USA Carry

BATON ROUGE, LA — In a major win for Second Amendment advocates, Louisiana has officially enacted House Bill 407, removing residency restrictions for concealed handgun permits. Signed by Governor Jeff Landry, the new law—effective August 1, 2025—enables non-residents to apply for and receive Louisiana concealed carry permits. This legislation is a direct result of the Firearms Policy Coalition’s lawsuit, Mate v. Wescott, which challenged the state’s previous residency limitations on permit issuance.

Since July 4, 2024, Louisiana has recognized permitless carry, also known as constitutional carry, allowing law-abiding adults—including non-residents—to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, carrying under constitutional carry does not grant access to certain restricted areas where permits are required by either federal or state law.

Most notably, a permit issued by the state where a school zone is located is required under federal law to legally carry a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Additionally, Louisiana has designated specific “firearm-free zones”—such as certain government buildings and posted locations—where carrying is only allowed if you possess a valid Louisiana concealed handgun permit. Non-residents carrying under constitutional carry do not meet this requirement. HB 407 closes that gap by allowing eligible non-residents to apply for and obtain a Louisiana permit, enabling legal carry in these otherwise restricted zones.

Under the new law, any eligible adult, regardless of residency, can apply for a Louisiana concealed carry permit—granting them additional legal protections not covered under constitutional carry alone. This includes enhanced reciprocity benefits and the ability to carry in areas off-limits to permitless carriers.

The Firearms Policy Coalition celebrated the passage of the bill, with FPC President Brandon Combs stating, “We are thrilled that Louisiana has made this critical change to improve access to the right to bear arms.” He also urged lawmakers in Washington to advance H.R. 38, a bill that would establish national reciprocity for concealed carry permits.

For those who travel frequently or maintain property or family connections in multiple states, this reform is especially significant. While non-residents could already carry under constitutional carry, they previously had no way to obtain a Louisiana-issued permit. For example, I split my time between Nevada and Louisiana, and having a Nevada resident permit allows me to legally carry in Louisiana because the state honors it. However, this new law provides the option to obtain a Louisiana permit as well—something previously unavailable to non-residents. You can verify reciprocity status using our concealed carry reciprocity maps.

With the passage of HB 407, non-residents who meet eligibility requirements will soon be able to apply directly for a Louisiana concealed carry permit—an important option for those looking to stay compliant with federal school zone laws, state-defined firearm-free zones, or expand their reciprocity coverage.

Those interested in applying or learning more can visit our Louisiana concealed carry permit information page for up-to-date application procedures and eligibility requirements.

Read the original story: 2A Victory: Louisiana Opens Concealed Carry to Non-Residents!

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — In a unified move to support Second Amendment rights, 24 state attorneys general, led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey, have formally urged Congress to pass H.R. 38, the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.” The letter, dated May 21, 2025, was addressed to House and Senate leadership and outlines strong support for nationwide concealed carry reciprocity for law-abiding citizens.

The letter argues that the measure respects state sovereignty while protecting constitutional liberties. H.R. 38 would allow individuals permitted to carry concealed handguns in their home state to do so in any other state that allows concealed carry, without violating local laws. The bill applies strictly to law-abiding citizens and explicitly excludes individuals prohibited from firearm possession under federal law, including felons, domestic abusers, and those with adjudicated mental illness.

The attorneys general refuted several common criticisms of the bill. Contrary to claims that the bill infringes on state rights, the letter clarifies that H.R. 38 does not override any state’s authority to set its own concealed carry issuance criteria, designate off-limits areas, or regulate the conduct of armed individuals. It also permits private property owners to ban firearms if they choose.

In addressing concerns from law enforcement, the officials pointed out that constitutional and permitless carry are already in effect in the majority of states. They cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s Terry v. Ohio decision as evidence that officers retain the authority to investigate suspicious behavior by armed individuals, ensuring public safety remains intact.

Another major point addressed was the disparity in licensing standards among states. The letter argued that some states deliberately obstruct lawful carry through excessive fees and long wait times, rather than using those processes to screen for dangerous individuals. The attorneys general cited examples in New York and Los Angeles, where past corruption and federal investigations undermined claims of superior safety screening.

