Gun Owners Of America Release Statement Of Support For James Harden
Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden was arrested in Houston earlier today on a charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle. Texas has always been more lax on gun restrictions than many other states, so the arrest came as a surprise to many.
Harden reportedly broke the law because the gun he had in his vehicle wasn't in a holster. That reasoning didn't fly with the gun rights organization, Gun Owners of America (GOA).
In a statement, GOA reaffirmed Harden's constitutional right to carry and admonished the government for "micromanaging" how anyone secures their gun.
"Texas allows constitutional carry, yet James Harden was arrested because his legally owned firearm wasn't in a holster in his vehicle. The government has no business micromanaging how a law-abiding citizen secures their own gun," the organization said in a statement.
2nd Amendment Right
GOA supporters and many others have been rushing to Harden's defense ever since the arrest was made public. Just about everyone agreed that - whether or not they like Harden personally - it's his right to have a gun.
"I hate James Harden but I love freedom more than I dislike him," one user on X declared.
"Why does a person have to know the laws of every State and every little town through which he or she will drive in order to exercise a #RIGHT??? We need #NATIONALpreemption. Individual State preemption laws are not enough," wrote another.
"Texas has Permitless carry and even before that passed in 2022 we allowed carry in a vehicle because Texas acknowledges your vehicle as an extension of your home. There has to be something else. I put my handgun in my center console or even door pocket no holster all the time," a third wrote.
As for Harden's legal status, he was released on $100 bond and released from police custody early in the morning. His arraignment is scheduled for June 22.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have released a statement confirming that they are aware of the arrest and will monitor the situation.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information. We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment," the Cavs said.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 10:10 PM.