The Trump administration has taken a starkly authoritarian turn when it comes to gun rights, with the Justice Department now formally embracing the idea that citizens carrying legal firearms can be shot on sight. This shift in policy is being championed by the president himself, who has long professed his love of the Second Amendment but is now sanctioning deadly force against those who exercise their right to bear arms.
In a shocking statement, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli declared that if you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you. This pronouncement has sent shockwaves through the gun community, with leaders of pro-gun groups immediately distancing themselves from the White House line.
The move is a stark departure from Trump's campaign promises, which included expanding access to firearms and dismantling restrictive regulations. Instead, the administration seems determined to expand federal power over citizens who legally carry guns, using the excuse that they pose a threat to public safety.
Gun rights advocates are outraged by this new doctrine, with many claiming it is an attempt to turn law enforcement into a powerful tool for policing and regulating American citizens. "If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you" - this is not the Second Amendment utopia that Trump promised his supporters.
The move has also been criticized by some Republican lawmakers, who have expressed concerns about the potential dangers of relying on deadly force to resolve situations involving armed citizens. In contrast, veteran gun rights commentator Stephen Gutowski reminded followers that carrying extra magazines is common for permit holders and that people should not fear interacting with police officers simply because they are lawfully carrying a firearm.
For many Second Amendment stalwarts, the Trump administration's new stance is the ultimate betrayal. The man who vowed never to infringe on gun rights is now sanctioning lethal force against his own voters. If this shift endures, it points toward a country with more federal deployments, more armed encounters, and a Second Amendment that exists in theory but not in practice.
The implications of this move are far-reaching and alarming. It highlights the dangers of a president who is willing to use executive authority to silence critics and undermine democratic institutions. The Intercept will continue to monitor this situation and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
In a shocking statement, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli declared that if you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you. This pronouncement has sent shockwaves through the gun community, with leaders of pro-gun groups immediately distancing themselves from the White House line.
The move is a stark departure from Trump's campaign promises, which included expanding access to firearms and dismantling restrictive regulations. Instead, the administration seems determined to expand federal power over citizens who legally carry guns, using the excuse that they pose a threat to public safety.
Gun rights advocates are outraged by this new doctrine, with many claiming it is an attempt to turn law enforcement into a powerful tool for policing and regulating American citizens. "If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you" - this is not the Second Amendment utopia that Trump promised his supporters.
The move has also been criticized by some Republican lawmakers, who have expressed concerns about the potential dangers of relying on deadly force to resolve situations involving armed citizens. In contrast, veteran gun rights commentator Stephen Gutowski reminded followers that carrying extra magazines is common for permit holders and that people should not fear interacting with police officers simply because they are lawfully carrying a firearm.
For many Second Amendment stalwarts, the Trump administration's new stance is the ultimate betrayal. The man who vowed never to infringe on gun rights is now sanctioning lethal force against his own voters. If this shift endures, it points toward a country with more federal deployments, more armed encounters, and a Second Amendment that exists in theory but not in practice.
The implications of this move are far-reaching and alarming. It highlights the dangers of a president who is willing to use executive authority to silence critics and undermine democratic institutions. The Intercept will continue to monitor this situation and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
and the president is actually sanctioning it too? Like what happened to his campaign promises about expanding access to firearms? It just feels so wrong to me, especially when theres already so many gun laws on the books. And now law enforcement is basically saying they have the power to shoot you if you approach them with a gun? That's insane! 
I remember when I was at college we had a guy who was in a club that allowed us to carry guns on campus and it was never an issue, but this is different because its not just about clubs, its about everyday people exercising their right to bear arms. I think its time for the government to revisit these laws and make sure theyre fair for everyone 
. They're basically saying that if you have a legit firearm, you're fair game for cops 
. What about the 2nd Amendment? Is that just a suggestion now? 
And those Republican lawmakers who spoke out are getting roasted 
. The man's own voters are being turned into threats 
. It's all about executive power and silencing dissent 
. This is the ultimate betrayal for gun rights advocates 
. We need to keep an eye on this situation and make sure our voices aren't silenced 
.
, how can they do this?! I mean, I always knew Trump was a polarizing figure, but this is just insane 
. And what about all the gun safety classes and responsible ownership advice that people have been taught their whole lives? Doesn't anyone care about that anymore? 
. This is a huge step backwards for gun rights and democracy as a whole. Can we please get some real news coverage on this?! 
. I mean, Trump was all about gun rights and Second Amendment stuff during his campaign, but now it feels like he's just using that as an excuse to get rid of anyone who disagrees with him.
. I mean, who wants to live in a country where police officers have the power to shoot you just because you're carrying a gun? Not me 
this is really worrying, the idea that you can just be shot by law enforcement if you're carrying a gun, it's like they're saying we don't trust our own people with firearms 
. I can see why pro-gun groups are so upset about this and I have to agree with them, it feels like a huge betrayal of Trump's campaign promises 
. It's not just about gun rights, it's about the principle of the thing, if you're going to take away our freedoms, at least have the courage to do it through democratic channels 
.
? It's like Trump is trying to turn the whole country into a war zone 
. We can't have a country where law enforcement has the power to shoot people without a second thought 
i mean, trump said he was gonna protect our 2nd amendment rights but now he's just handing out death warrants 
what's next, is he gonna start rounding up ppl who don't like him? 