A journalist from Armed American Radio said that the deaths of 13,338 people in the US last year from gun violence was "just a part of life" during a heated interview on Channel 4 News on Tuesday.
Neil McCabe was questioned by Jon Snow Tuesday evening - hours after President Barack Obama announced tighter gun control measures following a series of mass shootings in the US.
A Channel 4 News report on gun control in the US revealed that 125 people have already died this year as a result of gun violence. There were 13,338 deaths in total last year.
Neil McCabe was questioned by Jon Snow on Channel 4 News on Tuesday
Following the report, Snow asked McCabe whether he was "proud or ashamed" of the number of people who had died from gun violence in the US.
McCabe said: "I don't know if I am ashamed and I don't know if I am proud. It happens and in a free country these things happen.
"There is always going to be risk. There is always going to be situations."
During the segment, Snow increased the figure to 137 people and then to 141.
When confronted with the escalating statistics, McCabe said: "It's just part of life."
McCabe added: "More people die by fists and kicks than by rifles... people die, people are murdered. It's human nature. But in those situations there is no obligation to be a victim. I don't want to hide under a desk.
"I would rather have a gun to protect myself."
Many were shocked at the number of people who had been killed this year already - just five days into the year.
Others were in disbelief at McCabe's reaction to the shocking statistics:
And some could not decide whether McCabe was being serious or not:
While the majority praised Snow for his interview:
McCabe defended himself on Twitter, saying that Snow was "confused".
The interview comes hours after Obama announced his long-awaited gun control measures during an emotional speech on Tuesday.
The proposals, made by executive action against the will of Congress, will improve the background check system for gun sales by expanding the number of buyers who are subject to criminal checks.
The action also sought to improve research into gun violence, increase domestic violence prosecutions and better keep track of lost firearms.