COVID-19: Threat to Second Amendment

Nothing is more important than protecting ourselves and our families -- especially during these times of uncertainty. Yet, some anti-gun lawmakers are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to deny you and your loved ones your fundamental right to self-defense and your Second Amendment rights.

These anti-gun and anti-self defense extremists deem gun stores "non-essential," they shut down issuance of firearm permits, and, in some locations, they have created extreme delays for background checks required for firearm transfers. Some jurisdictions have even put added restrictions on firearm transfers, making it all but impossible for many law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

All of this is happening against a backdrop of reported prisoner furloughs and law enforcement only arresting for the most serious of crimes.

Just like you, we know that's wrong.

That is why the NRA will keep a constant watch on what is happening nationwide and will work diligently to ensure that you are able to defend yourself and your family during these unprecedented times. In the past four decades, your NRA has led the way to pass Right-to-Carry, Castle Doctrine, and most important for the current crisis, protection against gun confiscation during declared emergencies. This time is no different.

We hope you find this website useful. Please use it to stay updated on what's happening in your town or state and across the country. If you need help or would like to alert us to something happening in your town or state, please contact us here or send us an email at [email protected].

During these difficult times, your NRA is keeping vigilant watch over your right to buy a gun and to make sure you are able to defend yourself and your family. The NRA fights for all law-abiding gun owners, whether they can afford to donate or not. We understand times are tough. But, if you have the means, please help us keep fighting against those politicians who are determined to strip away our right to self-defense and their billionaire backers. Every dollar counts. We thank you in advance.

If you are unable to help us at this time, please drop us a line and let us know how you and your family are doing. We are always grateful to hear from our members and supporters. Again, a big THANK YOU from all of us here at the NRA.

Stay safe.

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Covid-19 Articles

Click here to view your state's laws on emergency powers and firearms

State preemption law: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6120 provides, "no county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth."

Further, in a case involving local firearms regulations, Ortiz v. Commonwealth (1996), the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held that there is a prohibition on political subdivisions regulating firearm independent of the preemption statute. The court stated,

Because the ownership of firearms is constitutionally protected, its regulation is a matter of statewide concern. The constitution does not provide that the right to bear arms shall not be questioned in any part of the commonwealth except Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where it may be abridged at will, but that it shall not be questioned in any part of the commonwealth. Thus, regulation of firearms is a matter of concern in all of Pennsylvania, not merely in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the General Assembly, not city councils, is the proper forum for the imposition of such regulation.

Restrictions on firearms and ammunition in a declared state of emergency: 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7301. During a state of disaster emergency the governor is granted the authority to "suspend or limit the sale, dispensing or transportation of... firearms, explosives and combustibles."

4 Pa. Code § 3.25 empowers the Pennsylvania state police with "emergency response activities." The statute states that "emergency response activities shall include... implement, upon request, suspension of the sale of firearms, explosives and combustibles."

8 Pa.C.S.A. § 10A06 states that a mayor may declare a state of emergency, which grants them the authority to prohibit "the sale, purchase or dispensing of any commodities or goods as designated by the mayor."

18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6107 provides that during a state of emergency declared by either the state or a municipal government executive, and individual may not carry a firearm on a public street or on public property unless they are actively engaged in an act of self-defense or they hold a license to carry a firearm or in accordance with the exemptions outlined in 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6106(b). However, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6107 also makes clear that "no firearm, accessory or ammunition may be seized, taken or confiscated during an emergency unless the seizure, taking or confiscation would be authorized absent the emergency."

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