USA Carry

ALLENDALE, MI — A recent incident at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) involving Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss has brought renewed attention to Michigan’s campus firearm policies, the enforcement limits of “gun-free zones,” and the responsibilities that come with concealed carry—especially when entering restricted locations.

According to reporting by The Lanthorn, Moss was on GVSU’s Allendale campus on March 17, 2025, attending a Turning Point USA event featuring speaker Chloe Cole. During the event, multiple reports were made to university staff and campus police that Moss was carrying a concealed firearm—potentially in violation of GVSU’s internal Weapons Policy, which prohibits firearms on university property except for law enforcement or authorized individuals.

Witnesses reported seeing what they believed to be a firearm visible under Moss’s jacket near his right hip. Several individuals took photos, time-stamped between 7:08 and 7:21 p.m., showing what appears to be the barrel of a handgun protruding beneath the bottom of his sweater. The outline of the firearm was also clearly visible, suggesting Moss was carrying in an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster that was not adequately concealed.

Despite three separate reports, Moss remained on campus for more than 30 minutes before a university administrator approached him. He left without incident. Interim GVPD Chief Leah Heaton stated that officers responded within 16 minutes of the final report and that a non-emergency response was appropriate due to the absence of any direct threat.

While Michigan law prohibits concealed carry in dormitories and classrooms, it does not outlaw it on other parts of public college campuses. Universities like GVSU often implement broader no-firearm policies internally, but such rules do not carry the weight of criminal law. Instead, they are enforced administratively—typically by asking the person to leave, and if they refuse, issuing a trespass order.

This is an important distinction for CPL holders to understand. In states like Michigan—and others where “no firearms allowed” signs are not legally binding—carrying in a restricted location is not automatically a crime. However, if you are discovered and asked to leave, refusal to comply becomes trespassing, which is a criminal offense.

That means the burden is on the individual carrying: if you choose to carry in such a place, you must ensure your firearm is actually concealed. As this incident shows, failing to do so not only draws public attention but can also create confusion and alarm, especially in sensitive environments like college campuses.

It’s not always easy to conceal a full-size @GLOCKInc 17, but it’s a wonderful firearm! pic.twitter.com/xUX1VyZdTg

Moss had previously posted a photo of a Glock 17 on his X account on March 19, 2024, nearly a year before the campus event, with the caption: “It’s not always easy to conceal a full-size (Glock G17), but it’s a wonderful firearm!” Although unrelated to this incident, the post has resurfaced in light of the photos from March 17, in which the firearm was not fully concealed. It hasn’t aged well.

GVSU considers the matter closed. However, critics have pointed to the incident as an example of why policy-based gun bans can be ineffective. Witnesses expressed concern over the delay in response, and some questioned whether university procedures are clearly understood by students, staff, and even security personnel.

This comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing Wade v. University of Michigan, a case challenging the legality of university-imposed firearm bans. Legal experts argue that many institutions may lack solid legal standing for such policies, especially when state law does not expressly support them.

For concealed carriers, the incident is a strong reminder: know your state’s laws, understand the difference between policy and statute, and if you’re going to carry in a place where it’s not permitted by policy—but not criminally prohibited—your concealment must be effective. If not, you may find yourself in a legally vulnerable position, or worse, create unnecessary panic in the community.

Read the original story: Campus Gun Policy in Question After GVSU Incident Involving County Commissioner

MEMPHIS, TN — A car theft turned violent late Wednesday night in North Memphis, resulting in two individuals sustaining gunshot wounds after an exchange of gunfire.

Memphis Police Department officers were dispatched around 10 p.m. to the 1000 block of Delmar Avenue following reports of an aggravated assault involving gunfire. Shortly after, a male gunshot victim was located on the porch of a home in the 200 block of Decatur Street, pleading for help. The resident at that location told investigators she did not know the man.

According to police, the incident began when a man visited his girlfriend’s residence and left his vehicle running while he stood outside. During that brief moment, an unknown suspect entered the vehicle and began to drive away. The vehicle’s owner pursued the suspect, at which point the suspect reportedly opened fire. The man returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times.

A nearby residence on Delmar Avenue was hit during the gunfire exchange, but no occupants were injured. The suspect continued driving before crashing the stolen vehicle. He was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.

In a related development, a second individual arrived at Regional One Hospital later with a gunshot wound to the ankle. He claimed he did not know where he had been when the shooting occurred. As of now, police have not confirmed any connection between this individual and the earlier shooting.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced any charges as of this writing.

