Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Acquittal: A Win for Second Amendment and Gun Rights in Texas

Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent acquittal on all charges is a significant victory for Second Amendment and gun rights advocates in Texas.

Paxton’s steadfast commitment to upholding the Second Amendment has been a defining aspect of his political career to date and his time as Attorney General. He has consistently fought to protect and expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners, recognizing the importance of this constitutional right in our state.

One notable achievement is Paxton’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) over their unconstitutional Pistol Brace Ban. His willingness to challenge the ATF head-on showcases his dedication to defending the rights of gun owners in Texas. Additionally, he has challenged the ATF’s attempted regulation of “Made In Texas” suppressors, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The efforts of Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) in support of Attorney General Paxton have been pivotal. Through grassroots mobilization and outreach, TXGR has rallied thousands of gun rights supporters across Texas to hold gun grabbing politicians accountable.

The overwhelming support for our shared cause—defending the Second Amendment—underscores the importance of Paxton’s leadership in safeguarding our constitutional rights.

Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, praised Paxton’s commitment to defending gun rights in Texas, saying, “Attorney General Paxton has been a steadfast defender of our Second Amendment rights. His actions have shown that he is willing to take on any challenge to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Texas. We are proud to stand with him in this critical fight.”

Attorney General Paxton’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed. His dedication to protecting Second Amendment rights made him a target of those who seek to undermine these fundamental freedoms. The recent acquittal serves as a reminder of the importance of having strong pro-Second Amendment champions like Paxton in office.

Attorney General Paxton’s acquittal is a significant victory for Second Amendment and gun rights advocates across Texas. Let us celebrate this triumph and recommit ourselves to defending and preserving the rights that make Texas a beacon of freedom for all Americans.

Nullification—The Last Line of Defense for Our Second Amendment Rights

In a recent ruling that has left many gun owners disheartened, U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes declared Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) unconstitutional. While some may see this as a defeat, we at Texas Gun Rights view it as a rallying cry. It’s time to invoke the Tenth Amendment and nullify federal laws that trample on our Second Amendment rights.

Missouri’s SAPA was a courageous move, designed to give citizens the legal ammunition to fight federal gun control measures. Although the federal court has temporarily put a damper on these efforts, Missouri’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey is not backing down and plans to appeal. We stand in full support of this fight for justice.

Nullification is not a fringe concept; it’s deeply rooted in American history and constitutional law. Our Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, set the precedent with the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions, opposing the unconstitutional Sedition Act of 1798. In the same spirit, northern states defied the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. These historical milestones serve as our playbook for today’s battles.

Nullification is more than a legal tactic; it’s a safeguard against federal tyranny. When the federal government oversteps its bounds, states have not just the right, but the duty, to intervene. This is not merely a Second Amendment issue; it’s a matter of upholding the Tenth Amendment, federalism, and individual liberties.

While we support legal challenges like Missouri’s, we must also turn our attention to our state legislatures. It’s time to lobby for laws that will shield us from federal overreach and protect our God-given right to bear arms.

Texas Gun Rights drafted a Second Amendment Preservation Act modeled after the Missouri law during the 88th Texas Legislative Session that was filed by Rep. Tony Tinderholt. Unfortunately, the bill was killed by Republicans in the Texas house after it was refused a public hearing.

As you can see, even in “red” states, the fight to restore our Second Amendment rights is far from over. But through nullification we can push back against an evermore tyrannical federal government by overturning unconstitutional federal laws, and Texas Gun Rights will continue fighting for gun owners on that front.

Unveiling the Truth – The 2020 Surge in Violent Crime is a Blue City Crisis, Not a Red State Issue

In recent times, there has been a concerted effort by some political groups and media outlets to paint a picture that the surge in violent crime is a problem rooted in Republican-controlled states. This narrative is not only misleading but also a disservice to the American people who deserve to know the truth. Here at Texas Gun Rights, we believe in presenting facts, and the fact is that the spike in violent crime is predominantly a problem in Democrat-controlled cities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New Hampshire, a pro-Second Amendment state with Republican governance, had the lowest homicide rate in the nation in 2020 and 2021. On the flip side, states like New York and California, which are often lauded by gun control advocates like Everytown for Gun Safety, had homicide rates that were 5 to 7 times higher than New Hampshire’s.

