Key Takeaways

• The Department of Justice has voluntarily dismissed its appeal in State of Texas v. ATF, facilitating a review of the ‘Engaged in the Business’ rule.
• The ATF plans to revise guidelines on who is considered ‘engaged in the business’ of selling firearms.
• This dismissal is important for private sellers, as it protects law-abiding citizens from potential criminal liabilities under the prior rule.
• The upcoming notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) will allow public comments on the revised guidelines.
• The ATF’s actions demonstrate a course correction in line with Second Amendment protections and legal practices.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

WASHINGTON, DC — The Department of Justice has moved to voluntarily dismiss its appeal in State of Texas v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, a significant step that clears the path for the ATF to revisit the controversial “Engaged in the Business” rule.

The consent motion was filed on April 16, 2026, in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit under case number 24-10612. Plaintiffs, which include the State of Texas and other parties, consented to the dismissal. All parties will bear their own costs.

According to the filing, the ATF “plans to revisit” the rule at the heart of the case and will “revis[e] the guidelines for determining who is considered ‘engaged in the business’ of selling firearms.” A notice of proposed rulemaking addressing the same subject matter as the challenged rule is forthcoming.

In light of that forthcoming NPRM, the government determined that continuing the appeal was no longer appropriate. The motion was submitted by attorneys with the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff at the U.S. Department of Justice.

More from USA Carry:

• Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against SIG SAUER as Officer Admits P320 Did Not Fire on Its Own
• No Right To Concealed Carry, Says California Appeals Court
• 26 States and DOJ Back Challenge to California’s Ammunition Background Check Law
• NRA Plans Appeal in Federal Age Limit Case
• Wisconsin DOJ Releases Concealed Carry Recognized Permit List, Training Requirements, and Application Process

The “Engaged in the Business” rule had drawn sharp legal challenges from gun owners, private sellers, and state attorneys general who argued the rule swept far too broadly. Critics warned that the rule could treat ordinary private sellers as unlicensed dealers, exposing lawful gun owners to federal criminal liability for conduct that has long been legal.

For armed citizens and private sellers, the dismissal is a meaningful development. Private firearm transfers between law-abiding citizens are a long-standing, legal practice protected under the framework of the Second Amendment, and the prior rule’s expansive reach raised serious concerns about criminalizing routine conduct.

The Second Amendment protects a fundamental civil right, and any federal rule that chills the lawful exercise of that right deserves close scrutiny. The ATF’s decision to revisit the rule, combined with the DOJ’s withdrawal of its appeal, signals a course correction that respects the boundaries set by Congress and the Constitution.

Armed citizens should continue to follow all applicable federal and state laws when buying, selling, or transferring firearms. A forthcoming NPRM will open a formal public comment period, giving gun owners and Second Amendment organizations a direct opportunity to weigh in on the revised guidelines.

Read the original story: DOJ Drops Appeal, Clearing the Way for ATF to Rewrite “Engaged in the Business” Rule

Key Takeaways

• A 62-year-old man with Alzheimer’s entered a home and charged at the homeowner, who shot him in self-defense.
• Police found the man with a gunshot wound to the chest and pronounced him dead at the scene.
• Family members seek answers, claiming he became disoriented and entered the wrong home after going missing.
• Illinois law protects homeowners who use firearms for self-defense in perceived threats inside their homes.
• The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against the homeowner at this time.

CHICAGO, IL — A late-night encounter inside a South Deering home ended with a 62-year-old man shot dead after he entered the residence and charged at the homeowner, Chicago police said.

As reported by CBS News, officers responded to a call of a person shot near 103rd and Luella around 1:30 a.m. Monday. They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a 33-year-old man inside the home told officers the other man entered the residence and charged toward him. The homeowner then fired a single shot, striking him in the chest.

Detectives told family members the homeowner had a valid permit for the firearm, and a police scanner broadcast from the morning of the shooting indicated he held a valid FOID card. It remains unclear how the man gained entry to the home.

Relatives of the deceased said he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and had gone missing earlier that morning from his residence in Harvey. They believe he walked a long distance, became disoriented, and entered a random home. Family members said he had wandered before, but they had always been able to locate him.

The family is now seeking answers and raising funds for funeral expenses. They have expressed grief and frustration, saying they want justice for their loved one.

This case highlights one of the most difficult realities armed citizens can face. A homeowner awakened in the middle of the night by an unknown person charging at him inside his own home has only seconds to react. In that moment, there is no way to know the intruder’s identity, condition, or intent.

Illinois law protects lawful gun owners who use a firearm to defend themselves from a perceived threat inside their home. Based on the facts reported, the homeowner appears to have acted within his legal right to self-defense when confronted by someone charging at him inside his residence.

The Second Amendment exists precisely for situations like this one. The right of a law-abiding citizen to defend himself and his household from an unknown threat is a fundamental civil right, and it does not require the defender to first determine whether the person charging at him is dangerous by intent or by circumstance.

The tragedy here is real on both sides. A family lost a loved one who may not have been acting with criminal intent. A homeowner made a split-second decision he will likely carry for the rest of his life. Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions can cause a person to believe they are in their own home, and in some cases to act as though they are confronting an intruder themselves. That possibility cannot change the calculus for a homeowner who has no way of knowing what is happening in the moment.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

• Concealed Carrier Exchanged Gunfire with 16-Year-Old During Robbery Attempt, Both Shot
• San Antonio Homeowner Shoots Suspect in Both Legs in Car Burglary Attempt; Police Seek Second Suspect
• Woman Shoots Man That Attacked Her While Sitting In Her Car
• Homeowner Shoots and Kills Intruder Who Charged at Him Inside Chicago Home
• Armed Bystander Fatally Shoots Attacker During Violent Altercation in Billings, Montana

The investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been announced against the homeowner.

Read the original story: Chicago Homeowner Shoots Intruder Who Charged at Him in Middle of Night, Family Says Man Had Alzheimer’s

Key Takeaways

• Governor Abigail Spanberger returned Senate Bill 749 with proposed amendments targeting certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines.
• The key amendment removes ‘fixed’ from the definition of an assault firearm, potentially broadening the bill’s coverage.
• The bill includes exemptions for some hunting shotguns and aims to clarify the law for gun owners and dealers.
• Legal challenges are likely from Second Amendment organizations due to constitutional concerns regarding firearm restrictions.
• Virginia residents must act before July 1, 2026, to purchase affected firearms, as the bill includes grandfathering provisions for current owners.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger has returned Senate Bill 749 to the Virginia General Assembly with proposed amendments rather than signing or vetoing the legislation by the April 13 deadline. The bill, which cleared both chambers in March, targets the sale, purchase, manufacture, importation, and transfer of certain semi-automatic firearms defined as “assault firearms” and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds.

The most significant change in the governor’s proposal removes the word “fixed” from part of the bill’s definition of an assault firearm. As passed by the legislature, one portion of the definition applied to semi-automatic centerfire rifles or pistols with a fixed magazine capable of holding more than 15 rounds. Striking “fixed” from that definition could sweep in any semi-automatic rifle or pistol capable of accepting a magazine that holds more than 15 rounds, significantly expanding the scope of firearms covered.

The amendments also carve out an exemption for certain semi-automatic shotguns commonly used for hunting. The governor’s office stated the changes are intended to provide additional clarity for law enforcement, gun owners, and dealers regarding which firearms fall under the ban.

The bill is scheduled to return to the General Assembly on April 22, when lawmakers will decide whether to accept or reject the governor’s recommendations. Under Virginia procedure, a simple majority in each chamber is required to reject the amendments, while a two-thirds vote is required to override a veto. If lawmakers approve the governor’s version, the legislation will take effect July 1, 2026.

The bill continues to grandfather firearms and magazines lawfully owned before July 1, 2026, allowing current owners to retain their property under defined conditions. A violation of the new provisions would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a conviction would prohibit the possession of any firearm for three years from the date of conviction.

🚨@SpanbergerForVA is on notice: 2A rights SHALL NOT BE infringed.

We are closely watching—in the event any unlawful legislation is enacted, we will sue. @CivilRights will protect the 2A rights of law-abiding citizens in Virginia.

2A Section Lawyers are standing by… 🚨 pic.twitter.com/h2DfXwgaKC

— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) April 10, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division sent a letter on April 10 addressed to Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, with Governor Spanberger and Governor’s Counsel Matt McGuire also listed, indicating the division would pursue litigation if the Commonwealth enforces the measure. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the Civil Rights Division, cited constitutional concerns regarding restrictions on firearms commonly owned by law-abiding Americans for lawful purposes and specifically named SB749 in the letter.

Several Second Amendment organizations, including the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, the National Association for Gun Rights, and the Firearms Policy Coalition, have signaled their intent to challenge the law if it takes effect. Legal challenges are expected to focus on the Supreme Court’s Bruen standard, which requires modern firearm regulations to align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

More from USA Carry:

• Virginia Legislature Passes Bill Banning Sale and Purchase of “Assault Firearms” and Magazines Over 15 Rounds
• Missouri House Bill Proposes Expansion of Concealed Firearms in Schools
• Texas Set to Recognize All Valid Out-of-State Handgun Licenses Starting September, Pending Governor’s Signature
• California Bill Forcing Parents to Report Gun Ownership to Schools FAILS
• Minnesota Hearing Scheduled on Semi-Auto Ban and 10-Round Magazine Limit

Alongside the amendments to SB749, the governor signed several other firearm-related bills into law, including measures addressing unserialized firearms, firearm industry liability, firearms in unattended vehicles, and restrictions on firearms in certain public buildings.

The Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, including self-defense. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that firearms in common use by law-abiding citizens fall squarely within that protection. AR-pattern rifles and standard-capacity magazines holding more than 15 rounds are owned by tens of millions of Americans and are among the most widely owned arms in the country. Legislation that restricts access to these commonly owned firearms raises serious constitutional questions, and Virginians who value their rights should continue to follow this legislation closely as the April 22 reconvened session approaches.

For Virginia residents who wish to purchase firearms or magazines that may be affected, the window before July 1, 2026 remains the last opportunity under current law to do so. Individuals who already own affected firearms and magazines should review the bill’s grandfathering provisions carefully, as transfer restrictions would apply once the law takes effect.

Read the original story: Virginia Governor Returns SB749 With Amendments That May Broaden Semi-Auto Firearm Ban

Key Takeaways

• Kentucky General Assembly overrode Governor Beshear’s vetoes on two pro-Second Amendment bills, restoring liability protections and enabling concealed carry for adults aged 18-20.
• House Bill 78, the PLCAA Clarification Act, protects the firearms industry from civil lawsuits linked to criminal misuse of their products.
• House Bill 312 allows provisional concealed carry licenses for adults between 18 and 20, who can later apply for standard licenses.
• Supporters argue that the veto overrides affirm constitutional rights and combat unjust age discrimination in carrying firearms.
• The legislation signals to anti-rights advocates the need to stop blaming the firearms industry for crimes.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

FRANKFORT, KY — The Kentucky General Assembly voted to override Governor Andy Beshear’s vetoes of two pro-Second Amendment bills this week, restoring liability protections for the firearms industry and opening a path for law-abiding adults between the ages of 18 and 20 to carry concealed.

The two bills — House Bill 78 and House Bill 312 — had each passed with wide legislative support before the Democratic governor sent them back. Kentucky lawmakers returned to Frankfort and voted to override both.

HB 78: Protecting the Firearms Industry from Frivolous Lawsuits

House Bill 78, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms (PLCAA) Clarification Act of 2026, establishes legal protections for firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, and retailers against civil lawsuits arising from the criminal or unlawful misuse of their products. The bill builds on protections already provided by the federal PLCAA, which some courts have failed to apply as Congress intended.

