(Image Source: Keller's Riverside Store)

BY MEGAN NOE
ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN

In the heart of Texas Hill Country, Crockett Keller teaches concealed carry classes to make some extra cash. He’ll take gold, silver and used guns as payment... but not everyone’s welcome as a student.

“If you are a socialist liberal, and/or voted for the current campaigner-in-chief, please do not take this class. You have already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision as required under the law. Also, if you are a non-Christian Arab, or Moslem, I will not teach you the class. Once again, with no shame, I am Crockett Keller.” (YouTube)

That $175 radio ad has gone from Mason, Texas, to viral Internet fame. Keller tells KVUE state law allows him to deny instruction to people incapable of making good decisions with a firearm.

KELLER: “‘If you are a devout Moslem, then you cannot be a true American. Why should I arm these people to kill me? That’s suicide.’
REPORTER: ‘It’s a stance Keller isn’t alone on. During this interview, the instructor fielded nearly 40 calls congratulating him for the ad.’
PHONE: ‘And let me tell you something, God bless you.’”

It’s clear not everyone is amused. As the local president of the Council on American-Islamic Relations tells the San Antonio Express-News:

“We're not missing anything... I'm happy he's not selling to the Muslims. Because that blood is on the hands of this guy. He's a racist and he's a bigot. He can keep his guns and he can promote killing.”

And in the Austin American-Statesman, legal issues.

“Do you have the right, based on sincere ignorance, to ban them from your course? Crockett Keller of Mason is doing just that. But it sounds like the Department of Public Safety, which certifies concealed handgun license instructors, could be about to shut him down. Good.”

DPS has launched an investigation, since instruction can’t be denied based on race, ethnicity or religion. But should we even be talking about this at all? Some Fox commentators say no.

BOB BECKEL: “‘First of all, it’s not legal to run that ad. It is a discriminatory ad on the airwaves. It should not have been allowed to do it, we shouldn’t have run it here, frankly.’
GREG GUTFELD: ‘I honestly don’t think we should have done this story. It’s a class for six people, the guy’s an idiot. I doubt he does yoga, we know that. You know, his employees probably don’t celebrate Martin Luther King Day, we know that. I think it’s a stupid story to do.’”

Keller could face license suspension or revocation.

Transcript by Newsy.