On April 9, Breitbart News had the opportunity to talk with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) about guns and gun rights, and he told us that the Second Amendment “serves as a fundamental check on government tyranny.”

Cruz answered a question about the importance of the Second Amendment:

Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story described the Second Amendment as the palladium of our liberties. It is foundation to free men and free women being able to defend their homes, their families, their lives and liberty, and it also serves as a fundamental check on government tyranny.

As a follow-up to the first question, Breitbart News then asked why guns are important for free people?

Cruz responded:

America was founded on a revolutionary concept. Namely, that our rights don’t come from government, they come from God Almighty. The natural rights of man include life, liberty, and property. Each of those rights is dependent upon being able to preserve the safety and security of your own family. In fact, the very first Congress not only acted to protect our Second Amendment rights but mandated the militia act; that adult free men must own a musket.

Lastly, we asked Senator Cruz what he says to people or groups of people who respond to tragedy by pushing one more gun law or one more gun control?

Cruz responded:

I am a constitutionalist, I believe we need to protect our constitutional liberties and honor the Bill of Rights. One of the most dismaying trends of the last six years under the Obama administration has been the relentless assault–from the federal government–on our constitutional liberties. Indeed, following the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook, President Obama could have sought bipartisan cooperation to target violent criminals and come down on them like a ton of bricks. Instead, unfortunately, he used that tragedy as an excuse to try to go after the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. I was glad to help lead the effort to stop President Obama’s unconstitutional assault on the Second Amendment. As a result, millions of Americans spoke up to defend our constitutional liberties, and every single Obama proposal that would have undermined the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms was voted down on the Senate floor. In politics, lots of candidates talk a good game but voters are looking for a proven record. For two decades I have been proud to fight to defend the Second Amendment. Today is a time for truth, and we need leaders willing to stand and lead the fight to defend our constitutional liberties.

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.