Eric Talley was the police officer killed in the Boulder, CO mass shooting. You know, the one that President Biden, VP Harris, and basically every Dem is using right now to push gun control and all-out bans on AR-style rifles.

Talley's dad is telling them to stop doing that.

Homer Talley tells TMZ Eric, an 11-year vet for Boulder PD, was a strong advocate for gun rights, and had an AR-15 he often used for target practice. Homer's seen the debate erupt over reforming gun laws, and although this tragedy cost him his son, he doesn't blame gun access ... and doesn't think Eric would either.

He told us, "My son would have been deeply offended to know his death would be used to promote gun control. Before he was an officer, he enjoyed shooting."

This grieving father did not blame access to the most popular rifle in America for his son's death, and his son wouldn't have either.

Good on this dad for speaking up on behalf of his fallen son.