Kentucky’s House of Representatives voted 80 to 19 to override the veto. The Senate voted 31 to 6.

State-level PLCAA measures have become increasingly necessary. A number of antigun states have enacted laws designed to circumvent the federal PLCAA and allow the very sort of frivolous lawsuits the federal law bars. The NSSF has described this coordinated effort as a wave of lawfare aimed at financially crippling the firearms industry.

NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane addressed the governor’s reasoning directly. “Governor Beshear acknowledged when he vetoed this bill that this legislation would prevent frivolous and harassing lawsuits for violence committed by criminals,” Keane said. He added that Beshear chose to side with gun control special interest groups that want to use the courts to accomplish what they cannot accomplish through legislation.

Keane put the issue plainly. “Members of the firearm industry are no more responsible for the actions of criminals than Kentucky’s bourbon distillers are responsible for drunk driving deaths,” he said.

More from USA Carry:

• Senate Moves on Bill to “Muzzle the Web”
• Kentucky High Court: Guns in Car Legal on Campus
• Kentucky Homeowner Shoots Man Attempting To Unlawfully Enter His Home
• Kentucky Senate Advances Bill to Lower Concealed Carry Age to 18
• Kentucky Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Licenses for 18- to 20-Year-Olds

HB 312: Concealed Carry Licenses for Adults Ages 18 to 20

House Bill 312 authorizes the Kentucky State Police to issue provisional concealed carry licenses to adults between the ages of 18 and 20. Those who receive a provisional license can later apply for a standard license through their county sheriff or through the KSP online system. The bill passed both chambers before Gov. Beshear vetoed it.

CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb said the governor was practicing age discrimination by denying full rights of citizenship to young adults who can serve in the military, start businesses, get married, and run for office.

The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) had called on the legislature to act after the veto. “We are both delighted and proud of the Kentucky legislators who returned to Frankfort for these important votes,” Gottlieb said.

What This Means

Gottlieb said the Kentucky override should be seen as a signal to anti-rights advocates to stop blaming an entire lawful industry for the country’s violent crime problem and to stop restricting the rights of an entire age class.

The Second Amendment is a fundamental civil right. It does not begin at age 21, and it does not end because a criminal misused a product. Kentucky’s legislature affirmed both of those principles this week. The firearms industry can do business without being punished for crimes it did not commit, and law-abiding young adults in Kentucky can now pursue their right to carry for personal protection.

Read the original story: Kentucky Legislature Overrides Governor’s Vetoes on Two Pro-Second Amendment Bills

Key Takeaways

• A 16-year-old boy shot two people in downtown Seattle before being killed by a licensed concealed carrier.
• The shooting occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel during a fight that escalated with gunfire.
• Two victims, aged 18 and 17, were hospitalized in serious condition following the incident.
• The armed citizen cooperated with police and was not arrested after the event.
• This incident highlights the importance of lawful concealed carry in responding to active threats.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

SEATTLE, WA — A 16-year-old boy who shot two people in downtown Seattle Wednesday night was killed by a licensed concealed carrier who intervened at the scene. As reported by MSN, the initial shooting happened around 10 p.m. near the Four Seasons Hotel on Union Street.

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said three people got into a fight when one pulled out a gun and shot two bystanders before fleeing the scene. A private citizen who was licensed to carry a firearm stepped in and shot the suspect.

Seattle Fire Department crews treated an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, both transported to the hospital in serious condition. The 16-year-old suspect was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

More from USA Carry:

• Seattle Encounter Turns Violent: Man Stabbed and Robbed, Suspect Shot and Arrested
• 71-Year-Old Business Owner Shoots and Stops Armed Burglar After Being Awakened in South Seattle Smoke Shop
• Concealed Carrier Shoots Attacker After Being Beaten
• Home Invader Shot After Ignoring Verbal Warnings from Father Protecting Wife and 2-Year-Old
• Seattle Delivery Driver Defends Against Van Theft, Sends Suspect to the Hospital

The armed citizen cooperated fully with law enforcement and was taken to Seattle Police Headquarters for a detective interview. Police confirmed the citizen had not been arrested as of the time of reporting.

Police activity closed all lanes of First Avenue from University Street to Pike Street while officers worked the scene.

This incident is a real-world example of why lawful concealed carry matters. A licensed citizen, present and prepared, responded to an active threat when police had not yet arrived. The ability of law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm is a fundamental protection that can make a direct difference in the outcome of a violent encounter.

Read the original story: Armed Citizen Shoots and Kills Teen Suspect Who Opened Fire on Two People in Downtown Seattle

Key Takeaways

• Surveillance footage shows Principal Kirk Moore tackling armed intruder Victor Hawkins at Pauls Valley High School.
• Moore acted quickly, pinning Hawkins and controlling the gun while another staff member secured the weapon.
• Moore sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, but no students were injured during the incident.
• The response from staff demonstrated teamwork and prior planning for potential threats.
• Hawkins is in custody with a $1 million bond, while Moore is recovering from his injury.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

PAULS VALLEY, OK — Surveillance footage has been released showing the moment Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore tackled an armed intruder before he could reach students.

We covered this story when it broke last week. If you missed it, you can read the full report here.

The video fills in details that weren’t in the initial reporting. Twenty-year-old former student Victor Hawkins walks into the school, racks his firearm, and begins pointing it at students.

That’s when Moore moves in.

More from USA Carry:

• Oklahoma Principal Shot While Tackling Armed Intruder Inside High School, Hailed as Hero
• Charlie Kirk Assassinated During Utah Valley University Event, Suspect Still at Large
• Missouri House Bill Proposes Expansion of Concealed Firearms in Schools
• Minnesota Expands Concealed Carry Reciprocity to 33 States Following Court Ruling
• Apple Valley Resident Shoots Intruder During Early Morning Break-In Attempt

He tackles Hawkins and pins him to a bench, keeping control of the hand holding the gun throughout the struggle. At some point Hawkins drops the weapon. Moore keeps that hand pinned while a second faculty member steps in, picks up the gun, and removes it from the situation. Law enforcement arrived and took Hawkins into custody.

Moore took a gunshot to the leg during the struggle. No students were injured.

Watching the footage, what stands out is how the response unfolded as a team. Moore initiated contact and controlled the threat. Another staff member recognized the moment to act and secured the firearm. Neither one had to be told what to do.

That kind of response doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from thinking through scenarios before they happen — deciding in advance what you’re willing to do when a threat appears.

Moore is recovering from his injury. Hawkins remains in custody with a $1 million bond.

Read the original story: Watch: Surveillance Video Shows the Moment Principal Kirk Moore Tackled the Shooter

It worked. A spreadsheet can track anything if you’re willing to set it up and keep it updated. But it wasn’t built for this. There’s no automatic round count deduction when you log a session, no service interval alerts, no way to attach a photo or a receipt, no encryption for serial numbers. Every feature I wanted required either a complex formula or a workaround. I wanted something built specifically for gun owners — faster, smarter, and purpose-built for the way we actually think about our firearms.

So I built one.

What Is Armorer?

Armorer is a firearm maintenance tracker for iPhone. Android and iPad apps coming soon! It does what the spreadsheet was trying to do, but built as a native iOS app from the ground up. If you own guns and shoot them regularly, this app was built for you.

Here’s what it tracks:

• Round Counts — Log every range session with ammo details including manufacturer, type, and grain weight. Running totals update automatically for every firearm in your collection.
• Service Intervals — Set cleaning and maintenance intervals by round count or time. Armorer notifies you seven days before service is due and shows a banner on the gun detail screen when something is overdue. Think of it like oil change reminders for your guns.
• Maintenance History — A complete service log for every firearm you own. Know exactly what was done, when it was done, and how many rounds ago. If you ever sell a gun, you have a complete record to show the buyer.
• Modifications Tracker — Log every aftermarket part you install. Triggers, barrels, sights, grips, slides, frames — document what makes each gun yours with the brand, model, date installed, and notes.
• Gear and Accessories — Track optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories with their own service intervals. Set battery replacement reminders. Attach gear to a specific firearm or manage it standalone.
• Ammo Inventory — Track your stock by brand, caliber, type, and grain weight. Set a low stock alert per ammo type so you know when to reorder. When you log a range session, Armorer automatically deducts the rounds from your inventory.
• Photos and Documents — Add photos to any firearm, gear, or ammo entry. Attach receipts, warranties, and documents for insurance records and resale. All photos are automatically stripped of GPS and location data before uploading.
• Zero-Knowledge Encryption — This one matters, and I want to be specific about it. Serial numbers in Armorer are encrypted using AES-256-GCM with a key derived from your password. That means only you can read your serial numbers. I cannot read them. Nobody with access to our servers can read them. This isn’t marketing language — it is how the encryption works mathematically.

Built for Gun Owners by a Gun Owner

I carry every day. I do my own maintenance. I know how gun owners think about their data and their privacy, and I built Armorer accordingly.

There are no ads in the app. Your data will never be sold, shared, or used for advertising. Photos are stripped of GPS data automatically. You can delete your account and all data permanently from inside the app at any time with no email required.

I built this because I wanted it to exist. Not as a product experiment — as a tool I’d actually use. Every feature in Armorer came from a real problem I had managing my own collection.

How to Get Started

Armorer is available now on the App Store for iPhone. The app includes a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. After the trial, a monthly or yearly subscription is available — you can see current pricing on the App Store or inside the app.

Download Armorer free: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6761862230

Learn more at armorer.app

Armorer is currently iPhone only. An iPad version and Android version are both in development.

Read the original story: Introducing Armorer | The App I Built for Gun Owners Like You

Key Takeaways

• Episode 52 details the smooth journey from Las Vegas to New Orleans on Southwest Airlines.
• The author declares firearms, using a Condition 1 hard-sided case inside normal luggage at check-in.
• The check-in agent recognized the author’s experience with the process, but faced a minor issue with her name tag.
• Arrival at MSY was seamless, with the bag coming out as expected and locks confirmed intact.
• Overall, the firearm flying process remains consistent: declare, wait, and retrieve the bag.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Episode 52 was filmed April 8th, flying Southwest from Las Vegas to New Orleans. Another smooth one, start to finish.

Check-In at LAS

I walked up and told the agent I was declaring firearms. My usual setup — Condition 1 hard-sided case inside a regular piece of luggage. When she opened it up, she got a look at how much space the case takes up and laughed.

She almost ran into a little trouble of her own — her supervisor came by checking for name tags and she didn’t appear to have one. Turned out it was on her shirt under her sweater, so she was fine.

She could tell I’d done this before. She asked where to send me, and I told her — go wait at the flagpole for 15 minutes. That’s my usual rule regardless of whether the agent asks or not. They didn’t come out, so I headed through security.

More from USA Carry:

• 3 Tips for Flying With Guns That Make the Process Smoother
• Flying with Guns: Episode 40 – Southwest from LAS to MSY
• Flying with Guns: Episode 50 – Southwest from LAS to MSY
• Flying with Guns: Episode 46 – Southwest from LAS to MSY
• Flying with Guns: Episode 48 – Southwest from LAS to MSY

Arrival in New Orleans

My bag came out on the carousel at MSY, same as always — that’s what usually happens when the case is packed inside a regular piece of luggage rather than checked on its own. I opened it up, confirmed the locks were intact, and was on my way.

Final Thoughts

Fifty-two episodes in and the process stays the same. Declare, wait, pick up the bag. That’s it.

Read the original story: Flying with Guns: Episode 52 – SW from Las Vegas to New Orleans

Now imagine this: a raised voice in the lobby. A door that should have remained closed swings open. A volunteer freezes for half a second too long.

In critical moments, hesitation is not caused by lack of courage it is caused by lack of preparation.

