CHUCK TODD (HOST): Do you think there are too many hurdles to get a concealed carry permit or an open carry permit?

LT. GOV DAN PATRICK (R-TX): No, and I think, again, that's -- that is evolving. I passed a bill as a senator before I became lieutenant governor that changed the process of getting a permit to online only, for example. So all of the states are evolving and I want to see a day when every American citizen can simply have a gun, does not have to go through a long ordeal or pay a high price, we're going to address that in Texas as well because it's the right of every individual under the Second Amendment. Texas is the largest state to have open carry. And let me also add this, Chuck. That everywhere that we have more citizens carrying guns, crime is less. There's a study showing that where states have open carry or concealed carry but particularly open carry, the crime is down 25 percent. Murders are down. Having law-abiding citizens having guns is a good thing. In fact, Chuck --

TODD: OK.

PATRICK: Every one of the mass shootings except two in America since 1950 have been gun-free zones and every one in Europe. Where people have guns, bad guys don't go and you're never going to stop bad guys from getting guns with background checks at gun shows. Let America have their guns. Let them defend themselves and America will be a safer place.

TODD: I have a feeling we're not going to resolve this political debate this morning on Meet the Press. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, thanks for coming on the show.