By: Teresa Mull
Amy Coney Barrett has officially been confirmed as a judge on the U.S. Supreme Court. So what does her confirmation mean for gun owners?
It’s hard to predict.
“Gun owners are thrilled to see the addition of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court,” Ryan Flugaur, vice-president at National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), told GPM. “With her confirmation, we’re looking forward with great optimism that the court might finally reverse what Justice Clarence Thomas rightfully called it’s ‘decade-long failure to protect the Second Amendment.’ With several gun rights cases making their way through lower courts, we anticipate the new 6-3 majority will have plenty of opportunities overturn infringements on all of our Constitutionally protected rights. Of course, with Joe Biden threatening to pack the courts if he wins and Chief Justice John Roberts sitting on the fence, nothing’s a sure bet until it happens.”
During her confirmation hearings, NAGR and Gun Owners of America (GOA) made the case for Barrett’s confirmation.
“Moms Demand Action and Everytown’s notion that Amy Coney Barrett could strike down gun control is exactly why we need Barrett on the Court,” said Erich Pratt, GOA’s senior vice-president.
During her hearing, Barrett made several pro-gun statements and confirmed that her family owns at least one firearm. Senator Tom Cotton, Republican from Arkansas, in an opinion piece for Fox News, urged the nation to support Barrett, writing:
Judge Barrett’s respect for the Constitution and our historical tradition as a nation make her a worthy addition to the Supreme Court. Confirming her nomination could cement a solid majority of justices who are committed to defending our constitutional right to bear arms.
Judge Barrett’s respect for the Constitution and our historical tradition as a nation make her a worthy addition to the Supreme Court. Confirming her nomination could cement a solid majority of justices who are committed to defending our constitutional right to bear arms.
And it’s clear from their fear-mongering that the gun grabbers are just as worried about Barrett’s support of the Second Amendment as gun owners are excited by it.
“Amy Coney Barrett’s Confirmation Signals a Rightward Shift on Guns,” declares a Trace article this week. And earlier this month, NPR reported, “Gun Control Groups Voice ‘Grave Concerns’ About Supreme Court Nominee’s Record.”
Teresa Mull ([email protected]) is editor of Gunpowder Magazine.