Bipartisan Congressional Leaders Champion Digital Rights for USA Shooting Athletes

[USA Shooting]

Bipartisan Congressional Leaders Champion Digital Rights for USA Shooting Athletes

COLO SPRGS, CO (Feb 13, 2025) – In a significant victory for America's Olympic and Paralympic shooting athletes, a bipartisan congressional coalition has successfully intervened with Meta Platforms to address systematic restrictions placed on USA Shooting athletes' social media presence. This breakthrough ensures our nation's champions can freely share their athletic achievements and connect with supporters across Instagram and Facebook.

Led by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), and Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), the congressional effort challenged Meta's content moderation practices that had disproportionately affected Olympic and Paralympic shooting athletes. Through direct engagement with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, these legislators defended athletes' rights to showcase their legitimate sporting activities without digital impediment.

“I thank Meta for doing the right thing and reversing course,” said Representative Richard Hudson. As a strong defender of our 2nd Amendment, I stand with our incredible Olympic and Paralympic USA shooting athletes and am glad to see their Constitutionally-protected freedoms being upheld.”

The impact of these restrictions had been particularly severe for decorated athletes including Vincent Hancock, a five-time Olympic medalist, Olympic medalist Conner Prince, and Paralympic medalist McKenna Geer. Despite representing the United States at the highest levels of international competition - including the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games where Hancock and Prince added to America's medal count - these athletes found their social media reach artificially limited merely for sharing content featuring their Olympic sporting equipment.

"This victory demonstrates what happens when we stand united in defense of our sport," said Tim Rupli, USA Shooting Board Chair. "When bureaucrats and tech platforms attempt to silence our Olympic and Paralympic athletes, they're not just limiting social media posts – they're threatening the very visibility of shooting sports in America. We will continue to fight against any attempt to marginalize our athletes or diminish their achievements. Our champions deserve to share their Olympic journey without restriction or prejudice."

"This resolution affirms our athletes' right to proudly represent their sport and connect with the American public who supports their Olympic and Paralympic dreams," said Kelly Reisdorf, USA Shooting CEO. "We stand vigilant in protecting our athletes' ability to share their journeys, honor their sponsors, and inspire the next generation of American shooting sports champions."