Here are the highlights:

A - Kat Cammack, Cory Mills, Jose Castillo, Adianis Morales
B - Anna Paulina Luna
C - Tatiana Fernandez
D - Rick Scott, Mario Diaz Balart, Maria Elvira Salazar
F - Debbie Mucarsal-Powell, Tom Wells, Darren Soto, Tony D’Arrigo

Read 2nd Amendment Grades for Florida's 2024 Political Candidates on our site for the full report!

Here are the highlights:

A - Ted Cruz, Brandon Herrara, Jay Furman
B - Monica De La Cruz, Mayra Flores
C - Lazaro Garza Jr.
D - Dan Crenshaw, Peter Filler, Tony Gonzales, Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez Jr.
F - Colin Allred, Michelle Vallejo

Read 2nd Amendment Grades for Texas' 2024 Political Candidates on our site for the full report!

Report Highlights

• The amount of State gun laws nearly doubled between 1991 and 2016 (Source).
• The first Federal gun control law was passed in the 1934 National Firearms Act, which limited civilians’ access to machine guns, suppressors, short-barreled shotguns, and others (Source).
• Between 1886 and 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States interpreted the Second Amendment to include the right of the individual to keep and bear arms six times.
• Homicides (all methods) increased 27% from 1968 to 2021.
• Homicide rates increased 28% while incarceration rates fell 15% during the 2020 pandemic.
• The 1994 Crime Bill authorized $12.5 Billion dollars for law enforcement, while the ATF receives $1.5 billion annually to enforce Federal firearm laws.
• The ATF seized more than 360,000 firearms in 2021 (Source).

The Enforcement of Laws vs. The Passing of New Laws




Timeline of Federal Firearm Laws in the U.S.

• 1934 National Firearms Act
• 1938 Federal Firearms Act
• 1968 Gun Control Act
• 1986 Firearm Owner’s Protection Act
• 1988 Undetectable Firearms Act
• 1990 Gun-Free School Zones Act
• 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act
• 1994 Public Safety & Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act
• 2022 Protecting Our Kids Act

Supreme Court Cases Involving Individual’s Rights to Bear Arms

• 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford - Determined Slaves do not have 2A rights.
• 1875 US v. Cruikshank - The right of the individual to keep and bear arms.
• 1886 Presser v. Illinois - States can ban individuals from forming militias.
• 1939 US v. Miller - Courts ruled the Federal Government can regulate firearms not effective for militias (i.e. short-barreled shotguns).
• 1980 Lewis v. United States - Upheld that felons cannot keep and bear arms.
• 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller - Determined that an individual does not have to be a part of the militia to keep and bear arms.
• 2010 McDonald v. City of Chicago - Determined that the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment also applies to the Second Amendment.
• 2016 Caetano v. Massachusetts - Determined that the 2nd Amendment applies to firearms that did not exist in 1791.
• 2020 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. City of Bruen - Ruled that states must maintain a “Shall-Issue” stance of concealed carry outside of the home.



Economic Costs of Enforcing Gun Laws

• ATF - 2022 - $1.5 Billion
• NICS - 2022 - $8.4 Billion
• Criminal Justice System - 2022 - $12.62 Billion
*Compared to $2.8 Billion in medical costs yearly.



ATF Conviction Stats

• 34,436 Cases Initiated
• 10,138 Recommended for prosecution
• 6,315 Prosecuted
• 5,338 Convicted
*The Federal Government prosecutes 15% of all cases initiated.



Gun Laws & Prosecution Trends



Firearm Laws & National Homicide Trends

Homicides in the U.S. are now 27% higher than before the 1968 Gun Control Act (per capita). They declined by nearly 20% after the 1994 Crime Bill and remained low until 2015. Homicide rates sharply increased in 2019.



