Every year, millions of Americans rely on firearms to protect themselves from violent attacks. Yet, a handful of states across the country, often the very ones plagued by crime, have decided to strip visitors of their ability to defend themselves by refusing to recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits.
New Jersey, Hawaii, Massachusetts, these states, among others, have made it clear that when you cross their borders, your Second Amendment rights are effectively null and void. Whether you’re a responsible, law-abiding citizen with a concealed carry permit from another state who is visiting, or simply passing through, these states want you disarmed, defenseless, and vulnerable. The irony is not lost on anyone. Many of these states are also home to some of the nation’s most crime-ridden cities, places often governed by the same party that insists they know best about public safety. Which of course they have proven time and time again that they do not.
It’s hard to ignore the glaring contradiction. These blue states push for strict gun control laws while their urban centers grapple with rampant crime. They want your money, of course, so they want you to visit, but they don’t want you to have the means to protect yourself once you’re there. If you’re in a dangerous situation, well, tough luck. It’s almost as if your safety is less important than their political agenda.
The numbers speak for themselves: Studies like the Kleck/Gertz, Armed Resistance to Crime study, show that defensive gun uses (DGUs) occur up to 2.5 million times a year in America. The FBI reports that roughly 1.2 million violent crimes take place annually in the U.S. That means two-thirds of violent acts are stopped not by law enforcement, but by armed citizens who prevent attacks simply by being armed and prepared. So, why are so many states eager to restrict that right, leaving citizens vulnerable and unarmed?
One could argue that it’s a matter of political posturing. In their desire to make a point about gun control, some politicians are willing to put law-abiding citizens in harm’s way. At worst, it could be about protecting criminals and catering to the very people who thrive in environments where lawlessness is allowed to flourish. How many times have mayors and governors in these high-crime areas promised safety and security to their constituents, only to turn around and make decisions that endanger them? They release criminals early, push bail reform, and implement stricter gun laws. These policies ultimately put more power in the hands of bad actors, not law-abiding citizens.
It’s a calculated gamble for the dishonest politician when they trade your safety for their political posturing.
President Trump has called out this hypocrisy, recognizing that many states refuse to honor concealed carry permits issued by other states. That’s why he has publicly urged Congress to pass HR 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill that would guarantee that concealed carry permits are recognized across state lines, just like your driver’s license is. Why should the right to self-defense be any different from the right to free speech or travel? If your rights are respected in one state, they should be respected everywhere.
The bill is a reasonable, commonsense solution that respects the rights of lawful gun owners and the public’s need for personal safety. Yet, blue state legislators continue to block it. Why? Because it would undermine their push for stricter, one-size-fits-all gun control measures that serve to disarm responsible citizens without actually addressing the root causes of crime.
Consider the case of Shaneen Allen, a 27-year-old single mother, with no criminal record who was arrested in New Jersey after being pulled over for a minor traffic violation. Allen had a legal handgun and concealed carry permit from Pennsylvania, but New Jersey doesn’t recognize Pennsylvania’s laws. As a result, she found herself facing criminal charges simply for exercising her Second Amendment rights. While New Jersey accepted her Pennsylvania driver’s license, they refused to acknowledge her right to carry a firearm for self-defense. That’s a stark reminder of the absurdity of the current patchwork system that exists across the country.
With the rise in violence, from radical anarchists to gang-related violence, to the threat of foreign terrorism, it’s more important than ever that law-abiding citizens have the ability to exercise their right to self-defense. No one should face the risk of becoming an accidental criminal simply for carrying a firearm legally across state lines.
The ultimate goal, of course, is Constitutional Carry, which would allow all Americans to carry a firearm without the need for a government-issued permit from any state. Until that day comes, concealed carry permits should be recognized across the country, just like a driver’s license. Anything less is an infringement on our rights.
Crossing state lines should not turn you into a felon. No matter where you are in this country, you should be able to defend yourself. Our Second Amendment rights are given by God and should not be allowed to be taken away by politicians who think they know better.
