Buckeye Reporter

The U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, led by Chairman Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), recently convened to discuss the right of Americans to self-defense. This hearing comes at a time when Second Amendment rights are a focal point in national discussions, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump, who has emphasized community safety and constitutional rights.

Chairman Biggs highlighted the importance of self-defense amid rising violent crime rates and lenient prosecutorial practices. "At a time when violent crime continues to plague our communities and rogue prosecutors allow criminals back out on the streets, it is important to preserve our right to defend ourselves and our loved ones," he stated.

Democrats on the committee, including Lucy McBath (D-Georgia), Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida), and Dan Goldman (D-New York), argued for stricter gun control laws. However, David McDermott, a self-defense attorney from Chicago, provided personal testimony against this perspective. He recounted an attack he suffered as a teenager: "Nobody wakes up and says, ‘I hope today is the day that I get attacked.' With so much violence on the news each day, it is no surprise that more and more people have decided to purchase firearms."

McDermott criticized Chicago's stringent gun control measures for failing to curb criminal activity. He cited The Chicago Tribune editorial board's observation: “In the decade after it outlawed handguns, murders jumped by 41 percent compared with an 18 percent rise in the entire United States.”

Dianna Muller, a former law enforcement officer and Second Amendment advocate, underscored women's increasing role in firearm ownership for protection purposes. She remarked that firearms help women face larger assailants: "Women are choosing to own and carry firearms to protect a life – not to take a life."

The efficacy of "gun-free zones" was also questioned during the hearing. Muller stated bluntly: "When you see a gun-free zone, 94% of mass public shootings happen in gun-free zones."

Rep. Barry Moore (R-Alabama) addressed concerns over federal firearms licensees (FFLs) affected by policies from previous administrations. Muller noted that relationships between FFLs and regulatory bodies had become adversarial rather than cooperative.

Muller also critiqued gun control advocates for operating from what she described as privileged perspectives: "If you don’t think you need the Second Amendment or if you don’t think you need to carry a firearm or have self-defense...you’re not living in a community that needs to have that kind of security."

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) continues its legislative efforts with allies on Capitol Hill to protect Second Amendment rights.