Ultimately, the group argued that H.R. 38 would enhance public safety by ensuring that responsible citizens are not criminalized for legally carrying across state lines. “Criminals do not wait for permission to carry guns,” the letter states. “H.R. 38 is not for them. It is for honest and law-abiding citizens who deserve to have the means to protect themselves.”

The letter concludes with a call to action for Congress to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and ensure consistent legal protections nationwide.

The attorneys general who signed the letter represent Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, in addition to Oklahoma and West Virginia.

By championing H.R. 38, these attorneys general are reinforcing a central Second Amendment principle: the right to self-defense should not vanish at state borders. Reciprocity would protect lawful carriers from inadvertently breaking unfamiliar laws while traveling, without sacrificing local control over gun safety standards. Ensuring consistency in how rights are recognized across states aligns with the Constitution and provides peace of mind to responsible gun owners nationwide.

Read the original story: 24 Attorneys General Unite and Demand Congress Pass National Concealed Carry Law

CHICAGO, IL – A concealed carry holder in Chicago ended a robbery spree last night. When the attacker went after his fourth victim, he learned the hard way that not everyone is an easy target.

The final intended victim was a 36-year-old man who was unloading his car. The 18-year-old armed robber demanded the victim’s belongings, and the good guy with a gun fired 4 or 5 shots, striking the assailant in the chest, thigh, and head.

The offender did not survive, and he was driving a Toyota that belonged to a man he robbed at gunpoint about 20 minutes earlier. After robbing the first individual and taking his vehicle the 18-year-old robbed two women before going after his fourth and final victim which was the man with the CCL.The women’s belongings were found in the stolen Toyota according to CWBChicago.

Although there are not many details, this individual successfully put the majority of his rounds on target, which effectively stopped the attack and ended the crime spree.

This is the 18-year-old who was shot and killed last night while trying to carjack someone. https://t.co/25WfXAgdVP pic.twitter.com/qsSCHE4zs4

I believe this puts the number of self-defense shootings in Chicago at eight this year.

Carjackings and robberies can happen anywhere, including in front of your home, so you can never let your guard down.

Read the original story: Carjacker, 18, Shot Dead by Armed Citizen After Robbing Three People During Chicago Crime Spree

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week that a new reciprocity agreement has been finalized with Virginia, officially allowing Virginia concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry in Pennsylvania. While Virginia has long honored all valid out-of-state concealed carry permits—including Pennsylvania’s—Pennsylvania had not previously recognized Virginia permits, creating a one-way arrangement that this agreement now corrects.

The agreement, reached in cooperation with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, makes Virginia the 30th state with which Pennsylvania holds a mutual concealed carry reciprocity agreement.

“Shortly after taking office, I asked my staff to review opportunities to maximize reciprocity agreements with willing states, and ensure all existing and future agreements protect and respect standing law and constitutional rights,” AG Sunday stated. “Our research of law in both states revealed nothing conflicting that would disallow permit holders to carry in both states.”

Pennsylvania’s legal team initiated contact with the Virginia State Police in early April to renew and update the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) outlining “mutual recognition of a license to carry a firearm issued by the Commonwealth and a license or permit to carry a firearm issued by another state.”

Under the agreement, concealed carry license holders from both states are permitted to carry a concealed handgun on their person or in their vehicle while visiting the other state, so long as they meet the following criteria:

The agreement applies specifically to handguns.

This move represents a step forward for lawful gun owners and ensures that responsible Virginians traveling to Pennsylvania are now equally protected under the law. It also underscores the continued efforts by pro-2A officials to expand lawful carry rights across state lines.

At USACarry.com, our Concealed Carry Reciprocity Maps have already been updated to reflect this change. These maps are essential tools for staying informed on where your permit is honored, helping concealed carriers remain compliant and confident as they travel.

While Virginia had long done its part in respecting out-of-state permits, Pennsylvania’s decision to reciprocate ensures a more balanced and fair treatment of lawful concealed carriers. This agreement is a welcome correction to a previously lopsided arrangement and a strong win for Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Concealed Carry Expanded: PA and VA Finalize Firearm Reciprocity Agreement

If you’ve seen the viral clip floating around where Indiana State Representative Jim Lucas says “I’m carrying right now,” you’ve probably also seen the meltdown that followed. Headlines screamed about him “brandishing” a firearm in front of students. Social media exploded with outrage. And, as always, the anti-gun crowd clipped the moment out of context to make it look like a threat.

