I’ve spent my career fighting for the Constitution, the whole thing, not just the parts that are politically convenient on any given Tuesday.
So, when FBI Director Kash Patel went on Fox News last week and declared, “You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want,” I was concerned. Let’s clarify, Director Patel.
Carrying a gun at a peaceful protest is constitutionally protected. But carrying while committing a crime, such as interfering with law enforcement operations, brings additional criminal charges. Criminal behavior while carrying accelerates the risk to everyone.
The Second Amendment doesn’t evaporate because someone is also exercising their First Amendment rights. That’s not how the Bill of Rights works. They’re not multiple choice.
Let me be clear again: the riots and mob violence in Minneapolis are indefensible. Attacking and impeding law enforcement officers is a crime, not a protest. ACRU has always stood behind the rule of law, and we always will. But as constitutional conservatives, we must hold every administration accountable to uphold the 2nd Amendment. If any member of an administration says or insinuates that legally carrying a firearm makes you a threat, that carrying plus protesting equals “not peaceful,” they are handing the gun control lobby an argument gift-wrapped with a bow on top.
Rights don’t disappear one dramatic court ruling at a time. They’re nibbled away by “reasonable” exceptions that nobody fights because the politics are uncomfortable.
At ACRU, we don’t do comfortable. We do constitutional. And sometimes the Constitution isn’t easy.
Let’s boil this down.
Committing a crime, like interfering with law enforcement operations, while carrying? Not legal.
Carrying while protesting peaceably? Constitutionally protected.
Details are always important, and we must not allow emotion to start modifying rights. The Constitution is non-negotiable — and it is important that government officials protect constitutional rights in word and deed.
The Second Amendment Doesn’t Have an Asterisk
Lori Roman
February 4, 2026
I’ve spent my career fighting for the Constitution, the whole thing, not just the parts that are politically convenient on any given Tuesday.
So, when FBI Director Kash Patel went on Fox News last week and declared, “You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want,” I was concerned. Let’s clarify, Director Patel.
Carrying a gun at a peaceful protest is constitutionally protected. But carrying while committing a crime, such as interfering with law enforcement operations, brings additional criminal charges. Criminal behavior while carrying accelerates the risk to everyone.
The Second Amendment doesn’t evaporate because someone is also exercising their First Amendment rights. That’s not how the Bill of Rights works. They’re not multiple choice.
Let me be clear again: the riots and mob violence in Minneapolis are indefensible. Attacking and impeding law enforcement officers is a crime, not a protest. ACRU has always stood behind the rule of law, and we always will. But as constitutional conservatives, we must hold every administration accountable to uphold the 2nd Amendment. If any member of an administration says or insinuates that legally carrying a firearm makes you a threat, that carrying plus protesting equals “not peaceful,” they are handing the gun control lobby an argument gift-wrapped with a bow on top.
Rights don’t disappear one dramatic court ruling at a time. They’re nibbled away by “reasonable” exceptions that nobody fights because the politics are uncomfortable.
At ACRU, we don’t do comfortable. We do constitutional. And sometimes the Constitution isn’t easy.
Let’s boil this down.
Committing a crime, like interfering with law enforcement operations, while carrying? Not legal.
Carrying while protesting peaceably? Constitutionally protected.
Details are always important, and we must not allow emotion to start modifying rights. The Constitution is non-negotiable — and it is important that government officials protect constitutional rights in word and deed.
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