Incarceration Trends & Homicide



Sources

• Incarceration Trends
• Firearm Homicide Trends
• BJS Incarceration Trends
• 2022 Incarceration Data
• Impact of the 1994 AWB
• BJS Firearm Homicide Trends
• 1990-Present Homicide Data
• BJS Incarceration Trends
• FBI NICS Budget
• Gun Violence Research Budget
• Federal Firearm Prosecution Trends
• BJS 2020 Incarceration Stats
• 18 U.S. Code § 922
• 18 U.S. Code § 924
• 26 U.S. Code § 5861

Gun Control Laws and Enforcement Trends 2023 originally appeared on Ammo.com

Where does your state rank in gun ownership? We analyzed all 50 states, gun ownership rates, and ownership percentages to bring you this article. Of course, we’ve also included the answers to some of your most burning questions about gun control, ownership, and crime.

Report Highlights:

• The United States has the highest per capita rate of civilian firearm ownership at 120.48 firearms per 100 people.
• American civilians own 46% (approximately 393.3 million) of the world’s 857 million civilian-use firearms. (Source)
• Montana has the highest amount of gun owners (66.3%).
• Wyoming has the most guns per capita, with 245.8 firearms for every 1,000 residents.
• The top 5 states for gun ownership comprise only .8% of the nation’s firearm-related homicides (185 homicides between all 5 states).
• The bottom 5 states for gun ownership comprise 4% of the nation’s firearm-related homicides (1,038 firearm-related homicides).
• According to surveys, 36% of gun owners are white, 24% are black, and 15% are Hispanic. The remaining civilians do not personally own a firearm but do live in a home with someone who does.
• Recent polls show that 32% of adults in the U.S. own at least one firearm.
• 72% of gun owners say the main reason for owning a firearm is for protection.
• According to this poll, 32% of US adults own at least one firearm.
• New Jersey has the lowest rate of gun ownership at only 8.9% of the population and the least amount per capita (1.1 for every 1,000 people).

Global Civilian Firearm-Ownership

Globally, it is estimated that more than 857 million civilians own firearms for personal or defensive use. It’s likely that this number is much higher than the registered firearms that local governments can track.

Note: This information is based on a survey. The information given is only as accurate as the respective government provides.



Continue reading Gun Ownership by State (2023 Statistics) on Ammo.com!

Sounds great in practice, though I wonder how many people would actually admit to having violent fantasies if doing so meant involuntary commitment to a government-run asylum.

• There have been 2,646 school shooting incidents in the U.S. since 1966. Of those, 2,205 (94%) occurred after the 1990 School Zone Safety Act (Amended in 1995).
• There are 1,325 total State Gun Laws per this 2022 report.
• The Federal government has been enacting Federal Firearm regulations since 1934.
• The correlation between population density and school shootings is more profound in population density than in firearm legislation.
• There is no standard “School shooting” definition in the U.S. The Secret Service defines targeted attacks, while most data includes incidents when a firearm is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property.
• There were 238 school shooting incidents during the National Assault Weapons ban, 293 in the decade before, and 347 in the decade after.
• 62% of school shootings (as defined) occurred during non-school hours (1970-2022).
• Firearms were used in 61% of targeted school attacks, and 39% used knives between 2008 & 2017.

On December 30, 1974, Anthony Barbaro walked into Olean High School in NY, killed 3 classmates, and injured 11 with a .30-06 rifle, 12 gauge shotgun, and smoke bombs. For more than 50 years, America’s school shootings have filled headlines around the world.

It’s tragic; people are tired of seeing the senseless loss of innocent lives in educational settings. Despite mounting gun control laws on the Federal and state level, school-related shootings continue to rise (2023 being the highest year yet, with 388 school shootings in only six months). Regardless of political affiliation or thoughts on well-regulated militias and the right to bear arms, one thing is clear; what we’ve been doing for the past forty years isn’t working.

Each school shooting incident in America reflects one thing, children are vulnerable. Schools tend to be easy targets while simultaneously producing mentally ill individuals with an unstoppable intent to harm others.

Unfortunately, we still have a lot to learn about school shootings. There are a lot of unanswered questions. But what we can do is investigate the changes between societal shifts and legislation over the years and spark meaningful conversations about stopping school shootings. Of course, the clock is ticking down to the next horrific headline, so we need to start these meaningful conversations now.

