Second Amendment | The Ohio Star

61 Percent of U.S. Counties now Second Amendment Sanctuaries: Analysis

July 6, 2021July 5, 2021 The Center Square

The majority of all U.S. counties have been designated as Second Amendment sanctuaries, according to an analysis by SanctuaryCounties.com.

As of June 20, there are 1,930 counties “protected by Second Amendment Sanctuary legislation at either the state or county level,” representing 61% of 3,141 counties and county equivalents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Texas was the 21st state to pass a constitutional carry bill, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law, and becomes effective Sept. 1. And while some state legislatures are not taking the same action, county officials have chosen to enact their own legislation. Roughly 1,137 counties “have taken it upon themselves to pass Second Amendment Sanctuary legislation and likely hundreds of cities, townships, boroughs, etc. have done so at their level as well,” the site states.

Record High 300,000 Gun Sales Blocked by Background Checks in 2020

June 24, 2021June 23, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

The U.S. background check system prevented over 300,000 gun sales in 2020, a record high, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

Background checks blocked almost double the number of sales in 2020 compared to the year before, with 42% of rejections due to felony convictions, according to FBI data obtained by the AP. The data also shows that the rate of barred would-be gun owners increased from 0.6% to 0.8% over the past two years.

The rate increase could be because a number of people buying guns for the first time did not realize they were unable to purchase a gun, Adam Winkler, a UCLA Law professor specializing in gun policy, told the AP. “Some may have a felony conviction on their record and not think about it,” he said.

Good Guy with Gun Stops Ohio Robbery Attempt

June 23, 2021June 22, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

Guy grabbing handgun out of back of pants

A delivery driver with a concealed carry permit thwarted a robbery attempt at a Papa John’s restaurant in New Carlisle, killing one of the suspects.

The following is a transcript of the 911 call from the store to the dispatcher:

Commentary: I Need an AR-15

June 10, 2021June 9, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

I don’t need an AR-15 for hunting: It’s not even legal to take a deer with one in my state—the caliber is too small. I also don’t need an AR-15 for self-defense, though I’d want to have one if someone broke into my house. And I certainly don’t need one just because it’s a beautiful piece of engineering. I need an AR-15 because the government doesn’t want me to have one.

Gov. Lee’s Signature Makes Tennessee a Second Amendment Sanctuary

May 31, 2021May 30, 2021 The Center Square

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill Wednesday that makes the state a Second Amendment sanctuary.

Senate Bill 1335 prevents any “law, treaty, executive order, rule, or regulation of the United States government” that violates the Tennessee Constitution or the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution from being enforced in the state.

That violation would have to be determined by either the Tennessee or U.S. Supreme Court. The stipulation was added during debate of the bill in the Tennessee House, and the Senate concurred.

Over 20 Million Hold Concealed Carry Permits as Supreme Court Test Case Looms

May 25, 2021May 24, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

Person shooting a hand gun in a shooting range

More than 20 million Americans currently hold a permit to carry a concealed weapon, a historically high number that comes ahead of what will likely be a landmark Supreme Court ruling regarding carry rights under the Second Amendment.

The court last month said it would take up an appeal by two U.S. gun owners on the question of whether or not the Second Amendment protects an American’s right to carry a concealed firearm. Previous court rulings have affirmed that the amendment protects the individual right of American citizens to own guns.

The concealed carry question has eluded constitutional scrutiny thus far, even as the number of Americans possessing concealed permits has soared to historic levels.

Supreme Court Unanimously Rules Against Warrantless Gun Seizures

May 19, 2021May 18, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

Disassembled Glock G43X (barrel, guide rod, and slide removed), loaded magazine, and 9mm round.

On Monday, in a rare unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against the Biden Administration in a case regarding the legality of warrantless searches and seizures of firearms, The Epoch Times reports.

The case, Caniglia v. Strom, began oral arguments roughly two months ago. The case stems from an incident in Cranston, Rhode Island, back in August of 2015, where a man named Edward Caniglia had an argument with his wife of 22 years. Eventually, Caniglia withdrew an unloaded gun and suggested that his wife shoot him and “get me out of my misery.” His wife then called the police asking them to carry out a welfare check, where Caniglia was taken to the hospital.

Despite the police’s assurance that his guns would not be confiscated, they ultimately did seize his firearms without a warrant after he had been hospitalized, and refused to return them to him after he was discharged. Caniglia subsequently sued, claiming that the exception for community caretaking, which is what the police claimed to have used in this case, should not apply inside his home.