This incident underscores a key point in personal security: small oversights can have serious consequences. In this case, leaving a vehicle running and unattended—even briefly—created an opportunity for a theft to occur. Always turn off and lock your vehicle, especially in public or unfamiliar areas. Preventing crimes of opportunity can often be the first step in avoiding more dangerous encounters.

Read the original story: Man’s Car Stolen After He Leaves It Running, Leading to Shootout in North Memphis

CHICAGO, IL — A legally armed citizen shot a suspected car burglar early Monday morning after allegedly catching him in the act of breaking into his vehicle in the city’s Hegewisch neighborhood on the Far South Side.

As reported by CWB Chicago, the initial 911 call came around 1:02 a.m. from the wounded suspect, a 21-year-old man, who claimed he had been shot in a drive-by involving two individuals and a getaway vehicle. However, a follow-up call from a different source—later identified as the concealed carry permit holder—painted a different picture. According to his statement, he confronted two individuals who were breaking into his car and ended up shooting one of them in both legs.

The wounded suspect was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition and is currently in police custody, charged with auto burglary. There have been no reports indicating that the armed citizen was arrested, suggesting that police are treating the shooting as a justified use of force under Illinois law.

This incident underscores the dangers of transitional spaces—areas like parking lots, gas stations, and sidewalks where people are often moving from one place to another. These spaces require heightened situational awareness, particularly during off-peak hours. Confronting someone in the act of committing a crime, especially in the dark, can escalate into a potentially lethal encounter in seconds.

Notably, the suspect was shot in both legs. Whether this was due to a single round passing through or multiple rounds is unclear. Regardless, this outcome highlights the importance of proper training. Under stress, shooters often revert to their training. While some might interpret leg shots as an attempt to wound rather than neutralize, it’s important to remember that defensive firearms training emphasizes aiming for center mass to quickly and effectively stop a threat. Shots to extremities are more difficult to land under pressure and less effective at stopping an aggressor.

Read the original story: Suspect Claims Drive-By Shooting After Being Shot—Turns Out Concealed Carrier Pulled the Trigger

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot Friday night after a group of teenagers allegedly attempted to force their way into an occupied apartment at the Sandia Vista Apartments in the Foothills area, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.

The incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. at the complex located at 901 Tramway Blvd. NE. Authorities say a fight broke out among a group of teens outside the apartments and escalated to the point where several individuals chased others up to an apartment on the second floor.

During the confrontation, one of the teens reportedly threw a rock through a window of the apartment. The resident inside, who told police he was with his children at the time, responded by retrieving a firearm and firing a shot after allegedly warning the group that he was armed. One 14-year-old was struck and died at the scene.

The resident was detained and questioned by police but was later released as the investigation continues. At this time, the shooting is being investigated as a possible justifiable homicide. APD detectives are also reviewing the events leading up to the shooting, including the physical altercation outside the building.

No arrests have been made, and the identities of those involved have not been released.

This incident highlights the legal complexities surrounding the use of deadly force in self-defense, especially in situations involving threats to personal safety within one’s home. While the investigation is ongoing, it serves as a reminder of the importance of clearly understanding self-defense laws in your jurisdiction. If a threat appears imminent and access to retreat is limited—especially when minors are present—responding with force may be justified under New Mexico’s laws. However, each case is subject to scrutiny, emphasizing the need for restraint and situational awareness.

Read the original story: Apartment Resident Fatally Shoots 14-Year-Old During Late-Night Disturbance in Albuquerque

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A Florida Senate bill that would have allowed law-abiding adults to carry firearms on college and university campuses has failed to advance this session. SB 814, introduced by Senator Randy Fine, was voted down by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on March 25, 2025, with a narrow 3–4 vote. The bill was subsequently laid on the table, effectively ending its progress for the year.

The proposed legislation sought to eliminate the long-standing prohibition on campus carry in Florida, allowing lawful firearm carriers to carry on college and university property—including dormitories and other facilities—just as they can in most other public spaces throughout the state. It also included provisions for universities to temporarily designate certain areas, like stadiums during athletic events, as “sensitive locations,” subject to approval from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

SB 814 was a critical measure to restore the right to self-defense for students, faculty, and staff who currently have no legal means to protect themselves on campus. In recent years, several other states have successfully implemented campus carry laws without the negative outcomes critics often predict. Florida gun rights advocates had hoped SB 814 would follow that trend.

While this vote is a setback for campus carry supporters, it’s far from the end of the effort. Lawmakers and Second Amendment advocacy groups have already signaled that similar legislation is likely to be reintroduced in future sessions. The narrow committee vote shows that support is growing, and with further grassroots efforts, public education, and legislative pressure, a renewed push for campus carry in Florida is expected.

