GOP’s November Game Plan: Gun Rights Advocates Unveil Strategy at Republican Convention

Republicans at a concealed carry event on Tuesday reiterated their unwavering support for Second Amendment rights, despite a recent attack on their presidential nominee. The one-hour session, hosted by the U.S. Concealed Carry Association near the Republican National Convention, prohibited attendees from carrying firearms due to Secret Service security measures.

Speakers included Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita and three members of Congress. LaCivita emphasized the party’s commitment to defending Second Amendment rights, focusing on the significant impact of judicial appointments. “What we’ll see is a continuation of supporting and defending the Second Amendment, particularly through the judiciary,” LaCivita stated. “President Trump’s first term notably reshaped the judiciary, and that will continue.”

Florida U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack firmly dismissed any notion of the GOP reconsidering its Second Amendment stance. “No single individual can change our Constitution and our right to bear arms,” Cammack said. She referred to a recent tragic incident where Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left one person dead and two injured. “We will always stand for the Constitution and our right to bear arms,” added Cammack.

Cammack criticized lawmakers who call for gun control following tragic events. “It’s shocking and inappropriate,” she remarked. “After such incidents, many politicians push for gun control, which is clearly not the right time.” She noted the absence of similar calls from Democrats following the Trump shooting, indicating a “disingenuous attitude” in some remarks.

During the panel, Cammack urged Republicans to engage with millions of hunters and gun owners who are not registered to vote. “This is a missed opportunity for us as advocates to secure victory,” Cammack stressed. She highlighted the importance of nationwide concealed carry reciprocity, a law that’ll require states with stricter laws to recognize out-of-state permits.

Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald warned gun rights advocates to remain vigilant. “Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels often push incremental changes to gun ownership laws,” Fitzgerald said. “We must be diligent in protecting this constitutional guarantee right against misleading bills framed as security measures,” he concluded.