Commentary: ‘No Evidence’ That Gun Buyback Programs Reduce Gun Violence, New Economic Study Finds

May 16, 2021May 15, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, a woman named Darlene voluntarily turned in a 9mm pistol to the Baltimore Police Department. It was just one of about 500 firearms the department collected that day as part of the city’s gun buyback program, which paid citizens somewhere between $25 and $500 in exchange for their firearms and high-capacity magazines.

Darlene, however, had a confession. She was turning in her 9mm, she told a local news reporter, so she could “upgrade to a better weapon.”

Like what? the reporter asked.

“I don’t know,” Darlene said. “I haven’t quite decided.”

Ohio Bill Would Reduce Requirements for School Districts to Arm Employees

April 17, 2021April 17, 2021 The Center Square

An Ohio lawmaker, whose father served a school resource officer who chased an active shooter from a building, wants to make it easier for school districts to arm its employees.

Rep. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, introduced legislation that requires school employees to complete only concealed carry weapon training to be able to carry on gun on campus. School employees currently must complete more than 750 hours of peace officer training.

Conceal carry training is six hours of classroom instruction and two hours of on-range training.

Biden’s Nominee to Lead ATF Pushed Dubious Claim About Waco Siege to Call for Blanket Ban on Assault Rifles

April 11, 2021April 10, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

The gun control activist who President Joe Biden is expected to nominate to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) claimed last year that members of the Branch Davidian sect shot down two helicopters during a standoff with federal agents in Waco in 1993.

David Chipman, the expected nominee, posted the comments as part of a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” event. He also called for tighter gun control measures, including restricting gun sales only to licensed gun stores and a ban on the manufacture and sale of so-called assault rifles.

Biden is expected to announce Chipman’s nomination on Thursday during an event where he will lay out a series of executive actions aimed at reducing gun violence.

Biden Announces Executive Actions on Gun Control, Says Changes Won’t Impact Second Amendment

April 9, 2021April 8, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

President Biden on Thursday announced executive order’s he signed on gun control, including ones to address the issue of homemade, untraceable firearms knows as “ghost guns” and strengthen so-called “red flag” laws that allow police or family members to ask a court to order the temporary removal of guns from a person they say presents a danger to themself and others.

“Enough, enough, enough,” Biden, a Democrat, said in a Rose Garden event before announcing the orders, and following a recent series of mass shootings.

Top Republicans Seem Open to Some Kind of Gun Control

March 27, 2021March 26, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

Congressional Democrats and President Joe Biden have vowed to act on gun control in the aftermath of two mass shootings that left 18 people dead, but despite their majorities in Congress, Democrats’ proposed bills would be extraordinarily unlikely to overcome a Republican Senate filibuster.

Partisan gridlock on guns is nothing new. No major gun control legislation has passed in over 25 years, when Congress passed a 10-year assault weapons ban under former President Bill Clinton. But despite the constant stalemates, some Republicans have offered alternative plans, meaning that the possibility of some form of bipartisan gun legislation may still exist.

Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey said Tuesday that while he did not think the two bills passed by the House would overcome a filibuster, there was still opportunity for compromise.

Analysis: These 11 Examples of Defensive Gun Use Undermine Push for More Gun Control

March 14, 2021March 13, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

March is Women’s History Month, yet Congress appears ready to celebrate in the worst way possible by creating more barriers for women who seek to exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

While COVID-19-related bills have taken up much of the national spotlight, several gun control bills are primed for passage this week in the House. This is hardly surprising, given that just last month, President Joe Biden called on Congress to enact a plethora of new federal gun legislation.

Bill Would Remove Concealed Handgun Carriers’ Responsibility to Promptly Notify Ohio Officers

February 25, 2021February 24, 2021 The Center Square

A bill before the Ohio House would eliminate the requirement for those carrying a gun to tell law enforcement officers they have it. Instead, they only would need to mention it if asked.

Rep. Scott Wiggam, R-Wayne County, said the state’s current law is unclear and its penalties are too harsh. His bill, House Bill 89, changes that.

In Announcement for U.S. Senate Bid Timken Untangles from Kasich, Binds to Trump

February 19, 2021February 18, 2021 Jack Windsor

Jane Timken, former chairwoman of the Ohio Republican Party (ORP), announced Thursday she will seek the 2022 Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat that is currently occupied by Republican Rob Portman who announced last month he will retire from federal politics at the end of his current term.

With New Administration, Record Number of People Bought Guns in January

February 5, 2021February 4, 2021 The Center Square

Concerns about President Joe Biden’s potential restrictions on firearm purchases sent sales soaring in January, industry insiders said. More than 4.3 million people purchased guns in the first month of 2021, the highest number on record.

The 4.3 million purchases represent legal applications through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); it excludes illegally purchased firearms.

