2A NEWSLETTER WEEK OF MAY 17TH

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Ohio Democrats Propose Semi-Automatic Firearm Ban

Ohio Democrats have proposed new legislation aimed at banning semi-automatic firearms that can fire more than 31 rounds. This proposal has met with strong opposition from Republican lawmakers who are steadfast in their defense of the Second Amendment.

Michelle Lee Heym, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, argues that high-capacity firearms should be reserved for the battlefield. Heym supports House Bill 443, which seeks to ban semi-automatic firearms capable of holding more than 31 rounds, excluding certain .22 caliber firearms. State Rep. Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton), the bill’s sponsor, claims this legislation is necessary for community safety. However, this bill represents a significant overreach, targeting the rights of responsible gun owners.

Rob Sexton of the Buckeye Firearms Association stated, "You can't have a Second Amendment if you can't get a gun." This legislation would effectively ban many firearms unless manufacturers alter their designs to comply with the new restrictions. This bill infringes on both the Second Amendment and free market principles, penalizing responsible gun owners for the actions of a few criminals.

Republican leaders in Ohio, defending the Constitution, remain uninterested in pursuing such restrictive gun laws. Senate President Matt Huffman’s spokesperson, John Fortney, emphasized that Democrats should focus on enforcing existing laws against criminals rather than targeting law-abiding citizens. House Speaker Jason Stephens confirmed that the bill lacks support among Republican lawmakers.

Upholding the Second Amendment is crucial. Responsible gun owners should not be punished for the actions of criminals. Remember to contact your local representatives and urge them to protect your Second Amendment rights and oppose any legislation that unfairly targets law-abiding citizens.

Photo Source: Shutterstock via YASAMIN JAFARI TEHRANI

Biden Promotes Gun Control Efforts at Peace Officers' Memorial

Biden addressed the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, paying tribute to fallen officers while using the platform to push for more stringent gun control measures. In his speech, Biden shared personal experiences of loss, referencing his late son Beau's Army service and death.

Biden highlighted his administration's public safety achievements, mentioning $350 billion from the American Rescue Plan for hiring police and $37 billion from the Save America Plan for community policing. He touted executive orders on policing and mental health services, acknowledging the difficult expectations placed on officers in "communities flooded with weapons and fear.His focus on increasing gun control initiatives, emphasizing steps to stop illegal guns and hold traffickers accountable, is a clear indication of his administration's agenda to impose further restrictions on gun ownership.

For Second Amendment supporters, Biden's emphasis on gun control during a memorial service for law enforcement is concerning for several reasons. The combination of increasing police funding while also calling for more gun control raises serious questions about the balance of power and individual freedoms. Increasing police funding while simultaneously advocating for stricter gun control could lead to an erosion of personal liberties. Law-abiding citizens may find themselves more heavily policed and restricted, despite their adherence to the law. This could create a climate where government oversight and control become overly intrusive. The push for more gun control measures could lead to the disarmament of responsible gun owners. By limiting access to firearms, citizens are left vulnerable and less able to defend themselves and their families. This is particularly concerning in a society where the right to bear arms is a fundamental constitutional protection. Enhancing police power and funding while restricting gun ownership could result in increased government control over the populace. A heavily armed and funded police force combined with a disarmed citizenry shifts the balance of power significantly towards the state, potentially leading to abuses of power and a reduction in individual freedoms.

While Biden's administration claims that stricter gun control will enhance public safety, it could paradoxically make communities less safe. Criminals, who by definition do not follow laws, will not be deterred by new gun regulations. Instead, these laws may only serve to disarm law-abiding citizens, leaving them defenseless against armed criminals. The Second Amendment is a cornerstone of American freedom, providing citizens the right to bear arms. Biden's call for increased gun control, coupled with substantial police funding, is viewed by many as an attack on this fundamental right. It's a reminder that constant vigilance is necessary to protect constitutional freedoms from governmental overreach.

For Second Amendment supporters, it is crucial to stay vigilant and actively advocate for the protection of our constitutional rights. Contact your local representatives and urge them to defend the Second Amendment against any restrictive legislation that unfairly targets law-abiding citizens. Our right to bear arms is fundamental, and it is crucial to ensure that responsible gun owners are not penalized for the actions of criminals. Stand firm in defending your Second Amendment rights and oppose any efforts that threaten our freedoms.

Photo Source: Shutterstock via Nomad_Soul

Top States Leading Gun Purchases in April

In April alone, the FBI conducted over 2.2 million firearm background checks, serving as the best available proxy for tracking gun sales trends. While these checks do not directly equate to gun sales, they offer valuable insights. April's background check numbers were lower than those in March and February (2.5 million and 2.3 million, respectively) and from April 2023 (2.6 million), aligning more closely with pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.

On average, there were 4.7 adjusted background checks (checks minus rechecks) for every 1,000 residents in April. This figure varied significantly across states, with some states showing much higher rates than others.

