Staff Reports
Democrats say their gun control push is all about safety, but the numbers tell a different story. Recent data shows rifles of all types were used in just 4% of firearm murders in 2023, with shotguns accounting for only 1%. Despite this, Democratic lawmakers are aggressively pushing bans on AR-15s and other semi-automatic firearms in states like Colorado and New Mexico.
These bans target weapons rarely used in crimes while ignoring handguns, which were involved in 53% of firearm murders. Colorado’s proposed law would outlaw many common hunting rifles and home-defense shotguns. New Mexico’s legislation mirrors this approach, focusing on guns responsible for a tiny fraction of violent crime.
Second Amendment expert AWR Hawkins asks, “If this is really about safety, why attack the least-used guns?” He points out that Democrats could instead focus on mental health or criminal justice reforms. Instead, they push laws that restrict law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to stop criminals who ignore gun laws.
The left’s obsession with “assault weapons” looks suspicious when you check the facts. Over 25 million AR-15s exist in America, yet these rifles are almost never used in murders. Meanwhile, cities with strict gun control like Chicago and Baltimore face daily shootings involving illegal handguns. Democrats don’t explain why they’re not tackling the real problem.
Gun control groups push for longer waiting periods and “red flag” laws, claiming these measures protect communities. But criminals don’t buy guns through legal channels or submit to background checks. These policies only create hurdles for honest citizens trying to defend their families.
Conservatives argue that disarming good people makes streets more dangerous. Studies show armed citizens stop hundreds of crimes daily. Training responsible owners and supporting self-defense rights would do more to reduce violence than banning specific firearms.
The left’s true goal appears to be weakening the Second Amendment itself. By gradually restricting gun rights through pointless regulations, Democrats lay the groundwork for total civilian disarmament. They use emotional arguments about mass shootings to chip away at freedoms.
Americans shouldn’t fall for these fear tactics. Real safety comes from upholding constitutional rights, not punishing lawful gun owners. As Hawkins warns, once politicians take one type of gun, they’ll keep coming for the rest until nothing remains.