Lawmaker Wants to Make Ohio Second Amendment Sanctuary State

February 1, 2021January 31, 2021 The Center Square

An Ohio lawmaker says he wants to make sure the rights of gun-owners and those who want to own guns are a priority and that the federal government cannot infringe on those rights.

State Rep. Mike Loychik, R-Bazette, plans to introduce legislation in the General Assembly next week that would, if passed and signed, make Ohio a second amendment sanctuary state, joining Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Kansas.

Congresswoman-Elect Spearheads Effort to Keep Ability to Carry Guns in Capitol, Says DC Is Unsafe

January 4, 2021January 3, 2021 Ohio Star Staff

Colorado Congresswoman-elect Lauren Boebert, alongside 83 other Representatives, have countered an effort by Democratic legislators to disallow politicians from carrying firearms in the Capitol.

Boebert, a vocal supporter of gun rights, rallied the group of lawmakers to oppose a measure by Democratic California Rep. Jared Huffman to prohibit gun carry throughout Capitol grounds. Huffman garnered support from 19 other House members and said the “current regulations,” which allow concealed firearms for politicians, “create needless risk” in a mid-December letter.

Eleven Cases of Defensive Gun Use That Show How Biden’s Key Picks Miss the Mark

December 27, 2020December 26, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Joe Biden has begun naming his picks for top political positions in a Biden administration, and it is already evident that many of them are not fans of Americans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

For example, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra—Biden’s choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services—has spent the past three years defending that state’s absurdly restrictive gun control laws in federal court.

ATF Withdraws Proposed Gun Regulation Manufacturers Say Would Cost Industry $2 Billion After Pressure from Lawmakers

December 26, 2020December 25, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under pressure from dozens of congressmen, withdrew guidance on a proposed regulation that gun industry leaders warned would cost them billions.

The ATF’s decision to pull its regulation regarding pistol braces follows a cooperative effort from 90 House of Representatives members who demanded the regulatory agency cease its “alarming” determination that “could turn law-abiding gun owners into criminals overnight.”

New Ohio ‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill Heads to Governor for Signature

December 22, 2020December 21, 2020 The Center Square

If Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs a new bill into law, Ohioans will no longer be required to retreat first before using deadly force to defend themselves. Where they can defend themselves with deadly force would also expand.

DeWine, who has repeatedly over the past year asked the legislature to pass several pieces of his gun legislation, has not indicted if he would sign the bill.

Biden’s HHS Pick – Currently California Attorney General Xavier Becerra – Thinks AR-15s Are ‘Not in Common Use’

December 8, 2020December 7, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, said AR-15s are akin to military-grade weapons and not useful for self defense in a 2019 court filing.

The AG’s statements were included in a court case that challenged California’s gun ban titled Rupp v. Becerra, in which multiple state residents sued government officials to overturn the prohibition of certain semi-automatic firearms. Becerra, an advocate for the Affordable Care Act, was announced as Biden’s pick to lead HHS Sunday, according to the New York Times.

Walmart Returns Guns and Ammunition to U.S. Store Displays

November 1, 2020October 31, 2020 The Associated Press

Walmart has reversed course, announcing it is returning ammunition and firearms to their displays in its U.S. stores.

On Thursday the nation’s largest retailer said it had removed the items from displays due to “civil unrest” in some areas of the country. Guns and ammunition, however, had remained for sale at the stores, just not visible to shoppers.

Pro-Gun Group Details Why They Think Amy Coney Barrett Would Defend Firearm Rights

October 10, 2020October 9, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett would be a stalwart supporter of the Second Amendment if confirmed to the court, according to a gun-rights group.

The legislative counsel for the Gun Owners of America, one of the country’s largest pro-gun advocacy organizations, said Barrett appears to be a strict constitutionalist. He also pointed to a dissenting opinion the judge wrote in 2019 in which she wrote in favor of a non-violent felon seeking to restore his firearms rights.

Virginia Blocked Over 1,000 Handgun Purchases During First Month of One-Pistol-per-Month Regulation

August 6, 2020August 5, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

A total of 1,102 people were denied handguns in Virginia in July, following the implementation of a new law that prohibits more than one pistol purchase per 30 days.

Roughly 59% of Virginia’s 1,877 total firearm denials were attributed to confusion about exactly when the first 30-day period began, according to data obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The policy, which Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law in April along with other gun regulations, took effect on July 1. However, the state had been tracking handgun purchases since June, the Dispatch reported.