Continue reading Gun-Free School Zones & Shootings Statistics (2023 Updated) on Ammo.com!

The sheer volume of firearms in the United States is a point of contention for almost every American. Some believe we have too few, while others believe we have too many. Nonetheless, firearms are a large part of American culture. We value our liberties, the natural right to self-defense, the inherent check on state power an armed populace offers, and the heritage which we pass down from generation to generation.

Whether an individual defines freedom as a life without firearms or a life without government interference, we can all agree that some states do not support gun ownership. Whether it’s a regionally-based cultural divide, or a collective ideology of utopian societies, state legislators represent the voice of their constituents. In this case, some promote individual freedom and personal defense, while others believe the opposite.

We’ve investigated each state’s sales tax, current laws, upcoming laws, concealed carry guidelines, and self-defense statutes to understand better your state’s position on the Personal Liberty and Self-Defense debate.

What Did We Measure?

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to analyze what factors make a state The Worst for Gun Ownership. If we consider only purchasing requirements, we neglect carrying requirements and use of force thresholds. So, we came up with a list based on the following factors:

1. Current Gun Laws
2. Current Purchase Laws
3. Current CCW Guidelines
4. Reciprocity between other states
5. Sales Tax
6. Current Governor’s voting history
7. Stand Your Ground Laws

#5 Connecticut

Residents of Connecticut must obtain the state’s CTPP (Connecticut State Pistol Permit) to carry a firearm. But the issuing jurisdiction has discretion over approvals. If you do manage to obtain the state’s permission to carry a firearm, you’ll need to pass a firearm safety course with five live fire sessions, and then you can conceal carry or travel to 27 states.

If you manage to purchase a firearm in Connecticut, you’ll be pleased to know that the state offers sales tax exemptions for safety equipment. Those who must protect their lives, home, office, or property will find that the burden of proof is on the defendant (the person who uses force in self-defense). Citizens also have a duty to retreat in Connecticut.

Governor Ned Lamont continues to push for more gun control legislation, including limiting the number of firearm purchases per individual, per month, to only one.

#4 New Jersey

New Jersey employs a State Police Firearms Department, which may tell you everything you need to know about the small state’s stance on gun ownership. Residents can’t carry a firearm without a permit. You must first apply at your local police department, then proceed to higher courts to get approval. If you do manage to get a PCH (Permit to Carry a Handgun), you can conceal carry and legally carry your firearm in 26 other states. Meanwhile, New Jersey doesn’t honor any other state’s firearms permits.

Gun owners must obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (PFIC) before buying guns from an FFL dealer or private seller. If that isn’t harsh enough, you’ll also need the PFIC to purchase handgun ammo.

All of the hurdles aside, residents do have castle doctrine protections under NJ state law. But of course, Governor Phil Murphy is working diligently to impose further limitations on citizens’ rights to keep and bear arms.

#3 Illinois

Illinois allows those over 21 to apply for a CCL (Concealed Carry License) with the State Police; this permit allows residents to conceal carry but not openly carry. But the police reserve the right to deny anyone a license. You must complete a 16-hour firearms training course before applying, and the state offers non-resident permits for individuals from six states (but honors no out-of-state permits).

Purchasers must obtain a FOID card from the state police before attempting to buy guns from an FFL dealer or private seller. However, there’s no firearm registration in the state. You won’t get any tax breaks for firearm safety equipment, firearms, or ammunition. Illinois law does not outline whether a civilian has a duty to retreat; however, the state’s Supreme Court has upheld that there is no duty to retreat from a threatening individual.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Legislature recently banned “assault” weapons and “high-capacity” magazines. Illinois will remain on the Worst States for Gun Owners list for the foreseeable future.

#2 New York

New York is, by far, one of the strictest states in the U.S. You cannot legally carry a loaded firearm outside of your home without an NYPL. You must register all firearms, undergo extensive background checks, and have a permit-to-purchase.

Despite their CCW status, visitors from other states cannot carry in New York. New York also restricts magazines, accessories, and even firearms. If you do have a firearm in the state, you must keep it secure and away from others at all times. You will also pay the standard sales tax for your firearms in New York State. Furthermore, a few years ago, the state tried to implement additional fees for firearms purchases, but the bill never left the committee.