But here’s what really happened.

On January 30th, 2024, Rep. Lucas was having a calm, face-to-face conversation with high school students from Burris Laboratory School in Muncie. The students were at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis for a “Students Demand Action” event — a group that advocates for more gun control.

The discussion? Civil. Respectful. Honest. Lucas was engaging with the students, not berating them. He was answering questions — and when asked if he carried a firearm, he replied simply and factually: “I’m carrying right now.” He then briefly revealed the legally holstered handgun on his hip — no threats, no escalation, no drama.

Except, of course, in the minds of people who want it to be dramatic.

Because facts don’t trend — outrage does. That’s why the internet clipped the moment and ran with a narrative: “He threatened children.” The full video, which we’ve embedded above, tells a completely different story.

One of the most powerful lines in the exchange?

“People who want to kill you don’t care about your feelings.”

That’s not bravado. That’s the hard truth.

Lucas wasn’t there to intimidate students. He was there to tell them something they might not hear in an echo chamber: bad guys exist. Gun laws don’t stop them. And being armed — trained and prepared — isn’t about ego. It’s about survival.

And if that makes someone feel uncomfortable? Well… that’s kind of the point.

Let’s talk legal definitions for a second.

Under federal law, “brandishing” means displaying a firearm in a threatening or intimidating manner. It’s about intent — waving it around or using it to scare someone. Indiana law doesn’t even use the word “brandishing,” but it does prohibit pointing a firearm at someone, which Lucas clearly didn’t do.

(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term “brandish” means, with respect to a firearm, to display all or part of the firearm, or otherwise make the presence of the firearm known to another person, in order to intimidate that person, regardless of whether the firearm is directly visible to that person.

He simply opened his jacket to reveal a legally carried, holstered handgun. No threats. No pointing. No coercion. Source: 18 USC § 924(c)(4)

This entire incident is the perfect example of how Second Amendment supporters are mischaracterized every day. Context gets erased. Nuance gets ignored. Legal, responsible carry gets painted as “dangerous,” while actual violence — committed by criminals who don’t follow laws — somehow gets less scrutiny.

So watch the full clip. Share it. So the next time someone throws around the word “brandishing,” remind them what it actually means — a threatening or aggressive display of a firearm. What happened here? Not even close.

Read the original story: “People That Want To Kill You Don’t Care About Your Feelings”

RICHMOND, VA — A robbery attempt at a local restaurant ended in gunfire Thursday night when an employee shot and killed an armed suspect who entered the business wearing a mask and carrying a firearm.

According to Richmond Police, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Sugar’s Crab Shack on Chamberlayne Avenue, just across from the Fourth Police Precinct. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Dominique Epps of Henrico County, entered the restaurant with apparent intent to rob the establishment. An employee confronted Epps and exchanged gunfire with him, fatally shooting the suspect.

Epps died at the scene. The employee, whose name has not been released, remained on-site and cooperated fully with investigators. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards stated that no charges have been filed against the employee at this time, describing the shooting as likely an act of self-defense.

“That doesn’t mean that that won’t change later,” Chief Edwards said. “But at this point, we are still conducting our investigation, and it seems to be a use of self-defense.”

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including the Military Retiree’s Club next door, helped document the moments following the shooting. Earl Reid, president of the Military Retiree’s Club, noted the frequency of incidents in the area and stressed the importance of being able to protect oneself.

“I’m sorry that somebody lost their life and it had to be that way, but you also got to protect yourself,” Reid told CBS 6.

Attempting an armed robbery directly across the street from a police precinct baffled many. “You couldn’t pick a worse spot unless you tried the courthouse,” one neighbor remarked. Chief Edwards alluded to the suspect’s poor planning, suggesting a lack of regard for the area’s law enforcement presence.

If your employer does not prohibit carrying a firearm at work, it’s worth considering whether you’re prepared to defend yourself in a life-threatening situation. This incident highlights the value of being armed and trained—especially in high-risk environments like late-night businesses. Always stay within the law, ensure your carry practices comply with workplace policies, and make regular training a priority so you can respond with confidence and competence if the unthinkable happens.

