Weekly Spotlight 7/7/23 – 7/13/23
The Gun Sales Keep on Comin’
Americans are on an epic run when it comes to purchasing firearms for self-protection. For the 47th consecutive month, there have been more than one million firearms purchased across the country. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that they performed 2.1 million background checks in the month of June, with approximately half of those being for gun purchases or transfers.
The importance of this nearly four-year streak of sky-high gun sales runs much deeper than just breaking records. It is a clear demonstration by law-abiding Americans from coast to coast of exercising their Second Amendment right and their desire to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Crime is unfortunately on the rise and the ability to defend oneself is becoming more and more important. It’s a sad reality we face, but Americans are learning that it’s better to be prepared to respond to any danger than to be left vulnerable. The 340 documented instances of defensive gun use across the country in 2023 so far demonstrate this increasing demand for guns and elucidate why the sales numbers continue on a record pace. Whether it be domestic abuse or crime, the increased gun sales are making America safer and saving lives.
Furthermore, people from a wide range of backgrounds are contributing to high gun sales. In 2022, the number of women, especially Black women and Asian American women, purchasing firearms continued to increase, a trend we’ve seen unfold for the past several years. As the nationwide sales numbers grow, so will the diversity of America’s responsible, law-abiding gun owners. It’s never been more clear that gun ownership and self-defense is for everyone.
Thanks to our God-given right to self-defense and the Second Amendment being enshrined in our Constitution, the United States has a storied history of citizen gun ownership. As long as people like you continue to stand up for these rights, we will see more people seizing the opportunity to exercise them. The June gun sales numbers, and the 46 months prior, clearly show that law-abiding Americans are up to the task.
Curious why more Americans are choosing to carry? Visit our Virtual Donor Wall
OTHER NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
- Fox News: Concealed carry holder sues Chicago, police after murder charges filed: ‘Totally unnecessary’
A concealed carry license holder is suing the city of Chicago and a handful of police officers after she and her son were charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a man who was seen on camera punching the woman before her son intervened. Carlishia Hood, 35, and her 14-year-old son were charged with first-degree murder this month for the fatal shooting of Jeremy Brown, 32, on June 18. Just days later on Monday, prosecutors dropped the charges against Hood and her son. Now, Hood is suing the city and the officers who arrested her over claims of malicious prosecution, false arrest and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to CBS News.
- The Reload: Federal Court Tosses Biden ‘Ghost Gun’ Ban
The ATF’s attempt to redefine what counts as a firearm has been vacated. On Friday, Federal District Court Judge Reed O’Connor ruled in favor of the gun companies and gun-rights groups challenging the ban. He found the ATF exceeded its authority when it decided to treat unfinished firearms parts, often used to build homemade guns President Joe Biden called “ghost guns” due to their lack of serial numbers, the same way as completed and functional firearms.
- Hawaii Public Radio: Lawsuit challenges a new gun ban on Hawaii beaches
A Wisconsin concealed carry holder found a man suspected of a local crime spree in his attic and held him at gunpoint until police arrived, authorities said. A Cudahy, Wisconsin, homeowner only identified by local media as “John J.” said he returned to his home last Monday morning after work and made a disturbing discovery that an intruder was in his home. Cudahy is located in Milwaukee County. “I opened my back door, and I saw a bunch of insulation from my roof, from my attic, on my kitchen floor. We thought an animal was upstairs,” John told WISN 12. “We thought an animal was upstairs. And it turned out to be an armed felon with a pistol.”
Firearms instructors are seeing the number of enrollees in their concealed carry classes plummet. Law enforcement is seeing more guns stolen daily, from vehicles. This as Nebraska prepares to loosen restrictions on concealed carry and open carry laws in Nebraska. Starting in September, Nebraska no longer requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun. In addition, the eight-hour required concealed carry class is no longer a requirement. Open carry of guns will now be allowed in every city across Nebraska, including Omaha, which was previously excluded from the practice. “There’s going to be a lot more people out there with guns,” said Trevor Thrasher, co-owner and lead firearms instructor at 88 Tactical in Omaha. Thrasher said he’s personally trained more than 10,000 people to properly use firearms through the military, law enforcement and private classes.