While you may need to defend your life or property in New York, you do have a duty to retreat (unless you’re in your home). But if a reasonable person agrees that wasn’t an option, you’re protected from prosecution.

New York gun owners do have some relief at the moment, as the Supreme Court just ruled that concealed permits must be offered at the local level. However, Governor Kathy Hochul is a staunch gun control supporter and will continue to work toward more restrictive measures.

#1 California

Choosing the number one, worst state for gun owners wasn’t an easy task. The bottom five states have many laws that prevent gun owners from purchasing and carrying firearms. But California beats the others out for a few reasons.

Naturally, you can’t open carry without a permit. But now you can at least reasonably obtain one, thanks to the Supreme Court. Californians who already own “assault” weapons or “high-capacity” magazines must register them with the state’s DOJ Firearms Bureau.

Residents can only purchase one firearm every 30 days, and there is a waiting period (although exceptions do apply). However, the state does have a few redeeming qualities as it pertains to gun ownership. Surprisingly, California is a stand-your-ground state which means you have no duty to retreat from a life-threatening situation.

The Golden State seems to be paving the way for gun control for many other states. Therefore, it lands in the number one spot. With Governor Gavin Newsome leading the way, we’re certain California will remain one of the worst states for gun owners.

2A. All Day?

As mentioned above, it’s crucial to consider your state’s laws and county ordinances before carrying a firearm. Some states have pro-Second Amendment governors, while others are a brewing cauldron of rights versus safety. Some states restrict legal protections for those in self-defense scenarios, and others promote them. No matter your state, if it’s on this list, it isn’t as conducive to respecting your Second Amendment rights as many others.

Read the full article with all the runners-up on Ammo.com!

In the run up to the 2012 election, both President Obama and Governor Romney downplayed the topic of gun control – even though Americans were on pace to buy more firearms than ever before. Because neither candidate was an avid shooter, special interest groups such as the NRA and the Brady Campaign dominated much of the campaign rhetoric.

With this presidency came huge responsibility to the Second Amendment, as the previous four years had seen two high-profile 2A cases narrowly decided by split 5-4 decisions. President Obama’s victory ended up resulting in two appointments to the Supreme Court – Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan – neither of whom have done any favors for gun rights.

It's important to look at how each candidate's position on gun control has evolved over time since entering the political arena. This infographic is a great example of how this has happened in a recent election – and you'll see that both candidates started out more in favor of gun control than either campaign would like you to remember. It’s a stark reminder of why it’s important to research a candidate’s political past.



Shooting Straight: How Presidential Candidates Have Changed On Gun Control originally appeared on Ammo.com

If a second Civil War ever begins, it will probably be because the elites calling the shots found a way to make it profitable to themselves.

The United States government may make gestures that it cares about the homeless population and other social issues, but these do not deter it from its agenda to profit from war.

They're making sure they have a viable excuse to keep him in the basement, that's for sure.

What if the government isn't restricting personal freedom as part of an effort to control COVID, but rather as a method of controlling us? Why should we tolerate longing for freedom when no one can rightfully take freedom away from us to begin with?

As an American, definitely some kind of senile career criminal who can only get elected with the collective efforts of every government agency and mainstream news outlet.

Knee-jerk reactions are the profoundest thinking most people are capable of.

My Sega Genesis has worked just fine for decades without one software update.

The poorest members of society have the least resources to exert their political influence. They support parties which promise to make them richer but invariably do the opposite.

You can't control all of your circumstances. You can only control your actions and your outlook. These may be limited powers, but they are often all someone needs to find happiness.

It was a bit jarring to see a noticeably older and fatter Todd in Jesse's flashbacks.

Governments have done horrible things throughout history, yet all of your ancestors got along all right for at least long enough to have children. However much blame you could fairly assign to the powers that be, you still owe it to yourself to give it your all and try.

The more powerful a government comes, the more attractive politics will become to people who desire power. Weaken government and they'll be forced to train their ambitions elsewhere.