DHS Declares Gun Stores Essential; Cuomo Ignores Remington Ventilator Offer | Gun Talk Radio

Published on April 7, 2020
Duration: 9:09

This segment discusses the Department of Homeland Security's designation of gun stores and shooting ranges as essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing political cover for governors. It also highlights Remington's offer to produce ventilators for New York Governor Cuomo, which was reportedly ignored, and critiques the idea that Second Amendment rights can be suspended during emergencies. The discussion touches on increased gun sales and the response from gun rights organizations.

Quick Summary

The Department of Homeland Security declared gun stores and shooting ranges essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing governors with political cover to reopen them despite pressure from gun ban advocates. This designation, supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, aimed to ensure access to firearms for self-defense amidst rising public fear and concerns about law enforcement availability.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Gun Stores Declared Essential
  2. 00:38COVID-19 Impact on Businesses
  3. 00:49DHS Essential Business Designation
  4. 01:13Political Cover for Governors
  5. 02:05Gun Rights Movement Leaders
  6. 02:29NSSF's Role and Industry Lobbying
  7. 03:57NSSF Secures Essential Status
  8. 04:04Governor's Conflicting Orders
  9. 04:21Cuomo and Ventilator Offer
  10. 04:30Rights During Emergencies
  11. 05:00Second Amendment Rights
  12. 05:29Remington Factory Offer
  13. 06:34Cuomo's Response (or lack thereof)
  14. 07:26Gun Sales Surge
  15. 08:12Prisoner Releases and Police Depletion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Department of Homeland Security declaring gun stores essential?

The Department of Homeland Security's designation of gun stores and shooting ranges as essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic provided crucial political cover for governors. This allowed them to reopen these businesses despite pressure from gun ban advocates, framing it as a necessary measure aligned with federal guidance.

How did the National Shooting Sports Foundation contribute to gun stores being deemed essential?

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) actively worked with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to advocate for gun stores and shooting ranges to be classified as essential businesses. Their efforts were instrumental in securing this designation, which helped many businesses remain operational during lockdowns.

What was Remington's offer to Governor Cuomo, and what was the response?

Remington's CEO offered to utilize their 1 million square foot manufacturing facility and 800 trained employees in Ilion, New York, to produce ventilators for the state. However, the response from Governor Andrew Cuomo's office was reportedly non-existent, described as 'crickets'.

What is the argument against suspending Second Amendment rights during emergencies?

The argument presented is that Second Amendment rights are fundamental and cannot be revoked simply because of an emergency. Suspending these rights during crises implies they are mere privileges that can be taken away, undermining the very concept of constitutional rights.

Why have gun sales increased during the pandemic, according to the discussion?

The increase in gun sales is attributed to public fear stemming from factors like potential prisoner releases from jails, depletion of police forces due to virus contraction, and concerns about increased response times or lack of police presence. This leads individuals to seek firearms for self-defense.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Gun Talk Media

View all →