Read the original story: Masked Gunman Killed by Employee During Attempted Robbery at Sugar’s Crab Shack

RALEIGH, NC — Senate Bill 50, titled Freedom to Carry NC, continues to advance in the North Carolina House. On June 3, 2025, the bill was reported favorably and re-referred to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee after narrowly clearing the House Judiciary 2 Committee earlier that day by a 6–5 vote.

The legislation would allow law-abiding U.S. citizens 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while preserving the existing concealed handgun permit system for those who want it for reciprocity or personal preference. The bill also increases penalties for certain firearm-related crimes and establishes a scholarship fund for children of first responders who are killed or disabled in the line of duty.

During the committee hearing, supporters pointed to longstanding efforts to bring constitutional carry to the state. Rep. Carson Smith (R-Pender) stated, “I appreciate y’all bringing this before us, and there’s been a willingness in the House for the past several years to make this happen.” Sen. Danny Britt (R-Robeson), one of the bill’s sponsors, explained that, “a lot of things change around here from session to session… we believe now that this is necessary to get this done,” according to reporting by The Carolina Journal.

Opposition to the bill remains strong, particularly among Democrats who voiced concerns over public safety. Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover) said, “I don’t understand why in the world we would do this… For the life of me, I don’t understand it, and I certainly cannot support the bill.”

The bill has drawn support from gun rights organizations like Grass Roots NC, while groups advocating for stricter gun control, such as Moms Demand Action, continue to oppose the measure.

Constitutional carry simply recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves without being forced to obtain government permission to exercise a constitutional right. With 29 other states already enacting similar laws, North Carolina would be aligning itself with the majority of the country. Criminals, by nature, do not follow permitting requirements, leaving law-abiding citizens at a disadvantage when forced to navigate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. This bill removes that barrier for responsible gun owners while maintaining strong penalties for those who misuse firearms.

Governor Josh Stein has indicated he is likely to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. Speaking to reporters, Stein said, “My standard reviewing any piece of legislation is, will this make us safer? If it doesn’t make us safer – and the previous version certainly did not – I cannot support it,” The Carolina Journal reported.

Contrary to Governor Stein’s concerns, this bill would enhance public safety by allowing more law-abiding citizens to carry concealed and be prepared to defend themselves and others if faced with a threat. When responsible individuals are armed, it serves as a deterrent to criminals who prefer unarmed victims. Expanding legal concealed carry ensures that more citizens have the ability to respond immediately in dangerous situations, rather than waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

Senate Bill 50 now awaits consideration in the House Rules Committee. If it clears that stage, it will move to the House floor for two additional votes. After passing the House, the bill would head to Governor Stein for final consideration.

Overriding a potential veto will be challenging. Senate Republicans hold a supermajority, but House Republicans are one seat short. Any override effort will require full attendance and some bipartisan support to meet the required three-fifths majority in both chambers.

If ultimately enacted, the law would take effect December 1, 2025, making North Carolina the 30th state to adopt constitutional carry.

Read the original story: North Carolina’s ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill Advances in House, Faces Possible Veto

LAS VEGAS, NV — A simple ATM stop nearly turned deadly for 22-year-old Bryson Chen, who was shot and robbed for $40 while withdrawing cash late at night. The shooting occurred March 10 on North Las Vegas Boulevard near Cheyenne Avenue, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Chen was driving home from work when he pulled over to withdraw $40 for gas. As he made the transaction, a suspect approached him from behind, pulled a gun, and demanded money. “In the corner of my eye, I see the person walking up behind me, and that’s when he pulled out the gun,” Chen told KLAS 8 News Now.

Chen tossed his wallet and the cash toward the suspect, but the gunman fired anyway, striking Chen in the abdomen. The bullet passed through his body, requiring two surgeries. Fortunately, Chen survived.

LVMPD is still searching for the suspect, described as a Black male, 16-20 years old, 5’8” to 5’10”, with dreadlocks and glasses. He was last seen wearing black pants with a red bandana in his back pocket and a black hoodie.

This incident is one of several unsolved shooting cases being handled by LVMPD’s Violent Gun Crime Unit.

