Gun Control
Follow the latest Gun Control news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
April 27, 2024 at 12:22 AM

Maine governor signs off on new gun laws, mental health supports in wake of Lewiston shootings

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed off on a suite of gun safety legislation approved by lawmakers after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, bolstering the state’s “yellow fla...
April 27, 2024 at 12:22 AM
FILE - Gov. Janet Mills attends an event, March 11, 2022, in Augusta, Maine. On Friday, April 26, 2024, Mills signed into law a suite of gun safety legislation approved by lawmakers after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, bolstering the state's “yellow flag” law, criminalizing the transfer of guns to prohibited people and expanding mental health crisis care. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
April 24, 2024 at 9:01 PM

Tennessee lawmakers approve bill to arm teachers

Should teachers be allowed to carry firearms to protect their students? ABC News' Morgan Norwood has the latest on the new legislation in Tennessee that looks to combat school shootings.
April 24, 2024 at 9:01 PM
VIDEO: Tennessee lawmakers approve bill to arm teachers
April 22, 2024 at 2:55 PM

Supreme Court will take up 'ghost guns' case next term

The Supreme Court said Monday it would take up the issue of "ghost guns" next term.
April 22, 2024 at 2:55 PM
The United States Supreme Court building is seen as in Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2023.
April 20, 2024 at 3:01 AM

Father of Parkland shooting victim says gun regulations 'work'

ABC News’ Rachel Scott spoke to Fred Guttenberg, the father of 14-year-old Parkland victim, Jamie, six years after the school shooting about how new gun regulations are saving lives.
April 20, 2024 at 3:01 AM
VIDEO: Father of Parkland shooting victim says gun regulations 'work'
April 18, 2024 at 9:26 PM

Sweeping gun legislation approved by Maine lawmakers after mass shooting

The Maine Legislature has approved sweeping gun safety legislation nearly six months after the deadliest shooting in state history
April 18, 2024 at 9:26 PM
FILE - A make-shift memorial lines Main Street, Nov. 3, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. The Maine Legislature has approved sweeping gun safety legislation early Thursday, April 18, 2024, nearly six months after the deadliest shooting in state history. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
April 16, 2024 at 8:30 PM

Several gun bills inspired by mass shooting are headed for final passage in Maine

A series of gun safety bills introduced after Maine’s deadliest shooting appears is headed toward final passage
April 16, 2024 at 8:30 PM
FILE - The Maine State House is seen at dawn, Jan. 3, 2024, in Augusta, Maine. A series of gun safety bills introduced after the deadliest shooting in Maine history appears to be headed toward final passage as the state Legislature races to wrap up its session the week of April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
April 12, 2024 at 6:28 PM

White House finalizes new rule to close ‘gun show loophole’

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del, talks about advancing gun safety by expanding background checks for those who sell firearms.
April 12, 2024 at 6:28 PM
VIDEO: White House finalizes new rule to close ‘gun show loophole’
April 12, 2024 at 1:40 AM

Biden administration closes 'gun show loophole'

Under new federal rules background checks will be required on buyers at gun shows.
April 12, 2024 at 1:40 AM
VIDEO: Biden administration closes 'gun show loophole'
April 11, 2024 at 10:34 PM

New rule to close 'gun show loophole'

The ATF is now requiring anyone selling firearms commercially to register and do background checks. The rule covers gun shows, online sales, and brick and mortar sales.
April 11, 2024 at 10:34 PM
VIDEO: New rule to close 'gun show loophole'
April 11, 2024 at 6:26 PM

Biden administration closing 'gun show loophole'

The Biden administration on Thursday announced they are closing what is often known as the "gun show loophole."
April 11, 2024 at 6:26 PM
President Joe Biden delivers remarks during a campaign event with Vice President Kamala Harris in Raleigh, N.C., March 26, 2024.
April 11, 2024 at 5:34 PM

Biden administration plans to close 'gun show loophole'

The Biden administration announced on Thursday it will tighten up the definition of what it means to be "engaged in the business" of selling firearms.
April 11, 2024 at 5:34 PM
The Biden administration announced on Thursday it will tighten up the definition of what it means to be "engaged in the business" of selling firearms.
1 month ago

'Several' missed opportunities to possibly stop Maine mass shooter: Report

The independent commission investigating what led up to Robert Card's Oct. 25 mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, released an interim report on what they have found.
1 month ago
Police tape cordons off the road to Schemengees Bar and Grille as law enforcement officers maintain their presence in the aftermath of a mass shooting by Army reservist Robert Card in Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 27, 2023.
2 months ago

Machine gun or firearm toy? Bump stock creator speaks out before Supreme Court case

ABC News' Devin Dwyer talks exclusively with the creator of the bump stock, who is defending his invention after it was banned by the Trump administration in 2018.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Machine gun or firearm toy? Bump stock creator speaks out before Supreme Court case
2 months ago

Machine gun or firearm toy? Bump stock creator speaks ahead of SCOTUS hearing on ban