Houses of worship are sacred spaces. But they are also public spaces. And in today’s world, public spaces require intentional, disciplined security planning. The challenge is clear: How do you prepare for crisis without creating fear? How do you train volunteers to respond confidently while preserving the welcoming spirit that defines your congregation?

The answer lies in structured mental rehearsal, scenario-based training, and safe skill development tools such as the SIRT (Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger) training pistol.

Unlike corporate buildings or secured facilities, houses of worship are:

• Open by design
• Staffed primarily by volunteers
• Serving multi-generational congregations
• Often architecturally complex with multiple entrances

Security teams must embody a paradox: visible enough to deter, subtle enough to reassure.

The goal is not intimidation. The goal is preparedness with professionalism.

Mental Scenario Training: Rehearsing Before Reality Arrives

Before any hands-on drills occur, effective teams begin with guided mental scenarios — structured “what-if” exercises that sharpen awareness and decision-making.

Mental rehearsal builds neural pathways. When people have thought through a situation before, they are far less likely to freeze.

Sample Mental Scenarios

• A known disruptive individual returns during service.
• A domestic dispute spills into the lobby.
• A suspicious vehicle circles the parking lot repeatedly.
• A medical emergency occurs mid-sermon.
• A child custody conflict unfolds at check-in.

In each scenario, teams discuss:

• Who observes and reports?
• Who communicates with leadership?
• Where are safe areas?
• What legal or policy considerations apply?
• At what point does intervention occur?

The discussion is deliberate. Calm. Structured.

Because in a real event, calm thinking wins.

Case Study #1: The Frozen Greeter

A mid-sized congregation in the Midwest implemented scenario discussions after recognizing that most volunteers had never thought through a disruptive-person event.

During their first tabletop exercise, leadership introduced a simple scenario: a visibly agitated individual demanding to see a staff member immediately.

Half the team admitted they would “wait and see.” Several assumed someone else would handle it.

Three months later, a nearly identical situation occurred in real life. The difference?

The greeter immediately alerted the team lead. A second volunteer positioned discreetly nearby. The individual was calmly redirected to a private office and de-escalated without incident.

No panic. No raised voices. No congregation awareness.

The outcome wasn’t luck. It was rehearsal.

Moving to Scenario-Based Physical Training

Once mental patterns are established, teams can progress to carefully controlled physical scenario training.

This does not mean chaos or aggressive drills. It means structured role-play under mild stress.

Key components include:

Defined Roles

• Door greeter observer
• Radio communicator
• Team lead
• Children’s ministry liaison
• Medical responder

Clear responsibilities reduce confusion.

Introduced Variables

• Background noise
• Time pressure
• Conflicting information
• Emotional role players

The purpose is adaptability — not adrenaline.

After-Action Review

Every scenario ends with structured debrief:

• What worked?
• Where was communication delayed?
• Did anyone experience tunnel vision?
• Were policies followed?

Learning happens in reflection.

Integrating SIRT Training Tools Safely

For teams that include legally authorized armed security members, safe and responsible skill refinement is essential.

NextLevel Training manufactures the SIRT (Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger) training pistol for a dedicated, inert training device that emits a laser indicator instead of firing live ammunition.

SIRT tools allow teams to:

• Practice safe draw mechanics
• Improve trigger control
• Reinforce muzzle discipline
• Conduct target-focused drills without projectiles
• Train indoors without range logistics

Because the laser visually indicates movement, participants immediately see how trigger press affects sight alignment a powerful diagnostic tool.

Critical Safety Protocols

• No live firearms in training areas
• No live ammunition present
• Clearly designated training zones
• Qualified supervision
• Strict adherence to state and local laws

SIRT tools are not replacements for professional firearms instruction. They are supplements for safe, controlled skill reinforcement.

Case Study #2: Correcting Crossfire Risk

During a scenario-based drill at a large suburban church, two armed team members responded to a simulated threat from opposite sides of the sanctuary.

Using SIRT training pistols, instructors observed that both volunteers unintentionally moved into intersecting lines of fire a dangerous crossfire condition.

Neither participant had recognized the risk in real time.

The visual laser indicators made the problem immediately obvious during replay.

The team restructured movement protocols, emphasizing lateral repositioning and background awareness. Follow-up drills showed significant improvement.

No live rounds were ever involved. The lesson was learned safely.

The Most Important Skill: Judgment

In houses of worship, marksmanship is secondary.

Judgment is primary.

Teams must be trained to distinguish:

• Anxiety from aggression
• Confusion from threat
• Emotion from violence

De-escalation, verbal control, and calm presence resolve most incidents long before force becomes relevant.

Training must reflect that reality.

Preserving the Mission While Protecting It

Security culture should never overshadow ministry culture.

Congregants should feel:

• Welcomed
• Safe
• Unintimidated
• Respected

The most effective teams are those no one notices until they are needed.

Preparedness should quietly support the mission, not compete with it.

Crisis does not schedule itself conveniently.

It does not wait until volunteers feel ready.
 It does not pause while someone decides what to do.

Preparation is an act of stewardship.

If your house of worship has a safety team, ask:

• Have we mentally rehearsed realistic scenarios?
• Do our volunteers know their roles?
• Have we stress-tested our communication plan?
• Are we training safely and consistently?
• Are we developing judgment, not just tactics?

Start with a tabletop discussion.
 Add structured scenario training.
 Incorporate safe tools that reinforce skills responsibly.

The goal is not fear.
 The goal is confidence.

Because when the doors open each week, your congregation deserves more than good intentions.

They deserve a team that has already thought through the unthinkable and is prepared to respond with clarity, restraint, and courage.

Safety through Education, Joseph Evangelist

Read the original story: Your Church Has a Safety Team — But Have They Actually Prepared?

Key Takeaways

• A man got shot while allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter at an apartment complex in Arlington, Texas.
• The shooter reported hearing a noise and saw the suspect cutting the converter from his vehicle before firing a shot.
• Police have not charged the shooter and are investigating whether the shooting was an act of self-defense.
• Confronting thieves is risky, and individuals must be aware of their surroundings and consider contacting law enforcement first.
• Texas law supports self-defense rights, and the lack of charges indicates investigators are weighing self-defense claims seriously.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — A man was shot and injured early Friday morning after he was allegedly caught trying to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle at a north Arlington apartment complex. The shooter remained at the scene and cooperated fully with police. As of Saturday, no criminal charges had been filed.

Officers responded to the 2700 block of Trinity Bend Circle shortly after 5 a.m. following reports of a shooting. As reported by Star-Telegram, they arrived to find a man in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. The suspected thief was transported to a hospital, and his condition was not immediately known.

The shooter told police he heard a noise outside and went to investigate. He discovered a man allegedly attempting to cut and remove the catalytic converter from his car. An interaction between the two men followed, during which the shooter fired a single shot, striking the suspect. Police detained the shooter for questioning but said he was cooperative throughout the process.

Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that the shooting was an act of self-defense. No charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing. The distinction between confronting a suspect and acting in lawful self-defense will likely hinge on the specific details of the encounter, particularly whether the shooter faced an imminent threat of serious bodily harm.

More from USA Carry:

• Alleged Catalytic Converter Thieves Shot By Car Owner
• Armed Neighbor Tried to Intervene in Fatal Stabbing at Texas Apartment Complex
• Woman Fires at Robber While Convenience Store Clerk Empties the Register
• Fort Worth Homeowner Shoots Suspected Intruder During Early Morning Confrontation
• Concealed Carrier Shoots Catalytic Converter Thief Who Should Have Been Put Back in Jail

Confronting someone in the act of committing a crime is inherently dangerous and unpredictable. Armed citizens should understand that while the right to self-defense is well established, every situation carries risk. Catalytic converter theft often involves armed suspects, power tools, and volatile behavior when confronted. Awareness of your surroundings and a willingness to contact law enforcement first remain critical components of personal safety.

This case is a reminder that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to defend themselves when faced with a genuine threat. Texas law provides strong legal protections for those who act in lawful self-defense, and the absence of charges in this case suggests investigators are taking those protections seriously.

Read the original story: Arlington Man Shoots Suspected Catalytic Converter Thief Outside Apartment Complex

Key Takeaways

• A shooting outside Cabana Club in East Austin injured multiple people and left one dead, while an employee of a local gun store faces a murder charge.
• Michael Cargill, owner of Central Texas Gun Works, supports his employees, who were attacked by a group after leaving the bar.
• One employee drew his firearm in self-defense after witnessing his coworker being severely beaten and losing consciousness.
• Cargill emphasized that his employees acted as they should, while police will investigate if the shooting was justified.
• The case highlights that self-defense claims can lead to arrest despite justification, and legal support is crucial after such incidents.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

AUSTIN, TX — The owner of a Central Texas gun store is publicly standing behind two of his employees after a fatal shooting outside an East Austin club Friday night left one person dead and multiple others injured, as the employee who fired is now facing a murder charge.

As reported by CBS Austin, the shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. outside Cabana Club on 7th Street. Nearby business owner Jerry Musick recorded video from his shop shortly after the incident and described seeing a man clutching his stomach and others fleeing the scene. He and residents in an adjacent apartment complex reported hearing three to four shots.

12 V.S. 2 What Would You Do? pic.twitter.com/zj7bV1y39k

— Michael Cargill (@michaeldcargill) April 11, 2026

On Saturday, Michael Cargill, owner of Central Texas Gun Works, held a press conference to address what happened. He said his two employees — an assistant manager and a sales clerk — had just arrived at the bar to spend time off the clock when the situation unfolded.

According to Cargill, a group that had been kicked out of the club earlier that night was still in the parking lot when his employees pulled up. That group allegedly mistook the two men for someone involved in an earlier dispute inside the bar. What followed, Cargill said, was an immediate and coordinated attack.

“You had 12 people that jumped on my employees,” Cargill said. He said one employee was knocked to the ground, beaten for roughly a minute, and eventually lost consciousness. His injuries include a skull fracture, a swollen and shut eye, and bruised ribs. The second employee, watching his coworker go unconscious while the assault continued, made the decision to draw his firearm.

“My employee thought that my other employee was getting ready to get killed because he had lost consciousness and they continued to pound on him,” Cargill said. “He had no choice but to pull his gun out and defend himself.”

After firing, Cargill said the employee left the scene because a dozen people were still present, then sought medical treatment at urgent care before going to St. David’s South First Hospital. He is now in custody at Travis County Jail on a murder charge. The employee who was beaten is recovering at home.

Cargill said he is providing full legal support to both employees. “I’ve made sure that my employees are covered by our attorneys,” he said. “My employees did exactly what they were supposed to do.”

Austin police have not confirmed whether the shooting was self-defense. Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock noted that investigators will consider multiple factors, including what preceded the incident, who initiated the confrontation, and the location of events.

More from USA Carry:

• Three Killed in Austin Target Shooting, Suspect Arrested After Carjacking and Police Chase
• Austin Homeowner Shoots and Seriously Wounds Intruder
• Austin Woman Shoots, Kills Violent Intruder
• Austin Mass Shooting Leaves 14 Injured; Police Search for 2 Suspects
• Boulder, CO Ban on Firearms in Parks in City Buildings & Parks Passes First Vote

What Armed Citizens Should Know

This case is a good reminder that being legally justified in using force does not mean you will avoid arrest. In most states, self-defense is something you argue after the fact — not something that keeps you out of handcuffs at the scene. An arrest is not a conviction, and the legal process that follows is where self-defense claims get sorted out.

Open Source Defense published a timely breakdown of exactly what to expect after a defensive shooting — including what to say to 911, how to handle police at the scene, and why you should not give detailed statements before speaking with an attorney. It is worth a read: OSD 372: You Will Be Arrested After Using a Gun in Self-Defense. Then What?