Carrying a firearm is one part of personal protection, but equally important is avoiding high-risk situations when possible. Visiting a standalone ATM late at night, alone, creates vulnerabilities. There are often safer alternatives:

Bad actors exploit predictable behaviors. Situational awareness and risk management help reduce exposure to threats before they occur.

Incidents like this reinforce why many choose to carry firearms for personal defense. But carrying is only part of the equation. Avoiding dangerous situations in the first place is always safer than having to respond to a violent threat. A better plan would have been getting cash earlier, using other withdrawal methods, or delaying the withdrawal until a safer time.

LVMPD asks anyone with information to contact their Violent Gun Crime Unit at (702) 828-7815 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.

Read the original story: Las Vegas Man Shot and Robbed for $40 at ATM — Why Situational Awareness Matters

LAS VEGAS, NV — What began as a minor fender bender quickly escalated into a fatal self-defense shooting Monday evening on the westbound 215 Beltway near Jones Boulevard, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Police say the incident started when one driver rear-ended another vehicle. The driver who caused the accident got out of his car to check on the other motorist and assess the situation.

As he approached, the other driver unexpectedly jumped out of his vehicle armed with a knife and immediately began chasing him. The unarmed driver ran around his car several times attempting to evade the armed attacker before managing to re-enter his vehicle, where he retrieved a firearm.

The knife-wielding suspect then began stabbing the tires and slashing at the vehicle while the armed driver exited and ordered him to back away. The suspect then lunged toward him with the knife, prompting the man to fire multiple shots and strike the attacker.

The shooter remained at the scene and reportedly attempted to render aid until emergency responders arrived. Despite these efforts, the suspect was pronounced dead on scene.

The man who fired the shots cooperated fully with police at the scene and, based on available information, has since been released after speaking with investigators.

In a press conference, police stated they believe this was a self-defense shooting, which appears consistent with the details currently available. No other individuals or vehicles were struck by gunfire.

This incident offers several important reminders for armed citizens. First, the defender was forced to return to his vehicle to retrieve his firearm. Fortunately, he was able to access it in time, but carrying on-body greatly reduces response time during a sudden life-threatening attack. A vehicle is not a holster, and a gun stored in the glovebox or mounted inside the car may not always be reachable when seconds count.

Additionally, while the attempt to render aid reflects a willingness to help, it may not always be the safest course of action when dealing with a potentially still-dangerous attacker. The primary focus should always be ensuring personal safety until law enforcement secures the scene.

Read the original story: Las Vegas Driver Shoots Knife-Wielding Attacker After Rear-End Road Rage Incident Turns Violent

CHICAGO, IL — A road rage incident escalated into gunfire Tuesday night on Chicago’s Northwest Side, resulting in a car crashing into an apartment building but causing no injuries, according to Chicago police.

The confrontation took place around 9:45 p.m. in the 7700 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Dunning neighborhood. Authorities say a 23-year-old man was driving eastbound on Belmont Avenue when he became involved in an apparent road rage incident with the driver of a white Honda sedan traveling in the same direction.

According to police reports, the driver of the Honda produced a firearm and began shooting at the 23-year-old. The targeted driver, who holds a valid concealed carry license, returned fire with his own weapon in self-defense.

Amid the exchange of gunfire, the suspect lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a nearby apartment building. The crash caused property damage but no injuries were reported. Following the collision, the suspect fled the scene on foot and remains at large.

The suspect’s vehicle was left at the scene, riddled with bullet holes. Area Five detectives are currently investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made.

Surveillance footage from a family living in the building captured the sounds of gunfire, while witnesses recorded parts of the incident on their cell phones. One video shows a man exiting the crashed Honda and running away.

This incident underscores the importance of staying calm in traffic disputes. Road rage situations can escalate quickly and unpredictably, especially when firearms are involved. As outlined in our article on road rage prevention, it is always best to avoid confrontation and disengage from aggressive drivers whenever possible. Carrying a firearm for self-defense is a serious responsibility, and situational awareness can be key in avoiding life-threatening encounters.

Read the original story: Chicago Concealed Carrier Fires Back in Road Rage Shootout, Suspect Crashes Into Apartment Building and Flees on Foot