Understanding the Real Issues Behind Gun Violence

The alarming rise in crime across the country has naturally left many Americans searching for solutions. But increasingly, we’re seeing misguided and politically charged efforts attacking law-abiding gun owners and the firearms industry, rather than addressing the deeper, systemic causes of violence. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe strongly in defending our constitutional rights and providing Americans with the education and skills to responsibly exercise those rights. Yet there’s an unsettling trend fueled by the media and certain politicians: using anti-gun lawsuits in a futile attempt to curb crime.

Why Lawsuits Against Gun Makers Miss the Mark

Rather than focusing on effective, community-based solutions or addressing mental health problems and inner-city crime, anti-gun activists continue to target firearms manufacturers in court. These lawsuits attempt to assign blame to companies who produce legal products for the actions of criminals. It’s a strategy that’s not just flawed — it’s dangerous. The idea that suing a manufacturer for someone else’s misuse of their product will reduce crime is as effective as suing car companies every time there’s a drunk driving incident.

Their logic fails for one major reason: criminals don’t follow laws, and they certainly aren’t deterred by court settlements or corporate liability. Guns used in crimes are overwhelmingly acquired through illegal means. According to research and law enforcement data, most firearms used in shootings are obtained via theft, the black market, or straw purchases — none of which involve legal merchants or responsible manufacturers.

The 2nd Amendment Under Attack

Our Founding Fathers understood that an armed citizenry is essential for the preservation of freedom. Unfortunately, that principle is being eroded every day through these politicized lawsuits and policies that punish legal gun ownership. In states where anti-gun sentiment runs high, laws are being passed in emotionally charged environments that ignore both data and common sense. The result? More restrictions for honest citizens and zero impact on violent crime rates.

Take New York and California, for instance — two states with some of the nation’s strictest gun laws. Despite (or perhaps because of) these overwhelming restrictions, they also report some of the highest incidences of gun violence. Meanwhile, more firearm-friendly states, like South Carolina, continue to respect the rights of their citizens while also promoting responsible gun ownership through training and education programs such as those we offer at Fortress Firearms Training.

What Really Causes Crime?

The key point emphasized in the Washington Post editorial — and echoed by countless experts — is that lawsuits against the firearms industry do nothing to address the root causes of crime. So what does cause crime?

• Breakdown of the family unit – Decades of social decline and fatherless homes have led to instability in many communities.
• Lack of mental health support – When our society’s most disturbed and vulnerable go untreated, the results can be deadly.
• Failing education systems – Underperforming schools in impoverished areas churn out children without hope or a plan for the future.
• Poor policing policies – Soft-on-crime district attorneys and defunded police departments have made many cities warzones.
• Gang violence and drug trafficking – Organized crime networks are responsible for a disproportionate amount of shootings.

Why aren’t politicians and the media focusing on these causes? Because they require long-term investment and tough conversations — not flashy headlines or virtue-signaling lawsuits that do nothing to protect our communities.

Political Agendas Over Public Safety

The reality is that anti-gun lawsuits are less about solving crime and more about pushing a political narrative to undermine the Second Amendment. These efforts are driven by activist agendas and supported by media outlets eager to push propaganda instead of facts. The firearms industry, despite being one of the most regulated sectors in America, has become the scapegoat. That’s not justice — it’s political theater.

As firearm trainers in the heart of South Carolina, we see firsthand the responsible and law-abiding nature of gun owners. Our students range from suburban families to rural farmers, law enforcement officers to single mothers looking for self-defense training. None of them are criminals. All of them value safety, proper training, and their constitutional freedoms.

The Importance of Firearms Education

Instead of sanctioning gun makers, our government should be promoting training and education for responsible firearms use. At Fortress Firearms Training, we take pride in offering comprehensive, hands-on instruction designed to empower citizens and promote gun safety. Whether you’re new to firearms or an experienced shooter, training is essential to responsible ownership. Here’s why:

• Reduces accidents – Education helps prevent careless handling that can lead to injuries.
• Builds confidence – Proper training ensures gun owners are prepared if they need to defend themselves or others.
• Promotes safe storage – Knowing how and where to store your firearm is critical in homes with children or guests.
• Strengthens community safety – A trained and armed citizenry is a powerful deterrent against crime.

At a time when misinformation and political agendas dominate the national conversation about firearms, Fortress Firearms Training stands as a beacon for responsible gun ownership and constitutional rights. We don’t just teach people how to shoot — we educate them on the critical responsibilities that come with the Second Amendment.

A Call to Reason and Constitutional Integrity

Stripping away the rights of law-abiding citizens will not stop crime. Suing companies for producing legal products won’t fix broken communities or restore moral fabric. Instead, we must return to tried-and-true American principles: personal responsibility, freedom, and community empowerment. That begins with telling the truth about firearms and focusing on real solutions — not ideological battles in the courtroom.

If you’re in the Fountain Inn area and want to take a proactive step in defending your rights and protecting your family, we invite you to explore the training programs we offer at Fortress Firearms Training. Join the growing number of South Carolinians who understand that proper training, personal responsibility, and respect for our Constitution are the keys to creating a safer society — not litigation driven by sensationalist headlines.