Texas has amassed a grim and growing list of communities marked by mass shootings. At the same time, the state’s gun laws have become increasingly permissive—even though they aren’t overwhelmingly popular, even among gun owners.
, and now Uvalde. At the same time, the state’s gun laws have become increasingly permissive. In 2015, Texas began allowing permit holders to carry weapons openly in most public places. Last year, the state removed the requirement for a permit; now, nearly anyone older than twenty-one who is legally allowed to purchase a handgun can carry it, openly or concealed, in almost all public places.
“I don’t think we did anything to make [shootings like Uvalde] more likely,” he said. “But we didn’t do anything to make it less likely.” I asked how it felt to be behind his fellow-Republicans on gun-rights issues, after having once been out in front. “I think the Party is behind,” he said, explaining that he thinks Republicans will come around to enacting some gun-control measures—perhaps establishing red-flag laws, or a repeal of unlicensed concealed carry—in the next few years.
His feelings were echoed by McLaughlin, who said he bought his AR-15 “after Obama got elected President and they talked about outlawing them.” “It’s still got the tags on it in the safe. I’ve never taken it out. I don’t like shooting it. I hunt with an over-and-under shotgun or a bolt-action deer rifle. I’m not a fan of that deal.”
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