It is also worth noting that Michael Cargill is a well-known figure in Second Amendment litigation. He was the lead plaintiff in Garland v. Cargill, the Supreme Court case that ruled the ATF had exceeded its authority when it classified bump stocks as machine guns. The Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms for exactly the kind of situation his employees found themselves in, and the legal process now underway will determine whether the use of force was justified.

Read the original story: Gun Store Owner Says Employee Was 1-Against-12 Before Fatal Austin Club Shooting: “He Had No Choice”

Key Takeaways

• A teenage intruder was shot during a home invasion at a Jacksonville apartment complex.
• The homeowner discovered the intruder inside his residence upon returning home.
• The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting, with all parties cooperating.
• This incident highlights the importance of situational awareness and legal self-defense rights in Florida.
• Lawful gun owners have the right to use deadly force when facing imminent threats in their homes.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

JACKSONVILLE, FL — A suspected home invasion ended with a teenage intruder shot and hospitalized Monday afternoon at a Jacksonville apartment complex near Jacksonville University.

As reported by First Coast News, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigators responded to a shooting call at approximately 4 p.m. at the Lakeside Nest Apartments on University Boulevard North. Arriving officers found a male in his late teens suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

What makes this case stand out from many home invasion incidents is the sequence of events. Rather than waking up to a break-in or being caught off guard inside his own home, the homeowner returned to his residence and discovered the intruder already inside.

JSO Sgt. Christopher Smith said detectives determined the homeowner confronted the intruder upon walking in, and the intruder was subsequently shot. All parties involved were detained and are cooperating with the investigation.

No charges had been announced at the time of the initial report. The investigation remains active.

More From USA Carry:

• Carjacking Attempt Foiled: Florida Man Shoots Two of Four Gunmen
• Suspect Shot in the Face After Firing Shotgun into Crowd in Jacksonville
• ND While Cleaning Gun Leads to Neighbor Being Shot in the Head
• Florida Man Shoots Armed Suspect Who Followed Him Home from Nightclub
• Florida Attorney General Moves to Sue Jacksonville Over Illegal Firearm Registry, City Faces $5 Million Fine

Situational Awareness Doesn’t End at the Front Door

This incident is a reminder that threats don’t always announce themselves. A lawful gun owner re-entering his own home faced an immediate unknown threat the moment he opened that door. The ability to recognize danger quickly and respond appropriately can be the difference between becoming a victim and defending your life.

Under Florida law, a person who is lawfully present in their home and faces an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm has the legal right to use deadly force in self-defense. That right is fundamental, and situations like this one are exactly why armed citizens and legal carry matter.

Read the original story: Florida Man Shoots Intruder After Walking In on Home Invasion at Jacksonville Apartment

Key Takeaways

• The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for summary judgment against California’s 11% excise tax on firearms, claiming it unconstitutionally discriminates against a civil right.
• SAF argues that purchasing firearms is protected by the Second Amendment, drawing parallels between this tax and First Amendment tax cases.
• California enacted this tax through Assembly Bill 28 in September 2023, effective July 1, 2024, with proceeds funding gun violence prevention.
• The plaintiffs, Poway Weapons & Gear and Sacramento Gun Range, have remitted significant tax payments and sought refunds, which were denied.
• If the tax stands, SAF warns it could lead to unlimited tax increases on constitutional rights.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for summary judgment this week against California’s 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition, arguing the tax unconstitutionally singles out the exercise of a fundamental civil right for disfavored treatment.

SAF filed the motion alongside plaintiffs Poway Weapons & Gear and Sacramento Gun Range on April 8 in Sacramento Superior Court. The case is represented by Michel & Associates and Cooper & Kirk. The hearing is scheduled for August 25, 2026 before Judge Christopher E. Krueger.

California enacted Assembly Bill 28 in September 2023, adding an 11% excise tax on the retail sale of all firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition. The tax took effect July 1, 2024, and proceeds are deposited into the state’s Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Fund.

Both dealers began collecting the tax on that date, passing the cost on to customers as a line item on receipts. Between the two plaintiffs, hundreds of thousands of dollars in quarterly tax payments have been remitted to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration since the law took effect.

The dealers sought refunds, which the CDTFA denied, stating it lacked authority to issue refunds based on constitutional arguments without an appellate court ruling. After exhausting all administrative remedies, the plaintiffs filed suit in August 2025.

More from USA Carry:

• Lawmakers Propose Nationwide Ban on Gun and Ammo Taxes
• SAF Files for Summary Judgment In Mass Resident Alien Gun Ban Case
• Dealing With A Violent Incident in Your Neighborhood
• 3 New Pistols for Early 2018
• Court Declares Gun Ban Unconstitutional—Then Demands Names of Pro-2A Group Members

SAF’s motion argues that buying firearms and ammunition is conduct covered by the Second Amendment’s plain text, and that the state cannot justify the tax under the historical analysis required by the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The brief contends there is no historical tradition of singling out the exercise of a constitutional right for special taxation.

The motion draws a direct comparison to First Amendment tax cases, where the Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down taxes targeting newspapers and religious activity. SAF cites the court’s own language that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right subject to a different body of rules than other constitutional protections.

SAF also argues that accepting the state’s position would open the door to unlimited tax increases on any constitutional right. If an 11% tax on firearms is permissible, there would be nothing legally stopping California from imposing a 50% or 100% tax on the same right.

The case is Poway Weapons & Gear, Inc. v. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Case No. 25CV018964.

Read the original story: SAF Files for Summary Judgment Against California’s 11% Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax

Key Takeaways

• Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 350, allowing tenants to possess firearms in their rental homes, effective January 1, 2027.
• The law prohibits landlords from using leases to ban firearm possession, while still permitting rules for handling firearms in shared spaces.
• Affected tenants can sue for violations, seeking various forms of damages, while compliant landlords are protected from liability.
• Exceptions exist for state agency properties, mental health facilities, and certain educational properties, among others.
• This law significantly strengthens Second Amendment rights for renters in Tennessee, affirming their right to keep firearms for self-defense.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed Senate Bill 350 into law, giving residential tenants across the state the legal right to possess, carry, transport, and store firearms in their rental homes — regardless of what their lease says. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to leases entered into, amended, extended, or renewed on or after that date.

The legislation passed with overwhelming support in both chambers. The Senate concurred with the House-amended version 32-0, and the House passed it 73-21. Gov. Lee signed the bill on March 26, 2026.

As I covered when this bill was moving through the legislature, the law directly addresses a common conflict between renters and landlords over Second Amendment rights. Under the new law, landlords cannot use lease agreements to prohibit tenants from keeping firearms in their dwelling units, storing them in vehicles parked on landlord-provided parking, or carrying them through common areas when entering or exiting those locations.

More from USA Carry:

• Tennessee Landlords Banned From Prohibiting Firearm Possession in Rental Homes Under New State Law
• Landlord w/ Concealed Carry Permit Justified in Fatally Shooting Tenant
• Does Renting Property Change Your CCW Rights?
• Michigan Homeowner Fatally Shoots Intruder Who Broke Into Attached Apartment and Assaulted Tenant Before Trying to Enter Home
• 72-Year-Old in Wheelchair Defends Himself Again Tenant Attack

Landlords do retain some authority over how firearms are handled in shared spaces. A landlord may require that firearms be concealed, holstered, or stored in a carrying container when tenants are moving through common areas such as elevators and shared hallways. If a tenant violates that specific requirement, the landlord can request compliance or pursue remedies outlined in the lease — but those remedies cannot include banning firearms from the tenant’s own unit.

Tenants who are harmed by a landlord’s violation of the law have a legal path forward. The statute allows affected tenants to sue for declaratory and injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. At the same time, landlords who comply with the law are protected from civil liability for doing so.

The law does carve out exceptions. It does not apply to properties leased to state agencies, facilities contracted with the Department of Mental Health or the Department of Children’s Services, licensed hospitals and their campuses, nursing homes, memory care facilities, assisted care living facilities, or educational properties.

This is a meaningful win for Tennessee renters who legally own firearms. For years, many tenants faced lease clauses that effectively forced them to choose between their home and their right to keep a firearm for self-defense. That changes with this law. The right to keep and bear arms doesn’t stop at the front door of a rented home, and Tennessee’s legislature made that position clear.

Read the original story: Tennessee Governor Signs Law Protecting Renters’ Gun Rights — What Landlords Can and Can’t Do Starting in 2027

Key Takeaways

• Principal Kirk Moore tackled an armed intruder at Pauls Valley High School, sustaining a leg injury but preventing potential harm to students.
• Moore and staff confronted 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, who entered the school with a firearm.
• Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Superintendent Brett Knight praised Moore as a hero for his quick and brave actions.
• Hawkins faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill, with a $1 million bond set.
• The incident highlights the importance of situational awareness and immediate action in violent encounters.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

PAULS VALLEY, OK — A high school principal is being called a hero after he tackled an armed intruder inside his school Tuesday, stopping a potential mass shooting at the cost of a gunshot wound to his own leg.

As reported by Fox News, Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore spotted 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins entering the building with a firearm. Moore and other staff immediately moved to confront and subdue the gunman before he could reach students.

“When the principal noticed this, he quickly stepped in, as well as other staff,” Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Hunter McKee told KOCO-TV. Hawkins managed to fire multiple rounds during the struggle, striking Moore in the leg, but no students were injured.

The shooting unfolded around 2:21 p.m. The school was placed on lockdown while officers responded, and students were later reunited with their families. Moore and staff held Hawkins down until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody.

More from USA Carry:

• Charlie Kirk Assassinated During Utah Valley University Event, Suspect Still at Large
• Boyfriend Hailed as Hero After Being Fatally Shot in Shootout with Female Robber
• Missouri House Bill Proposes Expansion of Concealed Firearms in Schools
• Apple Valley Resident Shoots Intruder During Early Morning Break-In Attempt
• Minnesota Expands Concealed Carry Reciprocity to 33 States Following Court Ruling

Pauls Valley Superintendent Brett Knight praised Moore at a press conference held at the scene. “I know the word gets thrown around quite a bit, but he is a hero today,” Knight said.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt echoed that sentiment, saying Moore “acted bravely to protect students’ lives.” Stitt added that he and his wife were praying for Moore’s quick recovery and expressed gratitude that no students were harmed.

Hawkins, who was booked into the Garvin County Jail, was charged Wednesday with one count each of shooting with intent to kill and carrying a weapon to a public assembly, along with two counts of feloniously pointing a firearm. His bond was set at $1 million. A motive for the shooting has not been determined.

Armed Citizen Takeaway

This incident is a reminder that the first line of defense in any violent encounter is often the people already on the scene. Law enforcement response is critical, but the window between the start of a violent attack and police arrival can be the difference between lives saved and lives lost. Moore and his staff acted without hesitation the moment they identified a threat, and that immediate action is what kept students safe. Situational awareness, the willingness to act, and the courage to close the distance on a threat are not skills reserved for law enforcement. They are survival skills every responsible adult should think about in advance.

Read the original story: Oklahoma Principal Shot While Tackling Armed Intruder Inside High School, Hailed as Hero

Key Takeaways

• The DOJ will uphold the Biden-era ATF rule on homemade firearms despite previous opposition from the Trump administration.
• This decision arises from the case VanDerStok v. Blanche in the Northern District of Texas, dealing with the definition of firearms in relation to ghost guns.
• The Biden rule expands ATF’s authority and conflicts with Trump’s Executive Order concerning Second Amendment rights.
• Key parties, including the Second Amendment Foundation, continue to challenge the rule, indicating ongoing legal battles.
• The case could influence regulations on privately made firearms and the legal responsibilities of builders.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Justice has informed a federal court that it will maintain the Biden-era ATF rule restricting homemade firearms, even as the Trump White House had previously called that same rule an attack on gun owners that “undermines the Second Amendment.”