Bump stock inventor Jeremiah Cottle speaks to ABC News as debate over his controversial firearm accessory goes before the U.S. Supreme Court in Garland v. Cargill
2 months ago
Jeremiah Cottle, inventor of the non-mechanical bump stock, demonstrates how it functions to make a semi-automatic rifle mimic machine gun fire.
2 months ago

Suspect in killing of first responders was banned for life from possessing firearms

Shannon Cortez Gooden was issued the lifetime firearms ban following a 2008 conviction for second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, according to court records reviewed by ABC News.
2 months ago
The suspect, 38-year-old Shannon Cortez Gooden, was issued the lifetime firearms ban following a 2008 conviction for second-degree assault with a deadly weapon in Dakota County, Minnesota, according court records reviewed by ABC News.
3 months ago

White House official discusses new gun safety initiative

A new gun safety initiative was announced last week at a White House event. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona discusses the new initiative.
3 months ago
VIDEO: White House official discusses new gun safety initiative
4 months ago

NY assistant AG says NRA operated as 'Wayne's World' in opening arguments

The National Rifle Association operated as “Wayne’s World,” a lawyer for the New York Attorney General’s office said Monday during opening statements.
4 months ago
Wayne LaPierre, former CEO of the National Rifle Association, arrives for jury selection for the trial of the NRA, at New York State Supreme Court in New York City, Jan. 8, 2024.
4 months ago

Former NRA executive pleads guilty to fraud, agrees to testify

The admission, hours after Wayne LaPierre's resignation, comes ahead of a trial scheduled to begin Monday.
4 months ago
In this May 3, 2018, file photo, merchandise with the National Rifle Association logo is on display ahead of the NRA annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.
5 months ago

Here's where the 2024 presidential candidates stand on guns

The 2024 presidential candidates have spoken about their policy ideas related to gun violence and gun regulations, as gun deaths remain a major problem in the country
5 months ago
Gun Control
5 months ago

Senators discuss new gun violence prevention legislation

Sens. Martin Heinrich and Angus King discuss new legislation that would help protect communities from gun violence while safeguarding the right to own a firearm.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Senators discuss new gun violence prevention legislation
5 months ago

There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023, database shows

The Gun Violence Archive shows that there have been more mass shootings than days in 2023 so far.
5 months ago
Students at a nearby school pay respects at a memorial for the people who were killed, at an entry to Covenant School, March 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.
5 months ago

1 girl, 1 bullet: How gun violence is impacting children in the US

ABC News’ Pierre Thomas reports on how one girl survived a bullet that could have taken her life on “This Week.”
5 months ago
VIDEO: 1 girl, 1 bullet: How gun violence is impacting children in the US
5 months ago

Influencer uses basketball to combat gun violence

McKinley Nelson is using basketball as a way to combat gun violence and mental health issues in his community.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Influencer uses basketball to combat gun violence
5 months ago

Use of state's yellow flag law spikes after mass shooting

Maine's yellow flag law has been invoked 36 times since the Lewiston shootings, more than 30% of all weapons restriction orders since the law went into effect.
5 months ago
A sign of support in Downton Lewiston where the flag on Main Street is half-mast, Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 27, 2023.
6 months ago

Where do Americans stand on gun control?

Polling says most Americans want stricter gun laws but don't think they'll get them.
6 months ago
Public support for stricter gun control laws remains high
6 months ago

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold gun ban for domestic abusers on narrow grounds

A majority of Supreme Court justices on Tuesday appeared inclined to uphold a 30-year-old federal ban on firearms for people under domestic violence restraining orders.
6 months ago
People participate in a demonstration as the Supreme Court considers legality of domestic-violence gun curbs at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 7, 2023.
6 months ago

Domestic abuse survivor implores Supreme Court to uphold gun ban

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer reports on the Supreme Court as they consider whether to uphold a federal ban on guns for those subject to domestic violence restraining orders.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Domestic abuse survivor implores Supreme Court to uphold gun ban
6 months ago

SCOTUS hears oral arguments in major gun rights case

The case is a challenge to the federal law that denies weapons to anyone subject to a domestic abuse order.
6 months ago
VIDEO: SCOTUS hears oral arguments in major gun rights case
6 months ago

Supreme Court hears arguments on federal gun ban for domestic abusers

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer breaks down the arguments before the Supreme Court on a federal ban on gun ownership for people under domestic violence restraining orders.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Supreme Court hears arguments on federal gun ban for domestic abusers
6 months ago

Supreme Court reviews weapons ban for domestic violence cases

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer has the details as the Supreme Court reviews a federal ban that stops people with domestic violence restraining orders from owning firearms.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Supreme Court reviews weapons ban for domestic violence cases
6 months ago

An inside look at gun reform in America

ABC News’ Rachel Scott looks at where the 2024 field is on gun control and Biden’s message on the subject as he runs for re-election.
6 months ago
VIDEO: An inside look at gun reform in America
6 months ago

SCOTUS reviews ban on guns for domestic abusers

The Supreme Court will hear arguments about a federal law which prohibits people under domestic violence restraining orders from buying a gun.
6 months ago
VIDEO: SCOTUS reviews ban on guns for domestic abusers
6 months ago

