Shooting Victim's Father Rails Against NRA, “Irresponsible Politicians”

A grieving father identified his 20-year-old son as a victim in Friday’s mass shooting in Isla Vista and said his son died because of "irresponsible politicians and the NRA," according to NBC News.

Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez was inside the IV Deli Market when a man identified as Elliot Rodger, 22, drove up in a black BMW and sprayed bullets into the crowd.

A childhood photo of Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez was handed to reporters during a news conference at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Saturday afternoon.

His father, Richard Martinez, stepped up to the podium during the media briefing and told reporters, "Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights, but what about Chris' right to live? When will this insanity stop?"

He added: "When will enough people say, 'Stop this madness. We don't have to have live like this.' Too many have died."

Martinez went on to say that his son had a high GPA and was a volunteer at the university.

"He was really loved by a lot of people," Martinez said.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown confirmed Elliot Rodger bought three handguns legally and that all of them were registered. They were bought in Burbank, Oxnard and Goleta, he said. 

Contact Us