Marc A. Thiessen of the American Enterprise Institute has pointed out that the high murder rates in red states are primarily driven by lethal violence in their blue cities. Take Missouri, for example. While it is a red state, it is home to two of the most dangerous U.S. cities—St. Louis and Kansas City—both of which are run by Democrats. The vast majority of homicides in Missouri occur in these Democrat-controlled cities.

It’s worth noting that many of these cities have prosecutors who have received significant support from billionaire George Soros. Soros has been actively involved in reshaping the U.S. criminal justice system by electing activist prosecutors. These prosecutors often implement policies that are soft on crime, contributing to the rise in violent criminal activities.

A recent report from the Heritage Foundation titled “The Blue City Murder Problem” found that 27 of the 30 cities with the highest homicide rates in the nation have Democratic mayors. The report also highlighted the impact of removing high-crime, Democrat-dominated cities from state statistics. For instance, removing St. Louis City and St. Louis County from Missouri’s statistics would drop the state’s homicide ranking from fifth to 20th in the nation.

It’s crucial to look beyond political narratives and focus on the data. The surge in violent crime is not a red state issue; it’s a crisis occurring in Democrat-controlled cities. As defenders of the Second Amendment and advocates for responsible governance, we at Texas Gun Rights urge everyone to scrutinize the facts before jumping to conclusions.

Gov. Grisham’s unconstitutional order on guns

In a shocking violation of constitutional principles and individual liberties, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently proclaimed a state of emergency, temporarily banning all firearms for a 30-day period. Masking this unconstitutional act as a response to a surge in gun violence, the Governor has effectively trampled upon the sacred Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans.

This authoritarian move is already facing its day in court, thanks to the vigilant National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR). This marks a watershed moment in the ongoing battle to preserve our God-given right to self-defense in America.

Let’s be clear: The United States Constitution is explicit in affirming that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Any attempt to erode this fundamental liberty, especially via executive fiat, is a frontal assault on the cornerstone of our Republic. Governor Grisham’s order is not merely unconstitutional; it strikes at the very core of American values and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the future of our nation.

Albuquerque’s increase in violent crime was cited as the rationale for this unprecedented act. While no one denies the importance of public safety, the solution is not to disenfranchise law-abiding citizens by stripping away their constitutional rights.

The National Association for Gun Rights has rightly sprung into action, challenging this egregious overreach by filing a lawsuit on behalf of millions of responsible gun owners. Their argument is sound: Governor Grisham’s firearms ban severely violates the people’s right to defend themselves and their property. Far from making citizens safer, this authoritarian move exposes the populace to greater danger by creating a disarmed and vulnerable society.

NAGR has committed to taking this case to the highest court in the land, if necessary. Their resolve should serve as a clarion call for all of us who treasure our Second Amendment rights.

As staunch proponents of constitutional liberties here in Texas, we are deeply concerned about these developments next door in New Mexico. Make no mistake: this issue transcends state boundaries and speaks to the fundamental integrity of our United States. We stand unflinchingly with our fellow Americans in New Mexico against this despotic measure.

The actions of New Mexico’s Governor serve as a glaring warning: our freedoms are perpetually at risk from those who would use emergency powers as a pretext to subvert the Constitution. We commend organizations like NAGR for their unwavering commitment to defending our irreplaceable liberties, ensuring that the essence of the Second Amendment is not just historical text, but a living, breathing component of American life.

URGENT: Make your public comment against ATF’s Universal Gun Registration scheme!

 

September 12, 2023

Fellow Patriots,

The anti-gun bureaucrats at the ATF are back at it!

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that the ATF has begun its official comment period for a rule that could redefine who counts as a “Dealer in Firearms.”

Of course, this is just their slimy way of bypassing congress to make almost ALL gun sales funnel through the NICS Gun Ban Registry.

Don’t be fooled. The ATF’s actions are NOT about public safety. It’s a blatant power grab designed to bring private gun sales under federal scrutiny, forcing individuals to register as federal firearms licensees (FFL’s).

They want to make it so cumbersome, so bureaucratic, that people like you and me will just throw our hands up and say, “Fine, I won’t get a gun.”

If we don’t act, this could be a devastating blow to our Second Amendment rights!

Comment Online: The quickest way to have your say is through the online portal at regulations.gov (CLICK HERE TO COMMENT).

Comment by Mail: Send comments to Helen Koppe, Mail Stop 6N–518, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 99 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20226; ATTN: ATF 2022R–17.

Make sure you mention docket number ATF 2022R–17.

