The Second Amendment Challenge: Lynne Russell Takes a Stand
Lynne Russell, a renowned CNN anchor from the past, is now making headlines of her own. Known for her significant contributions to the popular Headline News program, she reported on important national stories that shaped our world. Today, she’s stepping into a new role as the leading plaintiff in what could be a massive Second Amendment challenge in Washington D.C.
Russell is challenging D.C.’s prohibition on “off-body” carrying of firearms, which includes carrying a gun in a purse. This issue holds personal significance for Russell; she survived an armed assault in 2015 thanks to a weapon she carried in her purse.
A Life-Saving Incident
Jonathan Turley, a respected legal expert, recounts the harrowing incident that led to Russell’s passion for this issue. He states, “Russell’s nightmare began when the armed assailant grabbed her outside of their motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico and forced her into her room… Inside was her gun and De Caro pulled it out and exchanged fire with the man. He was shot three times but survived. The assailant did not. Both Russell and De Caro showed amazing courage.”
Fighting for Women’s Rights to Carry
Russell is now advocating for others’ rights, particularly women’s rights, to use off-body carry for self-defense. As Turley notes in his article, concealed carry in a holster isn’t always convenient or practical for women due to varying fashion choices. Having the option to carry a gun in a purse enables women to have their weapon close at hand regardless of their outfit.
D.C.’s Current Gun Laws
According to D.C.’s Municipal Regulation 24-2344.1 and 24-2344.2, residents are instructed to carry their pistol in a way that it is entirely hidden from public view. The regulation stipulates that the firearm must be carried in a holster on the person, securely fastened to prevent loss, theft, or accidental discharge.
The Potential Risks of Holster Carry
Turley argues that holster carry can make women targets for criminals seeking to steal weapons. A holster under a dress can draw unwanted attention and potentially turn women into victims of violent crime. Turley also believes that Russell has a strong case, arguing that it will be difficult for the city to find historical support for limiting gun rights to strictly on-body carry.
The Second Amendment’s Protection
The court states that “when the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s conduct, the Constitution presumptively protects that conduct.” If the government wants to bypass this presumption, it will have to demonstrate that the regulation aligns with the historical tradition of gun regulation in the U.S. It seems unlikely that any such laws from our country’s early years would support prohibiting off-body carry.
Previous Gun Control Missteps
Turley has previously written about how cities like New York, D.C., and Chicago often undermine their own gun control efforts with poorly conceived and drafted laws. He notes that these cities continue to inadvertently aid gun rights advocates by resulting in losses for those opposing our constitutional right to self-defense with firearms.
Final Thoughts
As Russell takes up this significant Second Amendment challenge, we’re reminded of the ongoing debate surrounding gun control and individual rights. This case could potentially reshape the way we understand and apply our constitutional rights, particularly regarding off-body carry.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue in the comments section below. Let’s engage in a constructive discussion about our rights and the ways they intersect with public safety concerns.
