SCLC suspends Georgia Chapter President for call to bear arms

ATLANTA - The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Wednesday suspended the president of its Georgia chapter, the day after he urged blacks to exercise their Second Amendment right to bear arms in response to recent police shootings of unarmed blacks.

SCLC National President and CEO Dr. Charles Steele made the announcement at a news conference.

The action comes after Georgia SCLC President Sam Mosteller Tuesday called on all African-Americans to exercise their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

In a statement, Dr. Steele said, We have found that his (Reverend Mosteller's) comments do not represent, not reflect the principles and position of this organization.

As a result, the national organization announced the indefinite suspension of Rev. Mosteller, ordered an internal investigation, and ordered him to undergo an internal training program.

Tuesday, Rev. Mosteller told reporters he is tired of talking and marching and of inaction at the local and federal level.

He said police and the justice system have failed blacks in cities nationwide.

Reverend Mosteller stated, "We going to have to do something in our community to let the rest of America know that we are not going to be victimized by just anybody whether it be police or folks that decide that black people are thugs and we need to control that black community. We [are] not going to allow that anymore."

But when asked if he was suggesting blacks pack weapons the reverend insisted he was being misquoted saying, "Listen, listen I didn't say that. I said the Second Amendment right? I didn't say pack weapons, I said Second Amendment. Please don't put words in my mouth, please don't do that... Do you have to carry a weapon to avail yourself of the Second Amendment the answer is no, you don't have to okay?"

In his statement, Dr. Steele said the SCLC was founded and maintains its position against violence of ANY type.

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SCLC suspends Georgia Chapter President for call to bear arms