To identify the states where the most people bought guns in April, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). States were ranked based on the number of firearm background checks initiated per 1,000 residents in April 2024, excluding rechecks for existing gun permits. Population data is sourced from the Census Bureau.

The number of background checks per capita ranged from 1 per 1,000 residents in Hawaii to nearly 12 per 1,000 residents in Idaho. Hawaii had the fewest checks in April at just over 1,400, while Texas had the most at nearly 134,000. Despite this, Texas's per capita rate was lower than the national average at 4.4 checks per 1,000 residents. In total, 29 states had higher per capita background check figures than the national average, with nine states exceeding 8 checks per 1,000 residents.

50. Hawaii

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 1,432
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 1.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,435,138 (11th lowest)

49. Rhode Island

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 2,125
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 1.9 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,095,962 (7th lowest)

48. Vermont

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 3,272
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.1 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 647,464 (2nd lowest)

47. Delaware

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 4,810
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.7 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,031,890 (6th lowest)

46. Nebraska

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 5,221
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 2.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,978,379 (14th lowest)

45. North Dakota

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 5,602
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 7.1 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 783,926 (4th lowest)

44. South Dakota

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 5,929
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 919,318 (5th lowest)

43. Alaska

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 6,164
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 8.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 733,406 (3rd lowest)

42. Nevada

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 11,485
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 3.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 3,194,176 (19th lowest)

41. New Mexico

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 13,738
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.5 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 2,114,371 (15th lowest)

40. Kansas

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 13,412
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 2,940,546 (17th lowest)

39. New Jersey

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 14,283
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 1.5 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 9,290,841 (11th highest)

38. West Virginia

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 14,443
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 8.2 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,770,071 (12th lowest)

37. Mississippi

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 17,039
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.8 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 2,939,690 (16th lowest)

36. Arkansas

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 16,536
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 3,067,732 (18th lowest)

35. Louisiana

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 19,304
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.2 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 4,573,749 (25th highest)

34. Kentucky

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 20,295
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.5 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 4,526,154 (25th lowest)

33. Connecticut

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 20,793
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.7 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 3,617,176 (22nd lowest)

32. Massachusetts

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 20,993
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 3.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 7,001,399 (16th highest)

31. Idaho

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 23,370
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 11.9 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,964,726 (13th lowest)

30. Maryland

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 23,508
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 3.8 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 6,180,253 (19th highest)

29. Utah

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 24,375
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 7.1 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 3,417,734 (21st lowest)

28. Oklahoma

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 26,749
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 4,053,824 (23rd lowest)

27. New York

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 28,036
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 1.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 19,571,216 (4th highest)

26. South Carolina

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 28,308
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.3 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 5,373,555 (23rd highest)

25. Indiana

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 34,225
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 6,862,199 (17th highest)

24. Washington

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 35,309
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.5 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 7,812,880 (13th highest)

23. Arizona

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 37,256
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 7,431,344 (14th highest)

22. Missouri

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 37,453
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 6,196,156 (18th highest)

21. Virginia

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 40,926
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.7 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 8,715,698 (12th highest)

20. Georgia

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 41,757
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 3.8 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 11,029,227 (8th highest)

19. Oregon

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 42,198
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 10.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 4,233,358 (24th lowest)

18. Minnesota

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 43,569
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 7.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 5,737,915 (22nd highest)

17. Alabama

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 44,070
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 8.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 5,108,468 (24th highest)

16. Wisconsin

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 45,173
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 7.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 5,910,955 (20th highest)

15. Tennessee

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 45,635
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 7,126,489 (15th highest)

14. Colorado

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 49,483
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 8.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 5,877,610 (21st highest)

13. Ohio

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 49,715
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.2 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 11,785,935 (7th highest)

12. Illinois

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 49,748
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 12,549,689 (6th highest)

11. North Carolina

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 55,943
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.2 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 10,835,491 (9th highest)

10. Michigan

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 63,804
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 10,037,261 (10th highest)

9. Pennsylvania

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 92,909
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 7.2 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 12,961,683 (5th highest)

8. Florida

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 105,104
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.6 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 22,610,726 (3rd highest)

7. California

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 107,239
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 2.8 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 38,965,193 (the highest)

6. Texas

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 133,950
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 4.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 30,503,301 (2nd highest)

5. Missouri

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 37,453
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.0 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 6,196,156 (18th highest)

4. Arkansas

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 16,536
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 5.4 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 3,067,732 (18th lowest)

3. New Hampshire

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 12,393
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 8.8 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,402,054 (10th lowest)

2. Wyoming

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 6,229
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 10.7 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 584,057 (the lowest)

1. Maine

• Total firearm background checks, April 2024: 8,601
• Firearm background checks per capita, April 2024: 6.2 per 1,000 residents
• Total population, 2023: 1,395,722 (9th lowest)