Commentary: Thanks to Leftist Mob Violence, Gun Control is Dead

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

This summer has answered the question, “why would somebody ever need an AR-15 or a high-capacity magazine?” As the Left continues to advocate for ending private ownership of military-style rifles, Americans can also see that powerful rifles are turning up in the possession of violent rioters and looters. In this video, one can clearly see Raz Simone, then a noted leader within Seattle’s “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone”, handing out an expensive, tricked-out AR-15 to a complete stranger. Simone somehow went from an Airbnb host to a Tesla-driving, arsenal-distributing mogul in the space of a few weeks.

Remington Files for Bankruptcy Amid Nationwide Unrest, Surge in Gun Purchases

July 30, 2020July 29, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Remington Arms Co. filed for bankruptcy amid nationwide unrest and surging gun sales.

The firearm company filed for chapter 11 protection, or reorganization bankruptcy, for the second time since 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. Remington has been in business for over 200 years, according to its webpage.

11 Incidents in Which Lawful Gun Owners Made a Difference

July 19, 2020July 18, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

As the Supreme Court continued its decadelong silence in protecting the Second Amendment, Americans last month nevertheless proved that they understand the importance of the right to keep and bear arms.

The FBI conducted a record-high 3.9 million background checks for firearms sales and transfers in June. The previous record of 3.7 million was set just this past March.

FBI Fielded More Background Checks for Gun Buyers in June Than Ever Before

July 15, 2020July 14, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

The FBI ran nearly 8 million background checks for gun purchases from March to June, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Background checks for firearm purchases in June reached 7.8 million, up 136% from last year. Checks for civilians pursuing a license to carry were the highest recorded in the last 20 years, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the WSJ reported.

New Virginia Gun Laws Take Effect Amid Nationwide Unrest

July 5, 2020July 4, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

A host of gun control laws, passed months ago and spearheaded by Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, took effect on Wednesday in the commonwealth after months of fierce opposition from pro-firearm groups.

Northam signed the slew of gun restrictions in April after they passed the state’s General Assembly, where Democrats hold the majority, USA Today reported. The lawmakers faced dissent from over 20,000 angry citizens — many of whom were heavily armed — in the state’s capital in late January, according to Fox News.

Background Checks, a Metric for Gun Sales, Hit All-Time High

July 2, 2020July 1, 2020 The Associated Press

Historic numbers of background checks to purchase or possess a firearm were done in June, a trend in a year marked by uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic, a subsequent economic recession, protests over racial injustice and calls to reduce police funding.

FBI numbers released Wednesday show that 3.9 million background checks were conducted last month, the most since the system was created in November 1998 to ensure felons and other prohibited people could not buy or possess a firearm. The previous monthly record came in March, when 3.7 million checks were done. Each week in June is now in the top 10 weeks for background checks.

Analysis: In These 11 Incidents, Gun Owners Defended Life and Property

June 14, 2020June 13, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

The last week of May proved just how quickly the seemingly stable peace of our world can devolve into chaos and near-anarchy. Many of us, already concerned that police departments were stretched thin by COVID-19, watched in horror as law enforcement seemed to lose control of protests in major cities.

For several nights, police officers scarcely could keep their own precincts from being overrun, much less respond to calls for help from terrified civilians.

Tennessee House Votes to Be Second Amendment Sanctuary Amid Nationwide Riots

June 3, 2020June 2, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Tennessee is now one step closer to becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary after the state House of Representatives passed a resolution Monday strengthening legal protections of gun ownership.

Resolution HJR074, drafted in March, requires the state to “[extend] a safe harbor to Virginians and other United States citizens whose constitutional rights are being violated by elected officials.” It also affirms that citizens have a right to maintain arms equivalent “to those of their government’s basic infantry unit.”

Commentary: Good News – Bad News On Second Amendment Rights

April 30, 2020April 29, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

The unalienable rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment have never been exercised more vigorously than they have during the Wuhan virus epidemic when record numbers of firearms have been sold. But at the same time, those rights have rarely been more vigorously attacked by anti-gun Democrats.

Commentary: Joe Biden Is Full of It, He Is Coming for Your Guns

March 12, 2020March 11, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Former Vice President Joe Biden used a profane expression to deny that he is against the Second Amendment when pressed by a Michigan voter on the issue. He told the worker he would confiscate his guns: “we’ll take your AR-14s away.” He meant AR-15, which if you own one or other legal to own semi-automatic firearms on the ban list, Biden is in fact coming for your guns.

Arizona’s Most Populous County Becomes Second Amendment Sanctuary

March 2, 2020March 1, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Arizona’s most populous county on Wednesday joined a growing movement in which areas are declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries and protecting their rights to keep and bear arms, according to ABC News.