The decision came in the ongoing case VanDerStok v. Blanche, currently in the Northern District of Texas. In a letter dated April 8, 2026, DOJ trial attorneys notified all parties that, following a review prompted by President Trump’s Executive Order 14206 titled “Protecting Second Amendment Rights,” the government has chosen to keep the current definition of firearm “frame” and “receiver” contained in ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F.

That rule, finalized under President Biden, significantly expanded ATF’s regulatory reach over so-called ghost guns — privately made firearms and unfinished parts kits. The rule stretched the statutory definition of “firearm” beyond what Congress intended, and the case has wound through federal courts ever since.

The DOJ’s reversal of its prior stay request puts the agency at direct odds with language coming from the White House itself. The Trump administration had publicly described the Biden rule as an “attack” on gun owners before its own Justice Department decided to defend it in court.

More from USA Carry:

• New Jersey Man Arrested After Using a ‘Ghost Gun’ To Defend Himself Against Two Home Invaders
• Polymer 80 Glock Build Project – Building My Ghost Gun, Part-Two
• ATF Inflating ‘Ghost Gun’ Numbers Hoping Congress Inflates Its Budget
• Biden’s Executive Order on Gun Control: Background Checks and Red Flag Laws
• Grey Ghost Griff Pack Review

The letter notes that parties — including Defense Distributed, the Second Amendment Foundation, and government defendants — have agreed on a proposed renewed merits briefing schedule to be filed with the court by April 9, 2026. A status report on the proceedings is expected by April 16.

This development raises serious questions about the gap between political messaging and legal action. Executive orders and campaign promises carry weight, but it is what the DOJ argues before a federal judge that shapes the actual law.

The Second Amendment Foundation, which is a named party in this litigation, has been among the most vocal opponents of the ghost gun rule. Their continued involvement in the case means the legal fight over the rule’s scope is far from over.

Armed citizens who build or own privately made firearms should closely follow this case. The outcome could determine what components are regulated as firearms under federal law and what legal exposure home builders face.

Read the original story: Trump DOJ Keeps Biden’s Ghost Gun Rule in Place, Defying White House’s Own Second Amendment Executive Order

Key Takeaways

• The USPS proposes to allow mailing lawful handguns, reversing decades of restrictions following a DOJ legal opinion.
• The proposed rule classifies handguns as ‘Mailable Firearms,’ alongside rifles and shotguns, under specific conditions.
• Key requirements include shipping unloaded firearms, no external indications of contents, and tracking for packages.
• The public can comment on the rule until May 4, 2026, focusing on regulatory clarity and usability rather than the merits of the OLC opinion.
• This rule signifies a shift in Second Amendment rights, expanding legal options for firearm transfers.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Postal Service has published a proposed rule that would allow lawful handguns to be mailed through the mail system for the first time in decades. The proposal, published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2026, follows a January opinion from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel concluding that the existing federal ban on mailing concealable firearms is unconstitutional.

The comment period is open now and closes on May 4, 2026. If you have thoughts on how the rule should work, this is your window.

What Changed — and Why

For years, federal law under 18 U.S.C. 1715 made handguns essentially nonmailable through USPS. Rifles and shotguns could move through the mail under certain conditions, but handguns were treated differently. That created a legal inconsistency that gun rights advocates had long challenged.

On January 15, 2026, the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo concluding that Section 1715 is unconstitutional as applied to handguns and other constitutionally protected firearms. OLC directed the Postal Service to update its regulations accordingly. We covered the federal court battle that preceded this shift — you can read that here.

This proposed rule is the Postal Service’s response to that directive.

What the Proposed Rule Would Do

Under the new framework, lawful handguns would be classified as “Mailable Firearms” alongside rifles and shotguns. The rule defines mailable firearms broadly to include pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles — as long as they are legal to possess.

Firearms that remain nonmailable include machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and any firearm that is undetectable by metal detectors and X-ray machines after removal of grips, stocks, and magazines.

Key requirements for mailing handguns under the proposed rule include:

• All mailed firearms must be unloaded.
• No markings on the outside of the package may indicate the contents are a firearm.
• Shipments must use a USPS product that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery, unless shipped between licensed dealers, manufacturers, or importers.
• Mailers must still comply with the Gun Control Act and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Non-FFL owners would be allowed to mail handguns to themselves in another state for lawful activities, or to a licensed FFL dealer. Licensed FFL dealers could ship to each other without restriction.

Now, the Obvious Question

Even if this rule goes into effect, would you really want to mail your handgun through USPS? Think about it. These are the same folks who occasionally deliver your neighbor’s packages to your porch and consider “delivered” a flexible concept. For a firearm, the required tracking and signature capture helps — but plenty of gun owners will probably stick with dedicated shipping carriers for anything valuable. Still, the constitutional principle here matters. The government should not have been banning the mailing of a constitutionally protected item in the first place.

More from USA Carry:

• Are You Illegally Carrying Concealed at the Post Office?
• Armed Good Samaritan Foils Armed Robbery of Mailman
• Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Attempt to Limit USPS Gun Ban Ruling, Expands Protection to SAF and FPC Members
• TGSCom Closes Amid Fraud Complaints and “Financial Issues”
• Gun Owners WIN: DOJ Declares USPS Handgun Ban Unconstitutional in Landmark Second Amendment Ruling

How to Submit Your Comment

The Postal Service has been clear that comments on the merits of the OLC opinion — including which firearms should or shouldn’t be mailable under the Second Amendment — are outside the scope of this rulemaking. What they are asking for is input on the clarity and practical usability of the proposed regulations.

That said, gun owners and Second Amendment advocates should still show up in this process. Your participation signals engagement and helps shape how these regulations are written and enforced going forward.

To submit a comment before the May 4, 2026 deadline:

• By mail: Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015
• By email: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov (include your name and address; use subject line “Shipping Firearms”)
• Online: regulations.gov — search for document number 2026-06376

The Bigger Picture

This rule is a direct result of years of Second Amendment litigation and legal pressure. Courts and legal authorities have increasingly recognized that the right to keep and bear arms extends beyond the home, and that government restrictions on lawful firearms must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. A blanket ban on mailing handguns didn’t meet that standard.

For licensed dealers, gunsmiths, and collectors, this rule could open up meaningful new options for lawful commerce. For individual gun owners, it expands legal pathways for transferring firearms to yourself or to an FFL when traveling or relocating. The rule does not override state laws, so you’ll still need to know the laws in both the origin and destination states before mailing anything.

The comment period closes May 4. Make your voice heard.

Read the original story: USPS May Start Delivering Handguns — But Would You Trust Them With Your Gun?

Key Takeaways

• Match2Cal simplifies adding USPSA matches to your calendar by pulling details directly from PractiScore pages.
• This free tool automatically sends match information to Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or provides an ICS file.
• Users can quickly install a Chrome extension for easy access on desktop, with support for other browsers forthcoming.
• Match2Cal works on mobile through a bookmarklet, making it accessible on iPhone and Android devices.
• It costs nothing and requires no account, streamlining the process of managing match details.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

If you shoot USPSA, you already know that adding a match to your calendar means opening it up, typing in the match name, figuring out the date, hunting down the address, and doing it all manually. Every single time. I got tired of that about five minutes in, so I built Match2Cal instead.

I built something to fix that.

Meet Match2Cal

Match2Cal is a free tool that reads your PractiScore match page and sends everything — match name, date, location, your squad number, your squadmates — straight to Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or an ICS file you can import anywhere. The whole process takes about five seconds.

No account. No app to download. No typing anything manually.

Add your first match now at match2cal.com.

How It Works

Navigate to any match page on PractiScore.com — whether it’s the public registration page or your personal shooter page after you’ve signed up — and click the Match2Cal button. That’s it. You’ll land on a page showing your match details with three buttons: Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Download ICS.

If you’re already registered and squadded, Match2Cal pulls your squad number and every squadmate’s name, division, and class directly from the page and drops it all into your calendar event description so you have everything you need in one place.

Available as a Chrome Extension

The easiest way to use Match2Cal on desktop is the Chrome extension, available now in the Chrome Web Store. Install it once and a small calendar icon lives in your toolbar. When you’re on a PractiScore page, click it — done.

Install the Match2Cal Chrome Extension here.

It works in Chrome, Edge, and Brave. A Firefox extension is also available and a Safari extension for Mac and iPhone is in the works.

More from USA Carry:

• Hawaii Firearm Permits at Record High Level in 2011
• HB 2346 Sidelined
• AR Barrel Steels And Why They Matter
• How I Got to USPSA B Class in 8 Months | What Actually Worked
• Chicago Concealed Carry Holder Shoots Two in Mall Shooting

Works on Your Phone Too

If you’re browsing PractiScore on your iPhone or Android device, Match2Cal has you covered with a bookmarklet — a small piece of code you save as a bookmark in your browser. Visit match2cal.com on your phone for step-by-step instructions to set it up in about two minutes.

It’s Completely Free

Match2Cal costs nothing. There’s no premium tier, no account to create, and no data collected. It does one thing and it does it well.

I built this because I shoot USPSA and I’m too lazy to manually add matches to my calendar. If you’re the same way, you’ll love this.

Read the original story: I Got Tired of Manually Adding USPSA Matches to My Calendar, So I Built Match2Cal — and It’s Free

Key Takeaways

• Maryland lawmakers passed Senate Bill 334, banning the manufacture and sale of ‘machine gun convertible pistols’ starting January 1, 2027.
• The bill targets semiautomatic pistols that can be converted into machine guns with basic tools, further restricting them beyond federal law.
• Exemptions include law enforcement officers and licensed dealers, while individuals may transfer these pistols only to family members.
• Violations lead to a misdemeanor with penalties up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• The bill awaits action from Governor Moore, and the Maryland State Police will regulate and publish a list of prohibited pistols before the law takes effect.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 334, legislation that will ban the manufacture, sale, purchase, and transfer of so-called “machine gun convertible pistols” in the state beginning January 1, 2027. The House gave final approval on April 8, 2026, passing the bill 92-39. The Senate had approved it 28-16 in March. The bill now heads to Governor Wes Moore’s desk.

The bill targets semiautomatic pistols with a cruciform trigger bar that can be converted into a machine gun by attaching a pistol converter to the rear of the slide without any additional machining or engineering. These devices, sometimes called “switches,” are already illegal under federal law, but Maryland’s bill goes further by restricting the pistols themselves if they are designed in a way that makes such conversion readily possible.

Under the legislation, any pistol that can be converted using common household tools would be classified as a “machine gun convertible pistol” and prohibited. The bill specifically includes pistols where a blocking tab on the frame can be removed with basic tools. Standard hammer-fired and striker-fired pistols without a cruciform trigger bar are explicitly excluded from the definition.

The law does carve out several exceptions. Law enforcement officers, active and retired, are exempt. Licensed dealers may still handle these firearms for servicing or transfer to out-of-state buyers. Individuals who already legally own one of these pistols may transfer it to an immediate family member. The Maryland Department of State Police will be required to adopt regulations implementing the law, including publishing a list of specifically prohibited pistols.

Violations carry a misdemeanor penalty of up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, with the sales and transfer ban kicking in January 1, 2027.

More from USA Carry:

• Newsom Signs Law Banning Sale of Most Glocks in California, Targeting ‘Convertible Pistols’
• Maryland Concealed Carry Permit Information
• GOA-Backed Bill Introduces Program to Sell Machine Guns to Law-Abiding Citizens in West Virginia
• National Groups Weigh in on Maryland Concealed Carry Case
• Missouri House Bill Proposes Expansion of Concealed Firearms in Schools

What’s Next

The bill now awaits action from Governor Moore. He has not publicly announced a position on SB 334. If signed, the Maryland State Police will be tasked with developing regulations and publishing a list of prohibited pistols ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date for the sales and transfer ban.