Senator Fine and others behind the bill have not indicated that they are backing down. Instead, they see this as a temporary roadblock in a long-term effort to eliminate “gun-free zones” that leave college students and staff defenseless against violent threats.

Campus carry remains a key issue for gun rights supporters in Florida, and SB 814 has helped keep the conversation moving forward. Although the bill won’t advance in 2025, its introduction and near passage through committee are clear signs that momentum is building. With continued support from Florida’s gun-owning community, it’s likely the campus carry debate will return in future legislative sessions—stronger and more focused than ever.

Read the original story: Florida Campus Carry Bill SB 814 Fails in Committee but Likely to Return

RALEIGH, NC — Senate Bill 50, titled “Freedom to Carry NC,” passed its first reading in the North Carolina House of Representatives on March 25, 2025. The bill seeks to allow law-abiding residents 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit. It also preserves the existing concealed handgun permit system for those who want it for reciprocity or other personal reasons.

Having cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Rules and Operations Committee earlier this month, the bill now continues its journey through the legislative process in the House. Following the first reading, it has been referred to the House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations.

Senate Bill 50 would permit U.S. citizens aged 18 and over to carry a concealed handgun in North Carolina without needing a concealed handgun permit, as long as they are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. The bill includes a comprehensive list of disqualifiers, including felony convictions, certain misdemeanor offenses, and substance abuse issues.

Importantly, the legislation maintains the concealed handgun permitting system for those who wish to carry in other states that require a permit for reciprocity or for individuals who simply prefer having documentation.

The bill must still pass two additional readings in the House before it can be sent to Governor Josh Stein for consideration. It remains uncertain whether the governor supports or opposes the measure. Should he decide to veto it, Republican lawmakers—no longer holding a supermajority—would need to gain support from some Democrats in order to override the veto.

If approved by both chambers and signed into law, or if a veto is successfully overridden, the law would take effect on December 1, 2025.

This bill would restore constitutional rights by removing unnecessary permit requirements for law-abiding citizens who wish to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. North Carolina would join the growing number of states that have adopted constitutional carry laws, reflecting a broader national trend in support of Second Amendment freedoms.

Read the original story: North Carolina House Passes First Reading of ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill, Moving Constitutional Carry Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Judiciary Committee has taken a significant step toward expanding Second Amendment protections by advancing two NRA-backed bills on March 25, 2025. The committee held a markup session and voted to report favorably on H.R. 38, the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act”, and H.R. 2184, the “Firearm Due Process Protection Act”—sending both to the full House of Representatives for further action.

Sponsored by Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), H.R. 38 passed the committee on a party-line vote of 18-9. The bill seeks to create a federal framework allowing individuals who are legally allowed to carry a concealed handgun in their home state to carry it in any other state that allows concealed carry for its residents.

Notable provisions include:

This bill addresses a patchwork of inconsistent state laws that currently place concealed carriers at legal risk when traveling, even if their actions would be lawful in their home state.

What’s Next: H.R. 38 will now be considered by the full U.S. House. If passed, it would advance to the Senate, where it would likely face strong debate. Advocacy groups are expected to ramp up efforts to ensure its progress.

Also advancing from committee was H.R. 2184, introduced by Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). This legislation was approved by voice vote and is designed to enforce accountability within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The bill mandates that NICS finalize decisions on record correction requests within 60 days. Law-abiding citizens wrongly denied the ability to purchase a firearm due to data errors would gain a statutory assurance of timely resolution—closing a due process gap that has frustrated many firearm purchasers.

What’s Next: H.R. 2184 is now eligible for a vote on the House floor. If passed, it will move to the Senate. The bill is expected to garner bipartisan interest due to its focus on correcting procedural issues within existing law.

These two legislative developments mark key milestones in the ongoing effort to protect and reinforce the rights of responsible gun owners. National reciprocity has long been a top goal for the pro-Second Amendment community, and ensuring due process within NICS helps preserve the integrity of the system while safeguarding individual rights.

As both bills advance, gun owners and advocacy organizations will be watching closely to support their continued movement through Congress.

