Rick Harrison, known for his work on the popular reality TV show “Pawn Stars,” has made headlines this week after speaking out to praise former President Donald Trump while criticizing current President Joe Biden’s border policies after his son recently died from a fentanyl overdose.
Harrison spoke out in a statement to Fox News in which he called Trump “an incredible individual” while slamming current politicians for being “complicit” in the fentanyl-related deaths that have affected many Americans.
Rick Harrison has been making the rounds this week, speaking out in the wake of his son’s tragic death, praising the previous president while taking aim at the current one. His son passed away in January due to a fentanyl overdose, sparking Harrison to become an effective advocate for the prevention of these devastating deaths across the nation.
The 58-year-old Harrison detailed his discussions with Trump in the wake of his family tragedy, saying, “He’s an incredible individual. He wants to do something about this. There’s so many different places you have to start at, all at once, but one of the major ones is to get the damn stuff out of the country and stop making it so cheap to get high.”
He went on to express his frustration with the current state of affairs, exclaiming, “it’s like $5 to buy a fentanyl pill. Anybody can afford it. I mean, make it difficult. Let’s start arresting the people selling it, arresting the people bringing it over the border, close down the border, make it really expensive. Let’s make a fentanyl death rare.”
Harrison also agreed to Fox News that “they’re letting it happen. They’re literally letting it happen. They’re not doing anything about it. So they’re complicit in all these deaths.”
Further detailing his feelings on the current state of security at the southern border, Harrison expressed frustration on Biden administration policies: “Nothing is getting done about it. It’s the equivalent of a 737 [airplane] loaded with passengers crashing every single day. That’s how many people die from it. And, you know, the politicians don’t want to talk about it. The news doesn’t want to talk about it.”
A big part of the problem, he remained, is the politics of it all and the lack of government intervention: “I mean, we know where it’s all coming from. It’s all coming right across the border, and they won’t do anything about it. I mean, they’re doing nothing.”
The result of his son’s death has left a lasting impact on Harrison, who noted his struggle to help his son through addiction over the years, saying “Over the years, I put him in rehab multiple times. Best way to put it with opioids and fentanyl — the devil invented a drug. That’s what would it be. I mean, it literally just changes them into a different person. You don’t even know.”
Fittingly, the poignant interview saw Harrison laying out his solutions to the addiction crisis, including charging drug dealers with manslaughter and attempting to murder in light of the severity of the current epidemic.
He also called upon lawmakers to put restrictions on the border and to repeal “no bail” rules, while enforcing strict laws for those in possession or the sale of fentanyl through common sense.
Furthermore, Harrison is urging the federal government to regulate and alternate the strict rules for trafficking and possession of fentanyl.
Given the urgency of the grave situation at hand, Harrison also called for action at the border to control the influx of potentially dangerous drugs into the country, criticizing the Biden administration as he demanded a more sensible approach to today’s politics.
The recent attention on Harrison’s personal life and advocacy comes after his son Adam, who was not involved in the show “Pawn Stars,” died last month. His son struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and was found dead in a guest house with evidence of his substance abuse.
These devastating circumstances have elicited a heartfelt response from Harrison and his family as they grieve the untimely loss of Adam. As a father and a prominent figure in the public eye, Harrison’s impassioned call for change comes from a place of profound personal loss and concern for an epidemic that has devastated countless families across America.
The decision to speak out about the crisis serves as a powerful testament to Harrison’s resiliency and his unwavering commitment to raising awareness and advocating for lasting change to protect American lives.
In light of the tragedy, Harrison’s words are a commendable act of bravery amid his family’s mourning. His call for effective and meaningful measures to address fentanyl abuse has been a compelling way to honor his son’s memory and assist others facing similar battles.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Harrison and others in similar situations to receive the empathy and support they need as they demand responsible action on the parts of lawmakers and officials to prevent further tragedies and protect other families from suffering similar heartbreak. It is a reminder of the urgent need to address and elevate public discourse on addiction and its far-reaching consequences.
Shedding light on the personal ramifications of addiction can be a source of solace for individuals and families dealing with their own struggles, while also amplifying the urgency of creating comprehensive solutions in communities across the country. In doing so, we are able to foster a greater sense of understanding and advocacy for the individuals and families who have been affected by the harrowing reality of addiction.
It is essential that Harrison’s voice carries forward as part of a united call for critical policy reform and that it continues to inspire empathy and action towards combatting addiction and promoting meaningful solutions.
Rick Harrison’s courage to speak out on these issues carries lasting value and continues to serve as a vital reiteration of the significance of investing resources and empathy into grappling with the human toll of addiction. His strength and advocacy are essential to forwarding the national conversation on addressing this crisis.
To support Harrison and his family during this time of grieving, it is essential to emphasize the enduring need for compassionate action and reform. This requires vital support from the public and policymakers alike to create ongoing awareness and support for those grappling with addiction.
As calls for meaningful policy solutions continue to resonate, the legacy of Harrison’s son will be honored through a united commitment to raise awareness and champion instrumental policy changes that will protect countless families from facing similar heartache.
