The federal government’s recent stance on gun ownership has contributed to the emergence of unexpected Second Amendment advocates, including individuals who were previously against or indifferent to owning firearms. National gun coalitions and local trainers have reported a significant rise in requests for firearm training from diverse groups such as women, people of color, and liberals, as noted by NBC News in recent weeks.
The surge in interest follows several high-profile incidents and comments from federal officials. For instance, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been involved in incidents, including the shooting of 13 individuals during immigration enforcement operations since last September. The January shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, have heightened fears of potential federal violations of constitutional rights across the nation. Pretti, who legally carried a concealed firearm, was shot by federal agents during a confrontation with protesters, under contentious circumstances. The Department of Homeland Security accused Pretti of ‘brandishing’ a weapon, claims contradicted by video evidence, sparking national debate.
Lara Smith, national spokesperson for the Liberal Gun Club, highlighted a notable shift in attitudes among those on the political left, seemingly in reaction to governmental comments. “Currently, we are overwhelmed with training requests,” Smith reported. This interest, she noted, is not about preparing for conflict but recognizing their Second Amendment rights as an integral part of the Bill of Rights that should be exercised to maintain them.
Gun training organizations like Grassroots Defense in Iowa have also experienced increased demand, especially among ‘nontraditional’ gun owners, such as women, queer, and people of color. This rise in interest echoes the national response following instances of police violence like the murder of George Floyd in 2020 but has reached even higher levels.
According to John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, approximately 26.2 million individuals became first-time gun buyers from 2020 to 2025, illustrating the broadening demographic and political diversity among new gun owners.
A Girl & A Gun, a women’s shooting club with over 200 chapters, recorded its highest level of training requests in six months, particularly from women aged 45-64. Club President Robyn Sandoval noted a decisive shift in motivation among participants, highlighting a transition from seeking safety reassurance to acquiring competence.
Organizations like LA Progressive Shooters also faced overwhelming demand post-Pretti’s shooting, indicating a heightened awareness and urgency among marginalized communities to become educated about gun ownership.
Similarly, Becky Bieker, a firearm trainer in northern Virginia, has seen increased interest, with recent clients expressing apprehensions about potential political challenges to their right to bear arms.
Ed Gardner, executive director of the Liberal Gun Club, expressed concern about the possible erosion of firearm rights, emphasizing the importance of understanding constitutional protections. The recent incidents have sparked a broader conversation about the significance of the First and Second Amendments and their enforcement.