Had they not been secure in the knowledge that no one would possess the means to stop them, the campus gunmen may never have attempted their horrendous crimes.

Message From: Bill on 4/24/2008 9:20:25 PM

I want to congratulate Mr. Thompson on his actions, the proper use of a handgun is to PROTECT a life, and he's helping to make this protection more accessible.

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