The election of Donald Trump, endorsed by the National Rifle Association and cheered by gun owners who were skittish over Hillary Clinton, has sparked an aggressive new effort to force liberal states to take down their barriers to concealed carry permits and gun ownership, reports the Washington Examiner.
National gun groups — such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Second Amendment Foundation and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association — are eyeing legal challenges to some 10 states that make it difficult for citizens to get a carry permit.
The emerging fight was sparked by Trump’s surprise victory over gun control advocate Clinton and increased concerns among Americans, especially women and millennials, about crime and terrorism.
“It’s pure self-defense that’s driving many,” said Tim Schmidt, president of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, based in Wisconsin. “They see these terrorist attacks, and they put themselves in the shoes of those being targeted.”
His group provides training, insurance and legal defense for some 200,000 members, and is considering merging with the Second Amendment Foundation to form a pro-gun legal giant to take on so-called “may-issue” states, those such as Massachusetts where granting concealed carry permits are partially at the discretion of local authorities.
Schmidt believes that is a right guaranteed by the Constitution and the 2007 Supreme Court Heller case. He also plans to urge Trump’s Justice Department to target states that make it tough to get a permit or buy a gun and ammunition. “I want the attorney general to go after ‘may-issue’ states,” Schmidt said.
This comes as efforts to advance concealed carry rights may also be moving forward in Congress as well. The Daily Caller reports today that Members of Congress are preparing to introduce national concealed carry reciprocity legislation early next year.
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) provides education, training and self-defense insurance to responsible, American gun owners. Headquartered in West Bend, WI, the USCCA is the largest and fastest-growing, member-owned, private association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American.
To arrange an interview with Tim Schmidt, President & Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, please email Press@USCCA.com or call 224-723-8688.
