A recent New York Times article addressed the growing presence of armed protesters in public spaces, including those seen targeting gay pride events, abortion and racial justice rallies, election sites, and local libraries.
Data cited by the article confirm that most of these incidents take place where Republicans have worked to broaden the ability to carry firearms in public. Expansive “open carry” laws are a worrisome trend given their obvious public safety implications and their frequent use to intimidate those with whom these armed protesters disagree.
Ellen Sward,
Vancouver
