A body cam video from 2023 shows just how quickly things can spiral when emotions override judgment — especially when you’re armed.

In the footage, a man is confronted by police after being fired from his job. Instead of leaving the premises as requested, he insists on getting a “valid reason” for his termination. The officer calmly explains that Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning no reason is required to terminate employment — and refusing to leave is trespassing.

Unfortunately, the man continues to argue. When the officer attempts to detain him, he resists. A taser is deployed, and a brief struggle follows. During the takedown, the man admits to having a knife in his pocket and a concealed firearm on his person.

Whether the man was legally carrying under Florida’s permitless carry law, had a valid permit, or was carrying illegally due to a prior felony is still unclear. But that detail, while important, misses the larger point:

When you carry a firearm, emotional control becomes a non-negotiable part of the responsibility.

Concealed carry isn’t just about holsters, draw speed, or gear. It’s also about mindset. If you allow frustration, anger, or pride to dictate your actions while armed, you’re increasing the risk of a legal disaster — and possibly losing your gun rights entirely.

According to the video and reports, the man was charged with:

Bond was set at $40,000. If he’s convicted of a felony, he may lose his right to possess firearms under both Florida and federal law. Even a misdemeanor conviction could affect his ability to carry concealed in the future.

This video isn’t just shocking — it’s instructive. It’s a case study in what not to do. As concealed carriers, we owe it to ourselves and our community to be the calmest person in the room, especially when tensions run high.

You don’t just carry a gun. You carry responsibility.

Read the original story: When Emotions Take Over: A Concealed Carrier’s Arrest Caught on Camera

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”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is calling out the House Ways and Means Committee for what it sees as a weak and disappointing move on suppressor reform, saying lawmakers missed a clear chance to roll back unconstitutional gun control.

The new language, included in a broader tax package, would reduce the $200 federal tax on suppressors to zero. However, the process to own a suppressor under the National Firearms Act (NFA)—which includes federal registration, paperwork, and waiting for government approval—would remain in place.

GOA had been pushing for full deregulation of suppressors. That means no tax, no registration, and no NFA process at all. The group says this kind of full repeal was possible using a legislative tool called budget reconciliation.

Reconciliation allows Congress to pass laws that affect taxes and spending with just a simple majority in the Senate—51 votes—instead of the usual 60 votes needed to break a filibuster, which is when senators block a bill by dragging out debate. GOA says lawmakers could have used this tool to remove the tax and the registration requirement, but chose not to.

“This isn’t a compromise, it’s a betrayal,” said Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA. “The House Ways and Means Committee chose to leave unconstitutional registration and taxes in place even though they had a clear path to repeal them. GOA made it crystal clear that full deregulation of suppressors and protection for brace owners was achievable under reconciliation. Lawmakers knew it, and they chose political convenience over principle. Gun owners won’t forget this.”

The current proposal also keeps the $200 tax in place for most other NFA items like short-barreled rifles and introduces a new $5 tax for certain others. GOA says this change doesn’t fix the core issue: the federal government’s continued control and tracking of law-abiding gun owners through NFA regulations.

“Congress has a clear path to dismantle the National Firearms Act through budget reconciliation because it is a $200 tax—plain and simple,” said Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs. “Republicans have no excuse to not gut this unconstitutional law to the fullest extent the Senate Parliamentarian allows; anything less is cowardice and a direct compromise on our Second Amendment rights.”

While dropping the suppressor tax to $0 may sound like a win at first glance, GOA argues that the continued requirement to register and seek government approval makes the change largely symbolic. For gun owners, the fight is not just about the money—it’s about eliminating the red tape and government oversight that comes with NFA regulations.

GOA, which represents over two million members and activists, says it will keep pushing for the full repeal of all NFA taxes and registration requirements.

Read the original story: GOA Slams House Committee for Betrayal Over Suppressor Tax ‘Compromise’

Welcome to Episode 12 of the USA Carry Podcast! This week, we’re joined by special guests Jay Allen, a country music singer and philanthropist, and Trevor Greer, a Marine veteran. In this episode, Jay shares a harrowing personal experience that pushed him to prioritize self-defense: being robbed at gunpoint in a Nashville grocery store.