The NRA-ILA has raised concerns that the bill’s language is broad enough to sweep in commonly owned semiautomatic handguns, including Gen 5 and older Glock pistols. That concern is worth watching closely as the State Police begin the process of drafting the prohibited pistols list, since the definition of what qualifies as a “machine gun convertible pistol” will ultimately be shaped by regulation, not just the statute itself.

For Maryland gun owners, the stakes are real. Law-abiding citizens who currently own pistols that fall under this definition could find themselves unable to sell or transfer their legally purchased property once the law takes effect. Anyone in Maryland who owns a Glock or similar striker-fired pistol should monitor the State Police rulemaking process carefully and consult with a Maryland firearms attorney if they have questions about their specific firearm.

Read the original story: Maryland Legislature Passes Bill Banning Machine Gun Convertible Pistols, Including Some Glocks, Sends It to Governor

Key Takeaways

• A Georgia man shot in a road rage incident after defending himself from an attacker who seized his revolver.
• The confrontation escalated quickly when Matthew Seawright attempted to exit his vehicle while an aggressive driver blocked his path.
• Seawright regained control of his revolver during a physical struggle and shot Earnest Howard, who later called 911 after fleeing the scene.
• An off-duty GBI agent mistakenly fired at Seawright without understanding the situation, but Seawright complied with commands immediately.
• The incident highlights important lessons for armed citizens about avoiding confrontation, weapon retention, and handling interactions with law enforcement.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

HULL, GA – A Georgia man shot a road rage attacker who had seized his revolver and tried to use it against him, only to be fired upon seconds later by an off-duty GBI agent who arrived on scene without knowing what had led to the confrontation.

The incident happened around noon on April 4, 2026, on Kimberly Circle near U.S. Highway 29 in Hull. Matthew Seawright, 38, was driving with his teenage daughter when Earnest Howard, 47, of Athens, began brake-checking his truck before stopping and blocking the intersection.

Howard exited his vehicle and approached Seawright while yelling at him. Seawright got out of his truck and placed a revolver in his pocket. Howard then struck Seawright multiple times.

During the struggle, Seawright drew his revolver. Howard gained control of it and attempted to shoot Seawright. Seawright regained control of the weapon and fired several shots, hitting Howard.

At that moment, an off-duty GBI agent traveling north on U.S. Highway 29 witnessed Seawright firing and stopped to intervene. Without the benefit of knowing what had just unfolded, the agent fired multiple rounds at Seawright. Seawright was not struck. He immediately dropped his revolver and complied with the agent’s commands.

Howard drove away into Clarke County, stopped, and called 911 to report he had been shot. EMS transported him to an area hospital. He was later released and booked into the Madison County Jail.

Howard faces charges including Aggravated Assault, Battery, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Cruelty to Children, False Imprisonment, and False Imprisonment of a Person Under the Age of 14. No agents were injured.

The Thomson GBI Regional Investigative Office is conducting both the aggravated assault and officer-involved shooting investigations. The cases will be forwarded to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office once complete.

More from USA Carry:

• Burglar Inside Victim’s Home Shot Dead By Police After Advancing On Them With Knife
• Houston Woman Shoots Food Truck Robber After His Gun Jams
• Off-Duty CPD Officer Engages in Shootout with Attempted Carjackers on Chicago’s Far South Side
• Gun Store Owner Prevents a Possible Mass Shooting
• New Jersey Permit to Carry Fee Nullification Movement in Full Swing

What This Incident Teaches Armed Citizens

This case illustrates three critical lessons for anyone who carries.

First, consider whether you need to exit the vehicle at all. Howard had stopped and was blocking the road, but based on the GBI’s account, there may have been an opportunity to back up or maneuver around the situation rather than engage it on foot. Exiting the truck turned a road rage confrontation into a physical fight. With a teenage daughter in the vehicle, the decision should have weighed heavily toward creating distance and driving away if there was any way to do so. Getting out rarely makes a bad situation better.

Second, weapon retention matters. Once Seawright was in a physical altercation, Howard was able to take his revolver and attempt to shoot him with it. That is exactly the kind of scenario that can turn fatal in seconds. If you carry, train specifically for retention, because a gun you cannot keep in your possession can become a weapon used against you.

Third, how you handle the aftermath of a defensive shooting matters as much as the shooting itself. When the off-duty agent arrived, all he saw was a man firing a gun. Seawright’s immediate compliance after the agent engaged almost certainly prevented a worse outcome. Dropping the firearm and following commands the moment law enforcement arrives are not optional steps.

The Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves against the kind of attack Seawright faced. That right carries with it the responsibility to train, to think through scenarios before they happen, and to make the best decision possible when things escalate fast.

Read the original story: Armed Georgia Man Shoots Road Rage Attacker Who Grabbed His Revolver – Off-Duty GBI Agent Then Opens Fire on Him

Check-In

Walked up to the counter and led with “declaring firearms.” The agent asked about lithium batteries and e-cigarettes — standard screening question — then moved right into the firearm declaration. No hesitation, no confusion.

This trip I used my Stopbox with a single handgun inside. The Stopbox went into my regular piece of luggage. I handed over the declaration form, taped it to the Stopbox, and the bag and I was on its way.

TSA Wait

After checking the bag, I set a 15-minute timer — my usual 15 minutes — and waited near the counter just in case TSA needed access to the bag. They didn’t call. They rarely do.

Arrival

Bag came out on the carousel in Las Vegas. Because the hard-sided case was packed inside a regular piece of luggage, it “travels as standard checked baggage and”usually” comes out with everything else. Checked the Stopbox lock on arrival — still in place, no issues.

I also run AirTags in both the luggage and the hard-sided case. It takes the guesswork out of tracking and gives a real-time location on the bag from the moment it leaves the counter. Worth having.

Final Thoughts

Another smooth one. MSY to LAS, declared at the counter, bag on the carousel, lock intact. Consistent and predictable — that’s the whole point.

Read the original story: Flying with Guns: Episode 51 – Southwest from New Orleans to Las Vegas

Key Takeaways

• West Virginia Governor approved House Bill 4106, extending permitless carry to adults aged 18-20, effective June 12, 2026.
• Previously, permitless carry only applied to those 21 and older, creating stricter rules for those under 21.
• The new law allows qualified residents aged 18 and older to carry a concealed weapon without a license, affirming Second Amendment rights regardless of age.
• The law keeps prohibitions for felons and individuals under domestic violence protective orders while clarifying rules for minors.
• Optional licenses remain for those seeking reciprocity in other states.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Governor approved House Bill 4106 on April 1, 2026, extending the state’s permitless carry law to adults between the ages of 18 and 20. The law takes effect June 12, 2026, 90 days from its passage by the legislature.

The bill was introduced in the House on January 14, 2026, and passed the House on February 17 before moving to the Senate. The Senate passed the bill with amendments on March 13, and both chambers reconciled the final version on March 14. It was sent to the governor on March 25.

Under the new law, any West Virginia resident who is at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a concealed deadly weapon without a license. Previously, permitless carry in the state applied only to those 21 and older, while adults under 21 faced a separate and more restrictive set of rules.

HB 4106 repeals the section of state code that made it a crime for persons under 21 to carry a concealed weapon without a license. The bill also removes the exceptions that had previously applied only to 18-to-20-year-olds, folding that age group into the general permitless carry framework.

All existing prohibitions remain in place. Anyone convicted of a felony, subject to a qualifying domestic violence protective order, adjudicated mentally incompetent, or otherwise disqualified under state or federal law is still prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm.

The law also clarifies rules for minors under 18. Those under 18 who are not married or emancipated are still prohibited from carrying a deadly weapon in public, with limited exceptions for hunting, family property, and situations with parental and property-owner permission.

More from USA Carry:

• Florida Bill Could Make More Than Half the Country Constitutional Carry
• No Right To Concealed Carry, Says California Appeals Court
• What To Do If Your Concealed Carry Permit Is On Hold
• Florida’s Permitless Carry Bill: FBI & NICS, Red Flag Law & Criminal Data
• Ohio Aims to Join List of Permitless Carry States

The bill was sponsored by Delegates Horst, Brooks, Dean, Holstein, Kimble, Mallow, Martin, Masters, Phillips, Ridenour, and B. Ward.

For law-abiding adults between 18 and 20, this change is significant. Under federal law, this age group can already legally purchase and possess long guns, and many can purchase handguns through private sales. Extending permitless carry to this group recognizes that the Second Amendment does not come with an age qualifier for adults. A 19-year-old has the same right to self-defense as a 30-year-old, and West Virginia’s legislature has now affirmed that in statute.

If you carry in West Virginia or travel through the state, the new law takes effect June 12, 2026. Adults 18 and older who are otherwise eligible will no longer need a license to carry concealed. Optional licenses will remain available for those who want reciprocity in other states.

Read the original story: Adults 18 and Older Can Now Carry Concealed Without a License in West Virginia Starting June 12

Key Takeaways

• A teenage boy shot a man attacking his mother in their home in Owensboro, KY.
• The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Christopher Ray, was shot after physically assaulting the woman.
• The juvenile retrieved a firearm to defend his mother, and authorities released him pending a full investigation.
• Kentucky law allows the use of force in defense of another person facing imminent danger.
• This incident highlights the importance of the Second Amendment in protecting families from violent threats.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

OWENSBORO, KY – A teenage boy fatally shot a man who was physically attacking his mother inside their home, according to the Owensboro Police Department and the Daviess County Coroner’s Office.

Officers responded to a shooting shortly after 7:00 p.m. last Friday in the 3000 block of Daviess Street. When they arrived, they found an adult male inside the residence with a gunshot wound. Emergency personnel from the Owensboro Fire Department and American Medical Response transported him to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Daviess County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 30-year-old Christopher Ray.

The initial investigation revealed that Ray was physically assaulting an adult woman inside the home. Her juvenile son, fearing for his mother’s life, retrieved a firearm and shot Ray in her defense. After consulting with the County and Commonwealth Attorney, investigators released the juvenile to his mother’s custody pending a full review of the evidence.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division and Evidence Collection Unit continued working the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.

More from USA Carry:

• Security Guard Fatally Shoots Armed Man During Party Altercation in Owensboro, Kentucky
• Mother of 3 Shoots Intruder Twice in the Chest As He Was Breaking In
• Kentucky High Court: Guns in Car Legal on Campus
• Kentucky Homeowner Shoots Man Attempting To Unlawfully Enter His Home
• Homeowner Shoots Intruder Who Claimed She Wanted to Buy His House at 5AM

A Son’s Decision

This case reflects a reality that armed citizens understand: there are moments when a family member must act to stop a violent threat to someone they love. A child, seeing his mother in danger, made a decision that likely saved her life.

Kentucky law recognizes the right to use force in defense of another person when that person faces an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. The prosecutor’s decision to release the juvenile pending review suggests the facts, as they stand, align with that legal framework.

The Second Amendment’s protection of the right to keep a firearm in the home exists precisely for moments like this one. Access to a lawfully kept firearm may have been the deciding factor between life and death for this mother.

Read the original story: Teen Boy Shoots and Kills Man Who Was Attacking His Mother Inside Their Kentucky Home

Key Takeaways

• A homeowner shot and killed a home invader early Monday morning in Chicago’s South Side.
• The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the intruder charged at the homeowner, who acted in self-defense.
• Police found the suspect with a gunshot wound to the chest, and he died at the scene.
• Illinois law permits the use of deadly force against imminent threats in one’s home, highlighting the importance of lawful firearm ownership.
• Area Two detectives are currently investigating the shooting incident.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

CHICAGO, IL – A home invader was shot and killed inside a South Side residence early Monday morning after the homeowner opened fire in self-defense, Chicago police say.