We have until December 7, 2023, to flood the ATF with comments exposing the insanity of their proposal.

Make no mistake: this isn’t just about shouting into the wind. A strong wave of well-reasoned opposition can force ATF to backtrack on some of their most egregious parts of this proposal.

If we can’t stop it there, your comments will be crucial ammunition in court battles against this unconstitutional rule.

What should you say? Stick to the facts. Point out how the proposed rule is inconsistent with existing laws and will target law-abiding citizens rather than criminals.

Remember, more than 95% of firearms purchase denials since 1998, when NICS was first established, have been “false positives.”

That means more than 95% of the people denied a purchase of a firearm have been WRONGLY denied, often because they share the same name (or similar name) to a prohibited person.

Funneling more names into this horrendously flawed system is only a recipe for disaster.

NICS needs to dismantled, not expanded!

That’s why it is time to flood the ATF with a tsunami of reasoned opposition.

Make them answer for every single line, every single clause in this ill-conceived proposal.

We’re at a tipping point. If we let them redefine who is a “Dealer in Firearms,” who knows what they’ll go after next?

They won’t stop until they’ve stripped us of our rights, one bureaucratic form at a time. We can’t let them get a foothold.

So don’t delay. Take action NOW!

Remember, the ATF is REQUIRED by federal law to respond to substantive comments.

Let’s make them work for it.

And if you can afford to do so, please chip-in $10 or even $20 to Texas Gun Rights to help us hold the ATF’s feet to the fire!

For Texas and Liberty,

Chris McNutt

President

Texas Gun Rights

Liberty BUSTED for Giving Government Access to Customer Safes

Liberty Safe, a company that prides itself as “America’s #1 heavy-duty home and gun safe manufacturer,” has recently come under scrutiny for its questionable cooperation with law enforcement agencies. While they boast a 98% customer satisfaction rate, their recent actions have raised concerns among gun owners and advocates for individual liberties, particularly here in the Lone Star State.

On August 30, Liberty Safe complied with an FBI request to unlock the safe of Nathan Hughes, an Arkansas resident who was served a search warrant related to his alleged participation in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. This act has sparked a heated debate about the extent to which companies should cooperate with law enforcement, especially when it comes to the sanctity of one’s home and the Second Amendment rights that we hold dear in Texas.

In a recent incident in Wilmington, North Carolina, firefighters had to cut into a gun safe inside a sporting goods store to rescue a little girl who was accidentally locked inside by her sister. The store employees did not have a key, and it appears that the safe manufacturer could not provide an access code in this emergency. This raises the question: If Liberty Safe can provide an access code to the FBI for a search warrant, why couldn’t a safe manufacturer assist when a child’s life is in immediate danger?

Liberty Safe’s decision to provide the FBI with an access code to Hughes’ safe is not just a matter of aiding a federal investigation. It sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the privacy and security of every American who owns a Liberty Safe. The company’s actions have essentially told their customers that their “peace of mind” comes with conditions, undermining the very essence of what a safe should represent.

It’s important to note that Liberty Safe was under no legal obligation to assist the FBI. The search warrant was for Nathan Hughes, not Liberty Safe. By voluntarily providing the access code, the company has overstepped its boundaries, raising serious questions about consumer trust and the protection of our Second Amendment rights.

As staunch advocates for gun rights and individual liberties in Texas, we cannot overlook these incidents. Liberty Safe’s actions are not in line with the principles that we, as Texans and Americans, hold dear. We must question the ethics of a company willing to compromise the privacy and security of its customers, especially when it comes to the sanctity of our homes and our constitutional rights.

While Liberty Safe may argue that they are committed to “preserving our customers’ rights,” their recent actions suggest otherwise. We urge all gun owners to think critically about the companies they choose to support and to stand firm in their commitment to upholding the values that make Texas and America great.

TXGR Capital

Three Pro-2A Bills Just Became Law in Texas!

 

September 1, 2023

While anti-gun politicians and their pals are busy scheming new ways to erode your rights, THREE critical pro-gun bills passed earlier this year just became law!

But before you read on, don’t for a moment think this was the work of politicians. Oh, no. This was YOUR victory. Your phone calls, your emails, and yes, your relentless pursuit for freedom made this happen. So pat yourselves on the back, but then clench your fists – because we’ve got more fighting to do. Here’s what became law as of September 1, 2023:

House Bill 2837: Spearheaded by Rep. Matt Schaefer, this bill isn’t just paper—it’s a barricade against the privacy-invading tactics of Big Finance. No more coding your gun purchases for potential misuse and abuse. This is a WIN for every gun owner who values their privacy and rights!

