Photos and story by Philip Casper.
Spike Cohen, 2020 Libertarian Vice Presidential Candidate, visited The Firing Pin in Bergen to raise money for the Erie County Libertarian Party in an event called “Shoot Guns With Bazookajew”. Duane Whitmer, Erie County Libertarian Party Chair helped facilitate the event and while there, Spike introduced himself to everyone at the shop and listened while many voiced their concerns about the state of affairs in NY, and the United States as a whole. Topics ranged from vaccine mandates to gun control, to widespread government overreach.
Cohen stated “We aren’t going to be able to set NY free if we continue to vote for the people that got us in this mess. Republican, or Democrat. There is an alternative out there, and this is it. You are the power.” Whitmer, who recently ran for Erie County Comptroller said “Bringing a pro-second amendment candidate to one of the biggest defenders of the second amendment in the country was a wonderful experience and I’m glad to be a part of it. I’m thankful for the guys at The Firing Pin for all they do.”
Pat Kimball, owner and lead instructor of First Line Defense delivered a safety message before everyone entered the range, and gave brief one on one training sessions to promote safe, and proficient firearm handling. The libertarian party believes that every person has a right to arm themselves in self-defense.