As reported by ABC7 Chicago, the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the 2200-block of East 103rd Street. Officers responding to the scene found the unidentified male suspect shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene.

The 33-year-old homeowner told police that the intruder entered his home and charged directly at him. He fired his weapon, striking the suspect in the chest. No charges against the homeowner have been announced.

Area Two detectives are investigating the incident.

A Note for Armed Citizens

This incident is a reminder of why lawful firearm ownership matters. When an intruder enters your home, the threat of serious bodily harm or death can materialize in seconds. Illinois law recognizes the right to use deadly force when facing an imminent threat inside your own home. The Second Amendment exists precisely so that law-abiding citizens are not left defenseless in moments like this one.

More from USA Carry:

• Woman w/ CCW Fights Off Robbery Suspects in South Side Chicago
• Woman Shoots Two Early Morning Burglars Then Gets Pepper Sprayed
• 19-Year-Old Apartment Resident Fires On Three Armed Intruders; Hitting Two
• Concealed Carrier Not Charged After Shooting 16-Year-Old; Police Say It Was In Self-Defense
• Florida Sheriff After Homeowner Shoots Intruder: “Expect to Get Shot”

Read the original story: Homeowner Shoots and Kills Intruder Who Charged at Him Inside Chicago Home

Key Takeaways

• On April 2, 2026, a neighbor shot an armed man during a domestic violence incident in Puyallup, WA.
• The altercation escalated from a family home to the street, resulting in two female victims being shot.
• The suspect was shot by the neighbor after he had fired at the women, leading to one victim being hospitalized and the other two declared dead.
• Puyallup Police are investigating the incident, highlighting the rapid escalation of family disputes into life-threatening situations.
• This case emphasizes the importance of lawful defensive gun use under the Second Amendment during imminent threats.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

PUYALLUP, WA – A neighbor intervened in a deadly domestic violence incident on April 2, 2026, shooting an armed man who had just fired on two female family members in a residential driveway.

According to the Puyallup Police Department, officers responded at approximately 9:10 a.m. to the 1200 block of 31st St NW following reports of a domestic dispute. What began as a family altercation inside a nearby home moved into the street and eventually into a neighbor’s driveway and garage.

During the confrontation, one adult male family member produced a handgun and shot two adult female family members. The resident of the property where the dispute had moved was inside the home at the time. He exited and shot the male suspect, who had already fired on the two women.

Central Pierce Fire and Rescue responded and transported one of the female victims to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other female victim and the male suspect were pronounced dead at the scene.

More From USA Carry:

• Armed Carjacker in Critical Condition Because the Car Owner Had a Gun Too
• Armed Confrontation with Car Burglars Leaves Homeowner Wounded in Driveway Shootout
• Suspect Shot by Homeowner During Attempted Tire Theft in Los Angeles Driveway
• Preemption Laws and the Use of Firearms and Ammo
• Warning Shot Fired In Dispute Over Parked Car Blocking Driveway

Detectives from the Puyallup Police Department Criminal Investigations Division are leading the investigation. Detectives from the Metro Cities Crime Response Unit are also assisting on scene.

This incident is a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can turn life-threatening, even when it begins as a family dispute in a residential neighborhood. The neighbor’s decision to act came in response to an immediate and visible threat to human life. Lawful defensive gun use exists precisely for moments like this one, when a person faces an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm and has no time to wait for help to arrive.

The Second Amendment protects the individual right to keep and bear arms, and that right can matter most when seconds count and lives are on the line.

Read the original story: Armed Neighbor Stops Gunman After He Shoots Two Women in Washington Driveway

Key Takeaways

• Starting to compete in USPSA dramatically improves your skills; matches quickly expose weaknesses.
• Consistent dry fire practice, even for short sessions, is crucial for honing your shooting skills.
• Remove friction in your setup to encourage practice, and focus on fundamentals over speed for improvement.
• Competition shooting enhances defensive shooting skills, blending the two disciplines effectively.
• Nobody judges your skill level at matches; just show up and enjoy the experience to advance in classification.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

I went from my first USPSA match to B class in about eight months. I didn’t do anything crazy, but I did do a few things consistently. If you’re thinking about competing or you’re stuck in C or D class, here’s what actually helped me.

A Little Background First

Sometime last year I was trying to get better at shooting, which sent me down a rabbit hole of Ben Stoeger and Joel Park content. That led me into USPSA competition. Around June, I was doing dry fire and following their books. I was calling it my midlife shooting crisis. I wanted to get better at shooting, but I had to define what “better” even meant.

Once I started training with competition in mind, I realized I should go validate my skills at a match and see what happened. I wanted a way to test my training under pressure. Not just my own pressure with a timer on the range, but real match pressure.

The competition side was completely new to me. I’ve been shooting most of my life, and after launching USA Carry in 2007 I did some structured training, mostly defensive and concealed carry classes. No competition background at all.

Here’s what I learned along the way.

Lesson 1: Just Start Competing

Stop overthinking it. You don’t need to be ready. Matches expose your weaknesses fast. You’ll probably learn more about what you need to work on in one match than in multiple range sessions.

Before my first match I did take a competition class from Grandmaster Joon Kim. It focused heavily on movement, which was something I hadn’t been thinking about much. It opened my eyes to a whole other aspect of the sport. I was definitely in over my head, but I took a lot away from it.

The bigger point is this: get to a match. It’s the fastest way to understand what actually needs work.

Lesson 2: Dry Fire Is Everything

I’m not going to tell you I dry fired every single day for 30 minutes since June, because that didn’t happen. But I was consistent. I was dry firing four to five days a week, getting in anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes per session.

The drills I did most consistently were pretty boring. I used a shot timer to work on my grip from the holster, not even drawing, just getting a solid grip over and over. A lot of trigger control at speed, one shot, trying not to disturb the sights. I worked on grip pressure and transitions.

Most of my improvement didn’t come from the live fire range. It came from putting in the time at home for free. No ammo, no range fees. Dry fire is where you hone your skills. Live fire is where you validate them.

Lesson 3: Remove Friction

If it’s hard to start, you’re just not going to do it.

I keep dry fire targets set up around my office and living room on stands and walls so I can move them easily. My magazines are already loaded with SnapPoint USA dummy rounds. These are painted, true-weight dummy rounds that weight the gun down the same as live ammo. I also run a mag block so the slide doesn’t lock back during dry fire.

Everything is already set up and ready to go when I am. If it takes you 30 minutes to set up for a 15-minute dry fire session, you’re not going to do it. Keep the setup simple.

More from USA Carry:

• Making Competition Part of Your Defensive Training
• Live, Practice, and Compete from Concealment
• What I Learned From a USPSA Grand Master With Zero Match Experience
• How a USPSA Grand Master Enters Positions vs. First-Timer (Me)
• Does Competition Shooting Have Practical Applications?

Lesson 4: Fundamentals Over Speed

I didn’t have a single big moment where everything clicked. It was gradual improvement from dry fire at home, live fire at the range, and then putting it to the test at matches.

At my most recent match I shot 53 alphas, 10 Charlies, 4 deltas, and 2 mikes. Looking at that, I left knowing I need to clean up my hits. That comes down to fundamentals, not just going faster. You can’t outshoot your fundamentals.

Lesson 5: Tools vs. Simplicity

I’m not knocking any of the dry fire tools out there. I have most of them. I’ve used the Mantis X, Laser Academy, dry fire mags, and the ACE XR VR system. They all have their place.

But these past few months I’ve been defaulting to simplicity. I train with my actual competition gun or my carry gun. My gun in my hands, dummy rounds in the magazine, targets on the walls. That’s it. I feel like it’s given me a better feel for the gun than anything else.

I still use the ACE VR system for stage planning. I can set up a run one way, see my time, run it differently, and compare. That kind of decision-making should carry over to real stages. But for the fundamentals side of things, simple wins.

The best setup is the one you’re actually going to use. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Lesson 6: Competition Shooting Helps With Defensive Shooting

I don’t buy the argument that competition is going to get you killed in the streets. Going down this rabbit hole hasn’t changed my mind about carrying or what I carry. But it has improved my shooting across the board. My grip, transitions, and target confirmation have all gotten better, and that carries over to my concealed carry gun.

I actually compete using a concealment appendix holster from Carey Concealment, since I carry concealed and own USA Carry. I feel like I’m blending the two worlds. I’m working on draws from concealment in competition, which is how I carry anyway. The skills transfer. They always have.

Lesson 7: Nobody Cares About Your Skill Level

I wasn’t too anxious going into my first match, which surprised me. But I understand the anxiety of putting your skills in front of other people. The truth is, nobody cares.

Everyone I’ve met at matches has been supportive and helpful. I’ve been squadded with grandmasters and masters and they’ve all been great. Nobody cares if you’re unclassified, C class, or D class. Just be safe. That’s it.

If you’re not competing because you’re worried about what people will think, just show up. Those jitters will go away after the first stage or two, and you’re going to have a blast.

How the B Class Happened

I didn’t fully understand the classification system at first. I thought I needed eight classifiers to get classified. What I didn’t know is that USPSA classifies you after your first four. So most of last year I was running as unclassified when I was technically already a C class.

About a month ago I signed up for a five-stage all-classifier match and started looking at my numbers. I was less than one percent away from B class going in. I tried to tell myself not to think about it. Easier said than done.

I ran the match, threw some deltas, had a couple of mikes, and left not feeling great about it. Went to lunch with the guys from my squad and figured maybe it didn’t happen. No big deal.

USPSA stats update Tuesday night. But I couldn’t wait that long. Monday morning I built my own spreadsheet and did the math because apparently Practice Score has a bug in its percentage calculations. I did the math myself and confirmed it. I made B class.

Does it mean anything? Personally, yes. It validates that the training is working and I’m making progress. But B class is not a finish line. I’ve got the bug. I want to get to A class, then master, maybe one day grandmaster. We’ll see.

I’m going to keep doing the same things: dry fire, fundamentals, live fire validation, and matches when I can. I’ve got another training session coming up with Joon Kim and I’m not going to pass that up. How often do you get to train with a grandmaster?

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about competing, just go do it. Nobody cares about your skill level. You’ll have fun, you’ll get hooked, and you’ll meet a lot of good people.

If you’re stuck in C or D class, dry fire consistently. Pick up Baseline Dry Fire by Ben Stoeger and Joel Park, follow their plans, and work on fundamentals. Keep it simple.

I’m 47 years old and I got to B class in about eight months. It’s not that complicated. Put in the work and the results will follow.

Read the original story: How I Got to USPSA B Class in 8 Months | What Actually Worked

Key Takeaways

• The First Circuit ruled Maine’s 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases is likely constitutional, reversing a previous injunction.
• Plaintiffs argued the law violates Second Amendment rights, citing difficulties in immediate access to firearms for self-defense.
• The court found the waiting period regulates pre-purchase conduct and does not infringe Second Amendment rights according to previous Supreme Court rulings.
• This ruling contrasts with a recent Tenth Circuit decision, increasing the chances of Supreme Court review on waiting period laws.
• The case highlights the impacts of waiting periods on individuals needing quick access to firearms, especially in urgent situations.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

PORTLAND, ME – A federal appeals court has ruled that Maine’s 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases is likely constitutional, reversing a lower court decision that had temporarily blocked the law from taking effect.

The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued its decision on April 3, 2026, in Beckwith v. Frey. The three-judge panel vacated a preliminary injunction that had been granted by a federal district court in February 2025, and sent the case back for further proceedings.

