ICYMI: USCCA Op-Ed On Preserving the Right to Self-Defense Granted Through the Second Amendment
West Bend, WI — On November 3, 2021, the Washington Examiner published an op-ed by U.S. Concealed Carry Association Founder and CEO Tim Schmidt discussing the U.S. Supreme Court case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The case is challenging an antiquated and unconstitutional New York state law that requires residents to demonstrate “proper cause” in order to receive concealed carry licenses. Earlier this year, the USCCA along with several other leading Second Amendment organizations filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court arguing that the right to carry outside one’s home goes to the heart of the right to “keep and bear arms” protected by the Second Amendment. Leading up to the Supreme Court’s hearing, Schmidt also released a video message outlining the importance of this case.
Here are some powerful excerpts from Schmidt’s op-ed published in the Washington Examiner:
- “The irony should not be lost that even as these states have some of the most restrictive anti-gun laws in the country, many of their cities like Newark, Syracuse, San Bernardino and Baltimore still have some of the highest murder rates in the country as well. Even in areas like Washington D.C., where concealed carry is ostensibly allowed, government officials have made it exceedingly difficult to obtain a permit with residents complaining of lengthy delays. This despite the city seeing a 9 percent increase in homicides over the last year and record numbers of residents seeking to protect themselves.”
- “Over the last year, nearly 5 million new gun owners have joined the more than 100 million Americans who already own guns for self-defense. Similarly, the number of concealed carry permit holders has also reached new heights with over 21.5 million Americans now legally allowed to carry. This is a 48 percent increase in just the last five years according to a new report from the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC). These numbers are even more striking when you consider that 21 states have now passed constitutional carry and therefore no longer have specific data since permits are not required in their state.”
- “Recent public opinion surveys lend further evidence to growing support for self-protection. The CPRC report cites a Rasmussen poll, for example, which found that by a 68-22 margin, Americans ‘feel safer in a neighborhood where guns are allowed.’”
- “Responsible, law-abiding Americans have stepped forward and made clear that they want to protect themselves and their families at all times, no matter what state they live in or whether they are inside or outside their homes. They have that right under the U.S. Constitution and it’s critical for the Supreme Court to affirm that.
You can read the entire op-ed by Schmidt here.
About the USCCA
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is an association of responsibly armed Americans whose members get exceptional self-defense education, lifesaving training and self-defense liability insurance, preparing them for the before, during and after of a lawful act of self-defense. The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible gun owners.
