Despite the pandemic sweeping the globe, anti-gun extremists are not slowing down their efforts. On the contrary, this emergency has allowed for the implementation of draconian measures the likes of which anti-gun politicians and activists could only dream. Although many gun control laws exist on the federal level, more extreme legislation and measures are enacted on a state or local level, where attention is limited, and pushback less staunch. As such, it is impractical to provide a thorough evaluation of the pandemic’s impact on the state of gun rights in every locale in the United States. However, there are certain key events that have transpired in the past month that warrant the attention of anyone concerned with our rights.
The Essential Nature of Gun Stores
All across the nation, non-essential businesses have been shut down so as to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. These closings have shown the true colors of government officials who in many locales have tried to shut down gun stores, deeming them – and by extension the entire second amendment – to be “non-essential”. Given that you cannot legally purchase firearms without going to a federally licensed dealer and filling out ATF Form 4473 (except for those states which allow private transfers), open gun shops are necessary for law-abiding citizens to exercise their natural right to keep and bear arms. In late March, the Department of Homeland Security declared firearm businesses essential infrastructure, but despite this ruling, the governments of states such as New York and California are refusing to let a disaster go to waste, and have pounced on the opportunity to keep guns out of the hands of the people.
Earlier this month, New York gun shop ‘The Firing Pin’ (whose owner gained notoriety when he attended the Virginia gun rights rally on January 20th with a Barrett M82 – left) told the public that the state had ordered them to close. If they refused to shut their doors, the state would revoke their dealer license, which is required by New York for a dealer to sell “assault weapons”, handguns, or “large capacity ammunition feeding devices”. This is in addition to the FFL that federal law requires all gun dealers to have. This action by the Cuomo administration is not unexpected from one of the most anti-gun governments in the nation, but it cannot be overstated that this is an insult not only to the Constitution but also the people of New York.
Similar action was seen in Los Angeles County where Sheriff Villanueva attempted to close down all firearms dealers. This decision came after California Governor Gavin Newsom gave each county the ability to decide for themselves whether gun stores were essential or not, and Sheriff Villanueva seized the opportunity. However, in a shocking display that rivals New York State’s actions, Villanueva shut down gun shops except to law enforcement officers (LEO), security companies, and to allow for the pickup of previously purchased weapons. It seems Sheriff Villanueva believes that police have a more legitimate right to keep and bear arms: that they are “more equal” than other citizens. Unlike New York, Villanueva backed down when the federal government declared gun stores “essential”, and citizens of Los Angeles County are able to exercise their rights (at least as far as one can in California).
Virginia’s Time Has Come
On January 20th of this year, citizens from all over the country peacefully protested at the Virginia state capitol in response to legislative action to infringe on citizens’ rights. However, earlier this month, Governor Northam betrayed the people of his state and his oath of office by signing into law eight anti-gun bills. These laws will ban private transfers, restrict the frequency of handgun purchases to one a month, implement “red flag” laws, and more. The fact that Northam signed these bills during a pandemic when the people of his state have been confined to their homes and unable to protest his actions speaks volumes. Such an underhanded tactic demonstrates the true character of Governor Northam (right), and the sheer disrespect he, and his fellow legislators have for the people.
Panic Buying
Despite the best efforts of Cuomo, Villanueva, Northam, and their ilk, the pandemic has led to an unprecedented spike in firearms purchases. All throughout the country gun stores have been picked clean, with many 
purchasers being first-time gun owners. For years, gun rights advocates have espoused ownership of tactical/defensive firearms as the ultimate means to protect your life and property in the event of a disaster or emergency. Now that looting and panic are a tangible possibility, people are finally getting out and exercising their rights (right, Korean-American shop owners defending their businesses during the LA riots in 1992). This sudden increase in demand has led to price gouging by certain retailers, such as Cheaper Than Dirt, a company with a history of exploiting panic buying. However, the industry as a whole has shown resilience and is working at capacity to fill demand.
The Takeaway
I can perfectly understand why a business might be temporarily closed as a means of preventing the spread of a contagion. If I have to go to a store to purchase a weapon, then the state cannot close that business. Furthermore, if I have to get a permit to carry a handgun, then the state must keep that office open. To force me to jump through hoops to exercise my rights, and then take away the ability to do so is outrageous and should be universally condemned. When the government has forced me to use a physical business or rely on a government office to exercise my God-given and Constitutionally protected rights, these businesses and offices must stay open. If the state insists on forcing gun stores to shutter their windows, then it is only reasonable that they (at least temporarily) rescind any laws requiring background checks, licensing, or anything of the sort that requires a physical location to remain open. As a firm believer in the Second Amendment – I do not support permits, licensing, registration, or background checks of any kind – I believe it would be great progress to be allowed to purchase our weapons online and have them shipped to our door.
I hate to think in such terms, but if, God forbid, this pandemic escalates, and there is looting and panic, we will need our guns. Not all police are like the duplicitous aforementioned Sheriff Villanueva; some, such as Culpeper County, VA Sheriff Scott Jenkins, have even taken stands in defense of the people’s right to keep and bear arms. The police are under no obligation to protect you (Warren vs DC, 1981), and in a time of chaos, they may not even have the ability to. We the people must have the means to defend ourselves, and each other, from the dangers of the world. ☆