Supreme Court reviews federal ban on guns for domestic abusers

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear arguments over a 30-year-old federal ban on firearms for people under domestic violence restraining orders.
6 months ago
The U.S. Supreme Court is seen on June 23, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
6 months ago

New gun laws often follow mass shooting tragedies, recent history shows

Mass shootings shine a spotlight on the gun laws of the states in which these tragedies happen.
6 months ago
A sign reading "Lewiston Strong" is displayed in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 27, 2023, in the aftermath of a mass shooting.
6 months ago

Supreme Court weighs decision over allowing domestic abusers to have guns

The United States vs. Rahimi will go before the Supreme Court. The case will help decide whether people who have domestic violence restraining orders against them to have the right to own a gun.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Supreme Court weighs decision over allowing domestic abusers to have guns
6 months ago

Conservative Maine Democrat now backs assault weapons ban after hometown massacre

Rep. Jared Golden, who lives in Lewiston, Maine, said that in light of the recent mass shooting in his town he was changing his view on banning assault-style weapons
6 months ago
Rep. Jared Golden speaks during a press conference after a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 26, 2023.
6 months ago

Senate approved amendment that would limit gun background checks for veterans

Hours before the Maine mass shooting, the Senate approved an amendment that would limit background checks for veterans and service members with mental health issues.
6 months ago
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) attends a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on "Constitutional and Common Sense Steps to Reduce Gun Violence" on March 23, 2021 in Washington, DC.
6 months ago

What to know about Maine's gun laws after Lewiston mass shooting

Maine's gun laws have been thrust into the spotlight following the mass shooting in Lewiston.
6 months ago
Store owner behind the counter at his small gun shop, HF Firearms, next to his home in Levant, Maine, Oct. 7, 2016.
6 months ago

Maine's gun laws explained

Maine became a permitless carry state in 2015.
6 months ago
VIDEO: What to know about Maine's gun laws
6 months ago

Maine lawmaker changes his mind on gun ban

Rep. Jared Golden, who lives in Lewiston, Maine, said that in light of the recent mass shooting in his town he was changing his view on banning assault-style weapons.
6 months ago
Rep. Jared Golden, who lives in Lewiston, Maine, said that in light of the recent mass shooting in his town he was changing his view on banning assault-style weapons.
6 months ago

VP Harris hints at effectiveness of gun control at luncheon with Australian PM

"It does not have to be this way, as our friends in Australia have demonstrated," Vice President Harris said at a state luncheon honoring Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
6 months ago
"It does not have to be this way, as our friends in Australia have demonstrated," Vice President Harris said at a state luncheon honoring Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
7 months ago

State bill aims to incentivize safe gun storage with sales tax waiver

A bill in Ohio that would remove sales tax for items such as gun locks and secure gun storage lockers is getting wide support.
7 months ago
A Diamondback .380 semi-auto with a trigger lock (right) and a Glock Model 22 with a gun lock installed (left) at Black Gold Guns & Ammo, Aug. 3, 2016, in Houston.
7 months ago

‘American Gun’ explores AR-15’s origin from LA garage to cultural lightning rod

ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke to Wall Street Journal reporters Cameron McWhirter and Zusha Elinson about their book “American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15” and the story of the controversial gun.
7 months ago
VIDEO: 'American Gun’ explores AR-15’s origin from LA garage to cultural lightning rod
7 months ago

Comedians lend voice to new gun violence PSA with message: Threats are not jokes

Comedians Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho and Billy Eichner appear in "Just Joking," a new gun violence PSA to show the importance of taking gun violence seriously.
7 months ago
Comedians Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho and Billy Eichner appear in "Just Joking," a new gun violence PSA to show the importance of taking gun violence seriously.
7 months ago

Rapper Quavo lobbies for gun violence reform on Capitol Hill

Quavo, one of the members of Migos, heads to Washington, D.C. to lobby for gun violence reform. ABC News’ Rachel Scott reports.
7 months ago
VIDEO: Rapper Quavo lobbies for gun violence reform on Capitol Hill
7 months ago

Biden announces White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Advocates call the first-of-its kind office a win for the gun-safety movement.
7 months ago
President Joe Biden speaks about gun safety,Sept. 22, 2023, from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.
7 months ago

Biden administration launches Office of Gun Violence Prevention

President Joe Biden urged the importance of gun safety and violence prevention during a speech in the Rose Garden.
7 months ago
VIDEO: Biden administration launches Office of Gun Violence Prevention
7 months ago

Quavo lobbies for gun violence prevention in D.C.

The Migos rapper lost his fellow band member and nephew Takeoff to a shooting in November 2022.
7 months ago
In this June 1, 2022, file photo, Takeoff and Quavo attend an event in Atlanta.
8 months ago

New Mexico governor amends gun order to allow for firearms in most public places

The development comes two days after a judge temporarily blocked the order.
8 months ago
The development comes two days after a judge temporarily blocked the order.
8 months ago

Stage set for gun rights battle in New Mexico

A federal judge is blocking the New Mexico governor's temporary order suspending the right to carry guns in and around Albuquerque.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Stage set for gun rights battle in New Mexico