Read the original story: National Reciprocity Bill Advances in House Alongside Firearm Due Process Reform

DENVER, CO — On March 24, 2025, the Colorado House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003), a measure aimed at regulating semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices. The bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms and classifies devices that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm as dangerous weapons.​

The legislative process for SB25-003 has included several motions and votes. On March 24, 2025, the House passed the bill on third reading with 36 votes in favor, 28 against, and one other. Subsequent motions to rerefer the bill to various committees, including a joint committee and the Appropriations Committee, were unsuccessful, with votes reflecting opposition to further committee review.​

The advancement of SB25-003 underscores a troubling shift in Colorado’s approach to firearm rights. While supporters claim the bill will improve public safety by targeting certain semiautomatic firearms and accessories, the reality is that it imposes sweeping and unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens. Rather than addressing criminal misuse, this legislation punishes responsible gun owners and represents a direct infringement on Second Amendment rights. Measures like this do little to deter crime and instead chip away at the fundamental freedoms of individuals who follow the law.

With the Colorado House approving SB25-003 on third reading by a 36–28 vote, the bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence on the amendments made during the House process. If the Senate agrees to those changes, the bill will move directly to Governor Jared Polis for his signature. If the Senate rejects the amendments, a conference committee composed of members from both chambers will be appointed to reconcile differences.

Once finalized and signed into law, the new regulations—including the restrictions on specified semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices—are slated to take effect on August 1, 2026. In the meantime, state agencies such as the Division of Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Revenue will begin preparing systems for training records, eligibility card issuance, and dealer compliance.

Gun owners, dealers, and instructors should monitor the rulemaking processes and guidance expected from the Division of Revenue, which will determine which firearm models fall under the new law’s scope.

Read the original story: Colorado Legislature Advances Semiautomatic Firearm Restrictions with SB25-003

TUALATIN, OR — SIG SAUER has introduced the ROMEO-RS™ (Reinforced Steel) series of pistol-mounted red dot optics, combining rugged construction, lightweight performance, and affordability in two models tailored for everyday carry and duty applications. Designed, developed, tested, and assembled in Oregon, the ROMEO-RS series offers shooters a durable optic with premium features at a price point that rivals high-end iron sights.

Built around a skeletonized steel chassis encased in high-strength polymer, the ROMEO-RS optics draw inspiration from modern striker-fired pistol construction. The hybrid housing provides structural integrity without adding excess weight, while a premium molded aspheric glass lens delivers a crisp, distortion-free sight picture.

Price: $149.99
Footprint: COMPACT (Shield RMS-c)

Designed for slimline and micro-compact pistols, the ROMEO-RS COMPACT is an ideal optic for concealed carry. Despite its compact form factor, it delivers robust performance and user-friendly features:

Features include MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), a large side control button for brightness, and a tool-less battery change system that maintains zero.

Price: $169.99 (6 MOA), $199.99 (Circle/Dot)
Footprint: PRO (Industry-Standard Full-Size)

The ROMEO-RS PRO is built for full-size and duty pistols, providing a larger viewing window and enhanced durability while maintaining a low profile.

The PRO shares the same hybrid housing and aspheric lens technology as the Compact, with added steel recoil lugs for enhanced lock-up strength and lateral shift prevention. Its larger footprint makes it a solid choice for competition, range, or professional use.

Both optics come with SIG SAUER’s Infinite Guarantee™, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to long-term durability and shooter confidence. By leveraging a steel-reinforced polymer design, open emitter, and intuitive controls, the ROMEO-RS series delivers modern red dot capability without the high price tag.

As red dot optics continue to become the standard for defensive and recreational handgun shooting, SIG SAUER’s ROMEO-RS lineup provides a compelling, American-made option for those looking to upgrade from traditional sights while maintaining affordability and reliability.

Read the original story: SIG SAUER Introduces ROMEO-RS: Durable, Affordable Red Dots for Everyday Carry

OTHELLO, WA — A confrontation inside a local store on Saturday afternoon ended with one man hospitalized and facing criminal charges after he was shot during a struggle with the store clerk.

As reported by KXLY, the incident occurred at a store located near the southwest corner of the Bench Road roundabout. Authorities say 22-year-old Omar Negrete-Galvan entered the business and became involved in a physical altercation with the clerk. During the struggle, both individuals reportedly drew firearms.

Negrete-Galvan was shot in the leg during the encounter. Deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, and after an initial investigation, determined there was probable cause to arrest Negrete-Galvan on suspicion of attempted assault and other related charges. He was taken into custody after receiving medical attention.

The specific cause of the altercation remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 509-659-1122.

This incident highlights the critical importance of self-defense preparedness for clerks and workers in retail settings—especially those working alone or in stores that are more vulnerable to quick, opportunistic crimes. Having the ability and legal means to protect oneself can make a crucial difference when a situation escalates suddenly and violently.

Read the original story: Store Clerk Shoots Armed Assailant During Altercation in Othello, WA