Jay’s story sheds light on how quickly life can change and why being prepared is so important. Trevor, with his background in the Marine Corps, steps in as a mentor to guide Jay on his journey to becoming a responsible firearm owner.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

Watch the full episode above as we explore how personal experiences can inspire life-changing decisions. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more real stories and practical advice on concealed carry and self-defense!

Read the original story: Country Music Star Jay Allen Embraces Concealed Carry After Life-Changing Event | E12 | USA Carry Podcast

Welcome back to the USA Carry Podcast! In Episode 11, we dive into the topic of lone wolf attacks—a type of violence that, while often unpredictable, poses a real threat that armed citizens should understand.

In this episode, we explore what defines a lone wolf attack and why these events can be especially challenging to detect or prevent. From real-life cases like the Pulse nightclub and San Bernardino attacks, we break down the characteristics that set these incidents apart from coordinated terror activities, offering insights into how lone wolf violence can impact individuals and communities.

But it’s not just about understanding the problem; it’s about equipping yourself with practical knowledge. We discuss strategies for staying vigilant as a concealed carrier, including situational awareness tips and mental preparedness for unpredictable scenarios.

Watch the full episode above, and be sure to catch the highlights:

We hope you find this discussion both eye-opening and useful. As always, subscribe to our podcast for more episodes on concealed carry insights, personal protection, and the latest in self-defense trends.

Read the original story: Understanding Lone Wolf Attacks: What Armed Citizens Should Know | E11 | USA Carry Podcast

Tune into this episode of the USA Carry Podcast where we welcome Tim Chandler, a seasoned firearm instructor from FPF Training, Justified Defensive Concepts and 360 Performance Shooting. This episode dives into effective strategies for home defense, emphasizing the use of shotguns and understanding the dynamics of home security. Tim brings his extensive experience and research into practical play, offering listeners expert advice on preparing for and neutralizing home invasion scenarios. Learn from a leading expert how to optimize your home defense setup and enhance your readiness for real-life threats. Whether you’re revisiting your defense plan or newly considering the importance of preparedness, this discussion with Tim will equip you with knowledge and techniques that could be life-saving.

Read the original story: Defending the Home Front Real World Tactics with Tim Chandler | E10 | USA Carry Podcast

Dive into the art of street-wise self-defense on this episode of the USA Carry Podcast. Join Sal as he talks with John Murphy of FPF Training about the crucial skills needed to handle real-life encounters on the streets. Learn about the importance of situational awareness, legal considerations, and tactical responses that go beyond traditional firearms training. John shares insights from his popular course, “Street Encounter Skills and Tactics,” providing listeners with strategies to improve their defensive preparedness and stay safe in uncertain situations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned defender, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of self-defense with confidence.

Read the original story: Navigating the Streets: Essential Encounter Skills with John Murphy | E9 | USA Carry Podcast

Tune into this essential episode of the USA Carry Podcast as Sal and Luke, along with special guest Jacob Paulsen from ConcealedCarry.com and KSGArmory.com, delve into the critical aspects of choosing the right holster for concealed carry. Discover what makes a holster safe and effective, from coverage and retention to comfort and accessibility. Jacob shares his expert insights on the evolution of holster design and the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re a seasoned carrier or new to concealed carry, this episode provides valuable guidance on ensuring your holster is as reliable as your firearm

Read the original story: 5 Reasons Your Holster Might Suck with Jacob Paulsen of KSGArmory.com | E7 | USA Carry Podcast

Join us on this intriguing episode of the USA Carry podcast as we explore the dynamic world of edged weapons with self-defense expert Phil Elmore. Dive deep into the nuances of using knives and other bladed tools for personal protection. Phil, a seasoned writer and martial artist, shares his extensive knowledge and insights, discussing everything from the legal aspects of carrying blades to practical tips for everyday carry. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this episode will sharpen your understanding of how edged weapons fit into modern self-defense strategies.

Read the original story: Cutting Edge Defense: A Deep Dive into Edged Weapons with Phil Elmore | E6 | USA Carry Podcast

Join Sal and Luke from USA Carry as they break down the complexities of Simple Assault in this informative episode. They discuss the legal definitions, differences between Simple Assault and other forms of assault, and share insights into the judicial system’s view on this matter. Whether you’re looking to educate yourself about personal safety or legal implications, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to understanding Simple Assault in everyday contexts.

Read the original story: Understanding Simple Assault – A Deep Dive | E5 | USA Carry Podcast