SHAWNEE, Kan. — Monday marks one month since police said four men tried to rob a Shawnee gun store, killing one of the owners. Gun classes resumed last week at She’s A Pistol and the surviving owner, Becky Bieker, tells FOX 4 she hopes to re-open the gun store in two weeks.
Sunday morning people lined up to buy memorial T-shirts in Jon Bieker’s honor. Money raised will help Becky re-open.
“I’m very proud of her for wanting to keep on and open again, it’s a hard thing to do,” said Shawnee resident Kathy Olson.
One-by-one, for hours Sunday, people came to buy shirts and donate money in Jon Bieker’s memory.
“I’m sure it means a lot to her to see the reaction of the community and them showing support,” said Olson.
Jennifer Mitchell, a concealed carry holder, drove in from Lawrence Sunday morning just to get a shirt. She said it stands for so much.
“We’ll wear it with pride. My husband got one and my six year old got one,” said Mitchell. ”I think we ought to be able to have the freedom to protect ourselves and that’s what USA stands for.”
On the front the memorial T-shirts reads ‘the ultimate price’. On the back: ‘Always remember, be proud, be prepared, be free’.
“I felt compelled to come out and honor these folks, and I have felt so because of the fact I think it’s a raw deal when a couple goes in business with themselves and yet aren’t safe against people getting guns and coming in and trying to rob them,” said Merriam resident Fred Hilton.
Hilton said he’s getting his permit to carry a gun now. She’s A Pistol will soon be back in business to help countless others do the same.
Becky said she hopes to fully re-open in about two weeks, but no exact date has been set.
To buy a memorial T-shirt or donate, CLICK HERE.