Analysis: Twelve Times Gun Owners Defended Themselves and Others in January

February 23, 2020February 22, 2020 Ohio Star Staff

Many lawmakers around the country welcomed in the new year by pursuing legislation that would severely curtail the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.

Small Town in Ohio Wants to Arm City Council Members During Meetings

February 5, 2020February 4, 2020 Zachery Schmidt

A small town in Ohio is considering a unique way to provide security for its city council meetings.

Ahead of Second Amendment Lobby Day and Rally in Virginia Monday, Warnings of a ‘Set-Up’ Against Supporters Spread

January 20, 2020January 19, 2020 Laura Baigert

RICHMOND, Virginia – Supporters of the 2nd Amendment have received warnings about being set up at the annual rally at the Commonwealth of Virginia capitol, which has become ground-zero for the constitutionally protected right of Americans to keep and bear arms.

For nearly two decades, Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) has organized an annual trek to the General Assembly on Martin Luther King Day to peacefully assemble and lobby their legislators on the 2nd Amendment.

Plain Dealer Reporter Calls Out Ohio Legislators for Preventing Local Governments From Regulating Guns While Designating Statehouse as Gun-Free

January 20, 2020January 19, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

Three Ohio counties have declared themselves as Second Amendment Sanctuaries, leading one journalist to sarcastically suggest the General Assembly should make the Statehouse a sanctuary too — despite guns being banned from there.

The Battleground State Report: Leahy Describes Two Factors Influencing the Rise of Grassroots Conservative Populism in the USA

January 13, 2020January 12, 2020 Julie Carr

During the show, Leahy went into detail about the two factors that are directly influencing the rise of a conservative populism movement. He noted that recent threats to second amendment rights in Virginia and the refugee resettlement issue in Tennessee are fueling the anti-big government push back.

The Supreme Court Heard Its First Gun Rights Case in Years, but It Might Be a Misfire

December 3, 2019December 2, 2019 Ohio Star Staff

The Supreme Court heard arguments in a gun rights case for the first time in nearly 10 years Monday, involving a challenge to since-repealed New York City rules that greatly restricted the transportation of firearms.

Ohio Bill Would Restore Local Authority for Gun Laws

November 1, 2019October 31, 2019 Maggie Leigh Thurber

A recent bill introduced in the Ohio Senate would restore the ability of local governments to regulate guns and pass their own gun laws.

Mansfield Threw a ‘Yuge’ American Party for Trump Saturday

October 13, 2019October 12, 2019 Beth Lear

MANSFIELD, Ohio – The Saturday Trump for America Party began at noon on Saturday. It was brisk and in the 40s, but supporters of the President came out by the dozens to start the day, quickly becoming hundreds by the afternoon.

Ohio House Dems Say They Plan to Make Gun Control a Top Priority in Fall Session

October 3, 2019October 2, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Ohio House Democrats unveiled the next steps in their “Ohio Promise” campaign during a Wednesday press conference and said they plan to make gun control a top policy initiative in the fall session.

Gun Control Takes Center Stage in Ohio Senate Committee

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019 Beth Lear

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The State Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee, Chaired by State Senator Bill Coley (R-Liberty Township), had nothing but gun control on their agenda Tuesday. Multiple bills, sponsored by Democratic Senators Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) and Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), in concert with Republican State Senator Peggy Lehner…

Husted, Yost and Others Honor Life of Second Amendment Warrior Ken Hanson

September 8, 2019September 7, 2019 Beth Lear

DELAWARE, Ohio — Second Amendment supporters from around Ohio and beyond gathered Saturday at Blackwing Shooting Center to celebrate and memorialize one of gun owners’ greatest allies and advocates – L. Kenneth (Ken) Hanson. Hanson, co-founder of Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA), passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019. He was 49 years old.

Sen. Portman Says He Supports Gov. DeWine’s Red-Flag Law

September 8, 2019September 7, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) recently said he supports Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed red-flag law for the state.

Commentary: Independent Gun Dealers Are Cornerstones of Liberty

September 6, 2019September 6, 2019 Ohio Star Staff

The news that Walmart – the world’s largest retailer – has decided to virtue signal by ceasing the sale of handgun and modern sporting rifle ammunition and barring firearms permit holders from carrying in their stores, reinforces what we have been saying about corporate totalitarianism: The greatest threat to liberty may not be an overweening government, but soulless corporations intent on enforcing conformity to their will.

Commentary: The Part of the Second Amendment No One Reads

September 4, 2019September 4, 2019 Ohio Star Staff

The latest killing spree by a mentally unstable man in Texas who had just been fired from his job has provoked the predictable round of calls that politicians “do something” and that something is, of course, confiscate lawfully owned firearms from law-abiding citizens.