On January 6th, the country watched in horror as armed extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol in a deadly attack on our democracy. This coup attempt was a terrifying escalation of a rising trend in armed intimidation and vigilante activity.
The attack on the Capitol did not happen in a vacuum. Throughout the last year, protesters have shown up to state capitols, business districts, and even residential neighborhoods armed with assault weapons and dressed in tactical gear to rally against coronavirus restrictions, peaceful Black Lives Matter protests, or the results of the election.
Armed intimidation has no place in our democracy. We need commonsense limits on open carry to protect free speech and prevent gun violence.
Individuals who show up to peaceful protests, rallies, or government buildings openly carrying firearms are not defending themselves against any real, credible threat. They are creating a threat.
Visible guns have been shown to make aggressive or violent behavior more likely. And when guns are involved, aggression or disagreement can turn deadly in the blink of an eye.
The right to bear arms does not trump every other right. Openly carried guns at public demonstrations or government buildings inspires fear and chills free speech.
Add your name if you agree we need action to limit open carry and reject armed intimidation. –>