House Bill 1760: This law clearly spells out that “gun-free zones” can’t just pop up wherever anti-gun folks feel like it. Schools? Sure. Random locations because students are present? Absolutely not. This is a huge step toward reining in the abuse of “gun-free zones.”

House Bill 3137: Blue cities across the country are trying to discourage law-abiding gun owners from carrying a firearm by FORCING you to purchase expensive liability insurance to carry. Thanks to Rep. Carrie Isaac, municipalities can’t in Texas will be PROHIBITED from putting you in this situation. Think of this as a firewall against California-style nonsense reaching Texas.

Don’t just read this email and nod—celebrate this WIN, because heaven knows they’re hard-fought and not nearly frequent enough. But after that, reload (figuratively speaking), because you know as well as I do that the anti-gun crowd is already plotting their next moves.

So don’t get complacent. This victory should fuel your fire, not douse it. We’ve won this round, but the fight’s far from over, and you better believe they’ll redouble their efforts.

For Texas and Liberty,

Chris McNutt

President, Texas Gun Rights

ALERT: ATF’s Dangerous New Power Grab!

August 31, 2023

The ATF is targeting law-abiding gun owners with yet another unconstitutional power grab.

With a wink and a nod from the anti-gun Biden Administration, the ATF dropped a bombshell on law-abiding gun owners last week by rolling out a new 108-page rule that redefines who is considered a gun dealer.

Of course, this is just their slimy way of bypassing congress to make almost ALL gun sales funnel through the NICS Gun Registry.

The ATF and Biden are basically rewriting the law to ban you and me from privately selling or transferring firearms.

Just when I thought the ATF couldn’t get any more brazen, they go and do this…

Texas Gun Rights has been warning about Universal Gun Registration for years — and we’ve defeated ALL attempts to pass Universal Gun Registration in Austin and in Washington D.C.

But the ATF’s new “rule” is like handing the government a loaded gun to shoot down the Second Amendment!

You don’t need me to remind you that firearms registration is just the first domino to fall before they move onto full-blown confiscation!

Whether it is tomorrow, in five years, or even fifteen years from now, Biden’s ATF is laying the groundwork to confiscate your guns — and they’re no longer trying to hide it.

That’s why we’re rounding up petitions from all our freedom-loving members and supporters — to ABOLISH THE ATF — and we’re going to dump them on the ATF’s desk during their so-called “90-day comment period” on this ridiculous 108-page rule they just belched out.

The ATF doesn’t need to be fixed or replaced by another entity. It needs to be abolished for good.

Will you sign your petition to Abolish the ATF?

The ATF are unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who believe they can dictate how we live our lives.

That’s why we’re supporting H.R. 374. in congress — to wipe the ATF from the face of this earth!

But we know this fight is an UPHILL battle — especially with Biden still in control of the Senate and the White House.

That’s why we’re also exploring EVERY legal avenue we can to hammer these tyrants back into their bureaucratic holes.

In fact, we’ve already got not one but TWO lawsuits against the ATF for their ban on Pistol Stabilizing Braces and Forced Reset Triggers.

And late last week, we were granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on our Forced Reset Trigger Ban lawsuit!

You better believe we’re only getting started.

The ATF’s latest attempt to subvert congress to implement radical gun control isn’t just some minor policy issue.

This is a full-on assault against our God-given rights and freedoms!

Now’s the time to dig in our heels and push back HARD!

So after you sign your petition to Abolish the ATF, please consider your most generous contribution to Texas Gun Rights today.

We’re going to need all the patriots we can get to win this fight.

The only thing standing between their tyranny and our freedom is us, and we’re not backing down!

For Texas and Liberty,

 

 Chris McNutt

President

Texas Gun Rights

 

Sign the Petition

Federal Judge sides with the Constitution in Virginia!

Federal Judge rules that preventing 18-20 yr old from buying hand guns from an FFl is unconstitutional

July 28th 2023

On May 11th 2023, there was a significant ruling by a federal judge in Virginia that declared it unconstitutional to prohibit 18-20 year olds from purchasing handguns from Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers. This is undoubtedly a tremendous victory for our Second Amendment rights! It is reminiscent of a similar ruling here in Texas, where a judge upheld the right of 18-20 year olds to carry handguns.

