Understanding the Real Root of Violence: It’s Not Law-Abiding Gun Owners

April 2025 prompted national headlines as an alarming spike in gun deaths among Memphis children sent shockwaves across the country. The media and anti-gun politicians have once again rushed to blame lawful gun ownership and call for sweeping new gun control measures. But when we look at the facts—beneath the emotional headlines—it’s clear that the issue isn’t the tools, but rather the tragically unchecked violence plaguing certain communities.

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe in the Second Amendment as a fundamental right that supports not only personal freedom, but also the safety and education of responsible citizens. We strongly support lawful firearm ownership, and we stand opposed to knee-jerk legislative responses that ultimately punish law-abiding Americans while doing little to address the underlying issues of violent crime.

Memphis in Crisis: A Reflection of Societal Failures, Not Gun Laws

The data coming out of Memphis for April 2025 is truly heartbreaking: seven children fell victim to gun-related incidents in just one month. But contrary to what many anti-Second Amendment pundits would have you believe, these are not cases of negligent gun owners or concealed carry permit holders harming others. According to reports, many of these tragic deaths stemmed from gang-related violence, unsecured firearms, and systemic failures in the justice system—not from legal gun use.

It’s important to note that:

• These incidents are concentrated in economically depressed areas with high rates of gang activity.
• Gun violence among children typically arises from illegal possession or criminal misuse—not from responsible gun owners.
• Legislation already exists to prevent straw purchases, regulate sales, and deter juvenile access to firearms—yet enforcement continues to fall short.

Rather than addressing these facts, lawmakers have turned their attention to more restrictions. Proposed legislation pushes for expanded gun bans, universal background checks that only burden legal buyers, and even red flag laws that infringe on due process. These policies may sound compassionate, but in truth, they accomplish little except to punish responsible American citizens.

Why More Gun Control Will Not Solve This Crisis

Gun control advocates continue to suggest that more regulations will somehow end the violence. Sadly, the Memphis tragedy is just the latest example that shows this approach rarely works. Despite already having some of the strictest gun laws in the state, Memphis continues to witness violent crime spiraling out of control.

Here’s why more restrictions won’t fix the problem:

• Criminals don’t follow laws. New gun control measures only affect those who already obey the law. The bad guys still get their guns through illegal channels.
• New regulations do nothing to tackle gang culture, school failures, or community neglect—key drivers behind such fatal incidents.
• Enforcement is already weak. Existing gun laws on the books are not being upheld with consistency, especially in urban areas overwhelmed with crime.

Instead of targeting the tool, it’s time we focus on the real causes of violence: community decay, lack of education, and a justice system that fails to rehabilitate or deter repeat offenders.

Education and Training: The Key to Responsible Gun Ownership

At Fortress Firearms Training, we know firsthand that safety starts with education. Many of the accidental shootings among children in Memphis could have been prevented with proper firearm storage and safety instruction. The media rarely mentions this, but it’s a crucial part of the conversation that responsible gun owners deeply care about.

Our training programs emphasize:

• Safe storage practices to prevent unauthorized access to firearms.
• Basic firearms handling education for people of all ages, including teens and families.
• Constitutional literacy so that every gun owner understands their rights and responsibilities under the law.
• Real-world scenario training for self-defense, situational awareness, and threat assessment.

Rather than placing more barriers on gun owners, our nation should be investing in initiatives like these. When citizens are properly trained and equipped, communities are safer, smarter, and stronger.

A Better Path Forward for America’s Youth

It’s easy to politicize tragedies and propose sweeping reforms in the wake of emotional headlines. But as we grieve the loss of young lives in Memphis, we must also face the hard questions: Why aren’t we focusing on mentorship programs, after-school activities, criminal justice reform, and real investments in community policing? These strategies have a proven track record of reducing violence—but they don’t fit the gun control narrative.

We at Fortress Firearms Training reject the notion that the Second Amendment is the enemy. In fact, we believe that informed and trained gun ownership is part of the solution to safer communities—not an obstacle. Taking away rights from law-abiding citizens solves nothing when the real issue lies with criminals and a system that fails to hold them accountable.

Standing Up for the Second Amendment, Together

Now more than ever, responsible gun owners need to push back against misinformation and misguided policies. The alarming spike in gun deaths among Memphis children is a wake-up call—not to restrict rights, but to confront the deeper issues of violence, family breakdown, and weak institutional support.

If you’re a new or experienced gun owner seeking to enhance your skills, learn more about safety best practices, or understand your constitutional rights, we invite you to train with us. Visit https://www.fftcwp.org for course schedules and registration.

Together, we can protect our families, defend our freedoms, and create a culture of responsibility that doesn’t rely on dismantling constitutional rights.