Vegas ‘Pawn Stars’ Owner Rick Harrison Talks Shooting, Thinks Politicians Should Not ‘Make Points Out Of It’

On Monday, Rick Harrison, Chumlee’s boss on Pawn Stars, appeared by telephone on Fox Business. Speaking to Stuart Varney on Varney & Co, the Las Vegas native reflected on the deadliest mass shooting tragedy in the history of the United States.

After stating that “unfortunately, there is evil in the world,” Harrison complimented the “amazing” local police, whom he believed were more than capable in handling this difficult situation. He thought it was amazing they were able to stop the shooter in the first place.

Rick said that when he heard, he was in shock. He had put his phone on the charger and had gone to bed. He was up early and found that he had over 100 text messages. He turned on the television and was shocked to see what unfolded not far from where he lived and where his Pawn Stars shop is located.

The Pawn Stars patriarch pointed out that a “guy with automatic weapons like that” had to be practicing in the desert. Harrison expressed shock that “no one had turned him in before.”

Harrison explained that this has become a “personal” thing for residents for Vegas.

He then mentioned that a couple of film crew members were freelancing at the country music event until 9 p.m., and he was not sure if they hung out to watch Jason Aldean after their gig was over and stated that “everyone is really worried this morning.

“It truly is a great country and… out of 320 million people in this country you’re going to have some evil people. This is a loving country, this is the greatest place in the world to live and it really disgusts me when politicians, suddenly with a tragedy like this, want to somehow make points out of it — it’s not the time.”

Harrison was frustrated because the shooter killed himself and that justice would never be served. He stated that there is evil in the world, and that “we live in a post 9-11 world.”

“We don’t want these people destroying our lives now.”

On the World Famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop website, Rick Harrison has issued an official statement about the horrific Las Vegas shooting.

First of all, he stated that everyone at the pawn shop where Pawn Stars is filmed appears to be ok. Hopefully, this includes the two film crew members he mentioned on Fox Business.

He did not believe any of his pawn shop staff were at the concert, yet they are all still taking in the “full magnitude” of the situation and admit that there is some “apprehension” when there is a call or a post on social media. Clearly, the residents of Las Vegas are shell-shocked.

Next, he sent out a message of “hearts and prayers” to those who were at the concert, including the victims, and their loved ones.

Harrison also stated that he is giving paid leave for any employee who wishes to donate blood, and encourages everyone to do the same, as there is a great need.

Lastly, he asked everyone to contact their leaders to “do what they can to prevent future incidents like these.”

“We come to work with heavy hearts today, and last night’s senseless acts will undoubtedly touch each of us at here at the Pawn Stars family. So far it appears our staff and their families are OK, the Pawn Shop is open and downtown Las Vegas is business as usual, as far as appearances go. However all of us are still taking in the full magnitude of last night’s events and there is a very real sense of apprehension each time the phone rings or a new social media post comes through.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who were at the concert last night and especially the victims, their families and friends. To allay the immediate needs of our community, I have offered the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop staff paid time off for anyone wishing to donate blood and I urge everyone who is able in Southern Nevada to participate.

“These things should not happen in our country and I want to encourage everyone in our Las Vegas hometown and all over the USA to do all they can to help those impacted and our leaders to do what they can to prevent future incidents like these.”

As for Chumlee, the Pawn Stars fav tweeted his uplifting message that Vegas will make it through this tragedy.

“Las Vegas will make it threw this tragedy together, today we mourn for those lost last night.”

Las Vegas will make it threw this tragedy together, today we mourn for those lost last night

— Austin Russell (@chumlee_) October 2, 2017

Corey Harrison, Chumlee’s childhood friend and Rick’s son, also posted his reaction to the horrific shooting and sent his sympathy to the families of the victims.

“I wish I had more to say about the events of last night but I guess I’m in a stage of disbelief my heart goes out to the family’s of the victims.”

What do you think of Vegas native Rick Harrison’s statements to Fox Business and on the World Famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop website, home of Pawn Stars? Please share your thoughts, sentiments, and opinions below.

[Featured Image by David Becker/Getty Images]