The ruling in Virginia came after a brave individual from that state tried to purchase a firearm from an FFL dealer but was unjustly denied. This individual had the courage to challenge the decision and took legal action against the ATF. 

Thankfully, justice prevailed, and the individual won their case. This ruling reaffirms the fundamental rights given to us by our Constitution.

There are a number of states that discriminate against 18-20 year olds when it comes to both the purchase and carrying of firearms. Apparently, in America, you can be old enough to join the military and be in charge of heavy weaponry, but you can’t carry a handgun to defend yourself.

Now, it’s crucial for more states to follow suit and support these essential constitutional rights. We need to protect and uphold the Second Amendment across the nation. Every law-abiding citizen, regardless of age, should be able to exercise their right to bear arms responsibly and without unnecessary restrictions. These recent legal victories highlight the importance of challenging unjust laws and advocating for the preservation of our constitutional rights.

The ruling in Virginia and the similar decision in Texas are tremendous victories for our Second Amendment rights. Let us continue to stand together, urging other states to recognize and support the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution and keep fighting.

Gavin NewScum’s Gun Grabbing 28th Amendment Proposal

Gavin NewScum’s Gun Grabbing 28th Amendment Proposal

July 28, 2023

On June 8th, Governor Gavin Newsom put forth a new amendment that appears to blatantly trample upon our cherished Second Amendment rights. This proposal aims to infringe upon our fundamental right to bear arms by raising the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21. This would mandate an unnecessary waiting period for background checks, and even go so far as to ban semi-automatic rifles.

If enacted, this insidious amendment would effectively obliterate our ability to defend ourselves and undermine our duty to safeguard against a tyrannical government. 

It is truly disheartening to witness such a flagrant disregard for our constitutional rights coming from Governor Newsom. By singling out law-abiding citizens and placing arbitrary barriers on their ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights, he not only undermines the principles upon which our nation was founded but also fails to address the core issues underlying violence and crime.

Governor Newsom’s proposed amendment conveniently ignores the fact that responsible gun ownership is a crucial element of our individual freedoms and collective security. By restricting access to firearms for law-abiding adults under the age of 21, he is effectively denying them the means to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property from potential threats.

Furthermore, an unnecessary waiting period for background checks serves only to burden law-abiding citizens while doing little to deter criminals. It is an unjustifiable restriction that infringes upon our ability to exercise our rights promptly and efficiently.

Perhaps most concerning is Governor Newsom’s proposal to ban semi-automatic rifles. This sweeping and misguided measure fails to acknowledge that these firearms are widely used for self-defense, sport shooting, and even as tools for safeguarding against government overreach. The right to possess such firearms is essential in maintaining a balance of power between the citizenry and the government, ensuring that our democracy remains strong and free.

Governor Newsom’s amendment is a clear overreach that disregards the values of individual liberty and personal responsibility. It is imperative that we stand together against such encroachments on our constitutional rights and vocally oppose any legislation that seeks to diminish our ability to protect ourselves, our families, and our democratic way of life.

 Additionally, it is worth highlighting the utter failure of gun control measures while addressing the issue of gun violence. Despite California’s stringent gun regulations, the state continues to grapple with a distressingly high gun crime rate. This undeniable fact exposes the fallacy of Governor Newsom’s proposed amendment, which wrongly assumes that further restrictions on law-abiding citizens will somehow deter criminals or prevent acts of violence.

The truth is that criminals, by their very nature, have no regard for laws or regulations. They will find a way to obtain firearms regardless of the obstacles placed in their path. The only individuals affected by these restrictive measures are law-abiding citizens who seek to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly.

California’s experience serves as a stark reminder that gun bans and excessive regulations do not equate to safer communities. Instead, they create a disarmed populace that is left vulnerable and defenseless in the face of criminals who obtain firearms through illegal means. It is disheartening to witness policymakers like Governor Newsom ignore the evidence and persist in pushing for measures that do nothing to address the root causes of violence.

In conclusion, Governor Newsom’s proposed amendment is not only a direct assault on our Second Amendment rights but also a misguided attempt to address gun violence. California’s high gun crime rate, despite its stringent gun control measures, serves as a testament to the failure of such policies. It is essential that we reject these ill-conceived proposals and instead pursue solutions that uphold our constitutional rights while effectively addressing the complex issue of violence in our society.