Maine’s waiting period law, Me. Stat. tit. 25, § 2016, took effect on August 9, 2024. It prohibits licensed sellers from delivering a firearm to a buyer less than 72 hours after the purchase agreement is made. The law was passed in the aftermath of the October 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, which killed 18 people and injured 13 others.

The plaintiffs include gun shop owners, firearms instructors, and individual buyers who argued the law violated their Second Amendment rights. Among them was Andrea Beckwith, who runs East Coast School of Safety, an organization that provides firearms training to domestic violence victims. Beckwith argued the law interfered with her ability to help women facing credible, imminent threats arm themselves immediately.

Another plaintiff, Nancy Coshow, said she was forced to drive 80 miles twice in three days to purchase and then pick up a handgun, despite passing an immediate background check and being an experienced gun owner.

The district court had sided with the plaintiffs, finding they were likely to succeed on the merits of their facial Second Amendment challenge. The court applied the two-step framework established by the Supreme Court in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n, Inc. v. Bruen (2022) and concluded the state had not shown the law was consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

The First Circuit disagreed with that approach. Writing for the panel, Circuit Judge Aframe concluded the analysis should not have reached step two of the Bruen framework at all.

More from USA Carry:

• Federal Court Blocks Maine’s 72-Hour Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases
• Concealed Handgun License No Longer Needed in Maine
• Maine Bills Seek Improvement in Carry Laws
• The East Coast Storm and 72-hour kits
• Two More States Go Shall Issue, Removing ‘Good Cause’ When Applying – Maryland & Massachusetts

The court held that Maine’s waiting period regulates conduct that occurs before a person keeps or carries a firearm, placing it outside the plain text of the Second Amendment. Because the law delays but does not deny a lawful purchase, the court treated it as a condition on the commercial sale of firearms — a category the Supreme Court has called “presumptively lawful” under District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).

The court compared the waiting period to “shall-issue” concealed carry licensing regimes, which the Supreme Court noted in Bruen are presumptively constitutional because they delay rather than deny the right to bear arms. The First Circuit applied the same reasoning here, finding the 72-hour wait to be a non-abusive burden on, rather than an infringement of, Second Amendment rights.

The plaintiffs argued the law was abusive because it applies broadly without any individualized assessment of whether a buyer is law-abiding or responsible. The court rejected that argument, noting that shall-issue licensing regimes also apply universally and that the Maine law includes several exceptions — including for law enforcement, family member transfers, antique firearms, and transactions not requiring a background check under federal or state law.

The decision puts the First Circuit at odds with the Tenth Circuit, which recently ruled in Ortega v. Grisham (2025) that a similar seven-day waiting period in New Mexico was likely unconstitutional after applying both steps of the Bruen analysis. That split in appellate authority increases the likelihood that the Supreme Court may eventually weigh in on waiting period laws.

This ruling is a reminder of the real-world consequences these laws carry. Waiting period requirements can affect anyone who needs a firearm quickly for personal protection, particularly women fleeing dangerous situations or individuals who face an immediate threat. The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental civil right, and delays in exercising that right are never without cost, even when courts find them permissible.

The case now returns to the district court for further proceedings.

Read the original story: Maine’s 72-Hour Gun Wait Survives Court Challenge as First Circuit Reverses Lower Court Ruling

Key Takeaways

• A fatal shooting in Harris County involved 32-year-old Monae Brooks, who was confronted by a stranger while her children watched from her vehicle.
• Prior to the incident, Brooks reported a bullet found on her car and displayed signs of distress towards a van driver.
• Brooks exited her vehicle with a pistol after confronting the van driver, who then shot her in self-defense.
• Her two children were unharmed and placed with family members by CPS following the incident.
• Authorities are still investigating, and it remains unclear if any charges will be filed against the van driver.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A confrontation between two strangers in a residential neighborhood ended in a fatal shooting Wednesday afternoon, with the woman’s two young children witnessing the incident from inside her vehicle.

The Harris County Medical Examiner identified the woman as 32-year-old Monae Brooks. She was killed on Rusty Ridge Lane in the Highland Creek Ranch neighborhood after a roadside confrontation with a man she did not know.

The incident began earlier that morning. As reported by ABC13, home security cameras recorded what appeared to be a woman walking with a gun at around 10 a.m. A homeowner called police, and responding officers later confirmed the woman on the footage was Brooks, a neighbor.

Before the shooting, Brooks contacted law enforcement herself to report that a bullet had been left on top of her vehicle. A deputy was en route to take that report when calls about a shooting began coming in.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a van driver pulling a small work trailer moved over to allow Brooks’ vehicle to pass. Instead of continuing, Brooks stopped her car and got out. Witnesses and surveillance footage indicated she was visibly upset and began yelling at the driver.

Authorities said Brooks then retrieved a pistol from her vehicle. The van driver drew his own firearm and shot her. She collapsed at the scene and was pronounced dead. A witness named Omar Velazquez said he ran outside after hearing gunshots and saw the two children crying inside the car.

Brooks’ 8-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son were in the vehicle along with their dog. Neither child was physically harmed. The children have since been placed with family by CPS.

The van driver remained at the scene, called 911, and cooperated fully with investigators. Authorities said the two individuals had no known connection to each other. The sheriff’s office has not announced whether any charges will be filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Brooks’ mother said her daughter had been struggling with her mental health in the days leading up to the shooting and that she is heartbroken over what happened.

This case is a sobering reminder of how quickly a roadside encounter can turn deadly. The Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm for self-defense, and that right can matter in seconds when a confrontation turns life-threatening. Whether in a vehicle or on foot, maintaining situational awareness and a calm demeanor can be the difference between a tense moment and a tragedy.

Read the original story: Texas Man Shoots and Kills Woman Who Drew Gun on Him First During Neighborhood Road Confrontation, Kids in Car

Key Takeaways

• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear vetoed House Bill 312, which aimed to allow adults aged 18 to 20 to obtain provisional concealed carry licenses.
• In his veto, Beshear cited age restrictions already in place and concerns about young adults carrying concealed weapons.
• The bill had strong support, passing both chambers of the General Assembly with significant margins before the veto.
• The legislation intended to provide young adults with a standard for carrying firearms while not changing firearm possession laws.
• Kentucky’s constitution allows for a veto override, but the bill’s vote margins fell short of the usual two-thirds requirement.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

FRANKFORT, KY — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 312, blocking legislation that would have allowed adults aged 18 to 20 to obtain provisional concealed carry licenses in the Commonwealth.

The governor signed the veto on April 3, 2026, citing age-related restrictions already in place under Kentucky law as justification for his decision. In his veto message, Beshear pointed to existing laws that prohibit those under 21 from renting cars, purchasing alcohol, buying tobacco products, and holding seats in the state legislature.

“While I believe in the Second Amendment,” Beshear wrote, “minors under age 21 could carry concealed deadly weapons, even though federal law restricts their ability to buy handguns.”

The governor also referenced a personal connection to gun violence, invoking the memory of Tommy Elliott, a friend he said was killed along with four others in a shooting three years ago. He stated he was vetoing the bill in Elliott’s honor.

More from USA Carry:

• Lawmakers Approve First Step for Concealed Carry Licenses for 18- to 20-Year-Olds in Kentucky
• Kentucky Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Licenses for 18- to 20-Year-Olds
• Kentucky High Court: Guns in Car Legal on Campus
• Norwalk Business Owner Fatally Shoots Burglary Suspect During Attempted Robbery After Being Pepper Sprayed
• Kentucky Homeowner Shoots Man Attempting To Unlawfully Enter His Home

The veto comes after the bill cleared both chambers of the General Assembly with strong margins. The Senate approved the measure 30-7 on March 20, following a 73-17 House vote earlier in the session.

As covered previously here on USA Carry, House Bill 312 would have required the Kentucky State Police to issue provisional concealed carry licenses to individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 who met the same eligibility requirements as older applicants, including background checks and mandatory firearms training. The provisional license would have remained valid until the holder turned 21, at which point they could transition to a standard license without repeating training.

The legislation did not change who could legally possess a firearm. It focused specifically on how law-abiding young adults could carry for personal protection.

With the veto, Kentucky does not join the growing list of states that have extended concealed carry eligibility to adults under 21. The General Assembly could still attempt to override the veto. Kentucky’s constitution requires a majority vote in both chambers to override a governor’s veto, and the bill’s margins in both chambers fell short of the two-thirds threshold typically needed in other states, though Kentucky’s override process differs.

Adults aged 18 to 20 remain legal adults under both state and federal law, with the right to possess firearms and the responsibility that comes with it. The outcome of this veto is a reminder that Second Amendment rights, like all civil rights, can face political obstacles even when legislation has strong legislative support. Staying engaged with state-level developments is part of being an informed and responsible gun owner.

Read the original story: Kentucky Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed Concealed Carry Licenses for 18- to 20-Year-Olds

Key Takeaways

• A North Charlotte couple faced an intruder early Wednesday, prompting the homeowner to defend himself and his partner.
• The homeowner confronted the intruder within seconds and fired a weapon, but the suspect fled the scene.
• The couple is now left with concerns about their safety and uncertainty about the intruder’s return.
• North Carolina’s Castle Doctrine allows homeowners to use deadly force against intruders, reinforcing the right to self-defense.
• The incident highlights the importance of having accessible firearms and being prepared to act in home defense situations.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

CHARLOTTE, NC – A North Charlotte couple was jolted awake early Wednesday morning by the sound of someone breaking into their home along Glen Brook Road off West Sugar Creek Road. Within seconds, the homeowner was face to face with the intruder and made a split-second decision to defend himself and his partner.

As reported by WSOC TV, the suspect was inside the home for roughly 10 seconds before the homeowner confronted them in the hallway and opened fire. “You don’t know how many people it is; you don’t know what their intentions are; you don’t know anything,” the homeowner said. “You just know somebody’s breaking in, so all you can do at that moment is protect yourself.”

The homeowner says he does not know whether he hit the suspect. The intruder fled the scene, leaving behind a bullet hole in the wall and a front door that had to be boarded up. The couple retreated to a bathroom and waited there until police arrived.

The homeowner’s partner spoke about the moment and the person who kept them safe. “He saved my life, saved my dog’s life,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a better significant other in this situation.”

Now the couple is left with lingering uncertainty. “It’s just a matter of will they come back, what will happen?” the partner said. Channel 9 reached out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for updates on any leads, but had not received a response as of the time of the report.

North Carolina’s Castle Doctrine allows homeowners to use deadly force against an intruder who has forced entry into their home. There is no duty to retreat, and the law shields residents from civil and criminal liability when force is used lawfully in defense of their lives.

More from USA Carry:

• Woman fights back, shoots suspect after 5 men try to rob her at ATM
• 11-Year-Old Uses Gun to Defend His Mother from Being Attacked
• DoorDash Driver Indicted for Murder After Shooting Teen Who Tried to Steal His Car in Charlotte
• City Bus Driver Fatally Shot In Road Rage Incident – Union Calls For Action In A “Fatal Environment”
• [Watch] Armed Charlotte Bus Driver in Shootout with Passenger

This incident is a clear example of why so many Americans choose to keep a firearm in the home. When an intruder breaks through your front door in the middle of the night, there is no time to wait for help to arrive. The Second Amendment exists precisely to protect a person’s ability to defend their life in moments like this one, and North Carolina’s Castle Doctrine backs that right with the force of state law.

The homeowner’s instinct to act without hesitation likely made the difference. Having a firearm accessible and being mentally prepared to use it in a genuine threat situation are two of the most important elements of home defense.

Read the original story: “All You Can Do Is Protect Yourself”: North Charlotte Man Fires on Burglar Who Forced His Way Inside