‘We Will Not Comply, This Is a Declaration of War’ [WATCH]

Rep. Larry Don Suckla issued a fiery warning to fellow lawmakers this week, calling Senate Bill 25-003 a direct assault on the rights of law-abiding Coloradans.

The proposed legislation, which he says is driven by fear-based politics and anti-gun activism, has sparked intense backlash across western Colorado and beyond.

Suckla did not hold back during his remarks, calling the bill a “declaration of war” on the very people the legislature is meant to serve.

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He warned that the bill threatens to turn everyday citizens into criminals and warned of deep, lasting consequences for the state.

“If you vote yes on this bill, you’re voting to declare war on the very people you swore to serve,” Suckla said.

“So let me say this plainly, you’re not protecting anyone with this bill. You are targeting the good guys. You’re punishing the innocent. You’re about to turn veterans, ranchers, moms, granddads, law abiding citizens into criminals with the swing of a gavel.”

SB 25-003 is being pushed by progressive lawmakers and supported by several well-funded advocacy organizations, but Suckla says the bill ignores the lived experience and values of rural Coloradans.

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“Well out here in western Colorado, we don’t take that lightly,” Suckla said.

“We don’t sit down when our rights are stripped away, and we damn sure don’t bow down to a government who thinks they can rule us instead of serve us.”

The bill, which has not yet passed, has been framed by its supporters as a public safety measure.

But Suckla argued it is a politically motivated attack on gun owners that lacks evidence-based policy and is rooted in fear.

“This bill is the very definition of tyranny. It is not based on facts. It’s based on fear, fear pushed by anti-gun activists, special interests and well-funded NGOs, and they don’t know a thing about our way of life,” he said.

Suckla also pointed to cultural divides between urban and rural communities in Colorado, specifically noting a growing disconnect in how firearms are perceived and taught.

“Fear fueled by school boards and teachers who stopped teaching respect for firearms, and instead have programmed an entire generation to be terrified of them,” he said.

“We teach them to use them safely, responsible and with respect. Where I live, that is our American culture. That is western Colorado culture, and it’s being erased intentionally.”

The state representative cautioned lawmakers that if SB 25-003 passes, the consequences could be severe — not just politically, but socially and culturally.

“If you pass this bill, you’re lining a match to the fabric of this state,” Suckla warned.

“You’re driving a wedge so deep that I don’t know if Colorado will ever recover. And that is not a threat. It is a reality.”

Suckla emphasized that residents in House District 58 and across Colorado are not likely to obey legislation they believe violates their rights.

“Because the people in HD 58 and across Colorado, they will not comply. They will not be disarmed, and they will not be ruled,” he said. “You see, you’re not just passing a bill. You’re picking a fight.”

“If you vote yes on this bill you are declaring war on the very people you swore to serve”

– Rep. Larry Don Suckla@LSuckla pic.twitter.com/6DSys3VUH8

— Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (@RMGOColorado) March 24, 2025

SB 25-003 remains under consideration in the legislature, with debates expected to intensify as the bill moves forward.

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