Public Opinion and the Misguided Push for Gun Control: What South Carolinians Should Know

As conversations surrounding firearms and gun ownership continue to dominate national headlines, a recent 2025 State Fair poll in Minnesota reveals some troubling trends. According to the results, a majority of Minnesotans support further gun-control legislation—including proposals to ban “assault-style weapons” and implement universal background checks. Though these numbers reflect the views of those in one heavily-urbanized and traditionally left-leaning state, they contribute to a broader national narrative that threatens constitutional freedoms.

Here in South Carolina, particularly in pro-Second Amendment areas like Fountain Inn, we know better than to let emotion-driven politics erode our rights. At Fortress Firearms Training, we are committed to preserving the integrity of the Second Amendment by providing top-tier firearms education and training to responsible gun owners. This poll should serve as a rallying cry—not a road map—for gun control advocates to push more restrictions not just in Minnesota, but all across the country.

Media-Driven Fear vs. Responsible Gun Ownership

The tragic misuse of firearms makes for compelling headlines, but rarely do these stories capture the truth about legal gun ownership. The recent poll reflects a growing sentiment that gun control is the answer to violence. But here’s the inconvenient truth:

• Law-abiding citizens are not the cause of gun violence. The overwhelming majority of violent crimes are committed by individuals using illegally obtained firearms.
• Gun-free zones are frequently targeted by criminals. Disarming responsible citizens doesn’t make society safer—it makes people more vulnerable.
• Firearm training and education reduce accidents and misuse. At Fortress Firearms Training, we empower people to handle firearms safely and confidently.

The left continues to frame lawful gun ownership as a public menace, when in reality, law-abiding citizens who train and educate themselves are the very backbone of community safety.

Gun Control Isn’t the Answer—Education Is

The Minnesota State Fair poll reported high levels of support for banning so-called “assault-style weapons” and requiring universal background checks. But these measures often do little to stop crime and instead unfairly restrict the rights of legal owners. Most gun crimes involve handguns, not semi-automatics, and criminals rarely purchase weapons through legal pathways where background checks would apply.

Rather than push arbitrary bans, we should be investing in:

• Comprehensive firearms training programs like those offered at Fortress Firearms Training, where students learn everything from basic safety to advanced defensive tactics.
• Public safety campaigns that promote responsible storage and handling of firearms.
• Policies that target criminal misuse of firearms instead of blanket legislation aimed at honest gun owners.

Any meaningful approach to gun safety begins with education, not legislation that infringes on constitutional rights.

The Myth of Public Consensus

Proponents of restrictive gun policy are quick to cite polls like this one from Minnesota to suggest a “consensus” on gun control. But let’s not be fooled. Minnesota’s urban centers—where anti-gun sentiment is strongest—dominate the conversation. But in many rural areas, as well as in freedom-loving states like South Carolina, the majority of residents understand the importance of the Second Amendment and reject sweeping gun restrictions.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we deal with real people every day—men and women, young and old, many of them first-time gun owners who understand that self-defense isn’t just a right, it’s a responsibility. These Americans aren’t buying into the fear-mongering. Instead, they’re arming themselves with knowledge, training, and the confidence to protect their families.

Universal Background Checks: A Flawed Solution

A central piece of the poll’s findings shows widespread support for universal background checks. On the surface, this may sound reasonable. But here’s what the mainstream media doesn’t tell you:

• Universal background checks don’t stop illegal gun transfers. Criminals do not submit to background checks when acquiring firearms through stolen goods or the black market.
• They often turn lawful actions into bureaucratic nightmares for average citizens, complicating private sales and family transfers.
• These policies historically lead to gun registration and eventual confiscation, which is precisely the fear our Founding Fathers warned us about.

As a veteran-owned business, we at Fortress Firearms Training understand the importance of safeguarding individual liberties. We teach our students not just how to shoot, but why the right to bear arms is worth defending.

Why the Second Amendment Matters More Than Ever

It’s easy to lose perspective in times of political noise. The Second Amendment isn’t about hunting or sport shooting—though both are valid and cherished aspects of American culture. It’s about ensuring that free people will always have the means to protect themselves and resist tyranny.

The Founding Fathers wrote the Second Amendment with wisdom born from experience. They understood that governments can, and often do, overreach. And given the current political landscape, their concerns feel more relevant than ever.

Now is not the time to compromise. It’s time to double down on our freedoms and train the next generation of responsible gun owners. That’s why Fortress Firearms Training offers a full spectrum of courses designed to empower citizens with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe, effective, and constitutionally active patriots.

Stand Your Ground—Through Training & Education

Polls like this one out of Minnesota should not scare us into surrendering our rights. Rather, they should energize us. They are a clear signal that we must be proactive in defending the Second Amendment through education and informed public discourse.

If you believe that your rights deserve more than just lip service, take the next step. Whether you’re new to firearms or looking to hone your tactical skills, Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC is your trusted source for pro-2A training and education.

Visit our website to learn more about our certification courses, concealed carry classes, and defensive handgun training today. Because your rights—and your safety—are worth defending.