FSU Students Rally for Gun Control—But Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we take our Second Amendment rights seriously. So when a group of Florida State University students took to the steps of the Florida State Capitol to demand stricter gun laws, it caught our attention. The chant was loud, the message was clear, and the media coverage, predictably, leaned into the emotional intensity of it all.

But while these students rallied under banners calling for “common sense gun reform,” it’s critical to ask: are these policies truly grounded in logic, or are they reactions driven by emotion and political ideology?

Understanding The Motivation Behind The Protests

The FSU students took part in a march led by the student-led organization “March For Our Lives,” calling for laws they believe will bring down gun violence in schools and communities. Their demands included policies such as:

• Universal background checks
• Safe storage laws
• Red flag laws to remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others

While these proposals might sound reasonable on the surface, history and data tell a different story. None of the proposed laws address the root causes of violence nor the consistent failure of law enforcement and government agencies to effectively uphold existing laws.

Gun Control Solutions Sound Good—But Do They Work?

Several of the students who spoke to media outlets were fueled by personal stories and emotional pleas. Their voices deserve to be heard, no doubt. But policymaking should not be led by sentiment alone. Some of the most crime-ridden cities in America have the strictest gun laws—and those laws haven’t made their streets safer.

Let’s consider these important realities:

• Chicago and Baltimore, cities with intense gun control laws, continue to suffer from high gun-related crime rates.
• California, a state regarded for its tight firearms regulation, saw an increase in mass shootings in recent years.
• According to the FBI, most gun crimes are committed with illegally-obtained firearms—not by law-abiding gun owners.

So who do these gun restrictions really hurt? Responsible, law-abiding citizens. Folks who exercise their right to self-defense and enjoy firearms recreationally or for hunting purposes end up shouldering the burden of policies that don’t deter actual criminals. At Fortress Firearms Training, we teach firearm responsibility, safety, and preparedness—things that no protest sign or restrictive law can provide.

The Slippery Slope of Red Flag Laws

One of the key demands made during the FSU demonstration was the implementation or strengthening of red flag laws. These laws allow authorities to remove firearms from individuals based on the testimony of others, often without due process. While they are packaged as life-saving tools, they pose a serious risk to civil liberties.

Would-be lawmakers seem eager to dismantle constitutional protections for the average citizen, all while failing to enforce existing laws that could actually make a difference. The answer isn’t to strip rights from the general public, but to empower them through tactical and ethical firearms education, like what we provide at Fortress Firearms Training.

Emotion-Led Policy Helps No One

Many FSU students told reporters their motivation stemmed from fear—fear for their safety, fear of school shootings, and fear of the unknown. That fear is real, but is banning more guns really the right answer? Given the unpredictable nature of violent crime, wouldn’t education and empowerment lead to safer outcomes?

Criminals don’t follow laws. And no gun control bill will change that fact. But what you can control is your preparedness. You can take ownership of your safety and learn proper handling, storage, and strategic defense through rigorous firearms training. That’s the conversation we should be having—not vague and largely ineffective laws that ultimately weaken the foundation of liberty.

Our Constitutional Right Deserves More Respect

It’s no secret that the Second Amendment is under constant attack. The rallies may start in Tallahassee, but the ideology spreads fast, often leading to knee-jerk legislation that does little to nothing in stopping real crime. It’s time to remind our communities and policymakers that the right to bear arms isn’t just an outdated clause in an old document—it’s a fundamental right meant to protect citizens from tyranny, violence, and oppression.

Without a way to defend oneself, people are subjected to the mercy of criminals and the competence (or incompetence) of the state. That’s not a gamble we’re willing to make—and no American should have to.

Fortress Firearms Training Offers Real Solutions

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe the most powerful defense against both crime and misguided legislation is education. Our curriculum focuses on:

• Firearms safety: Understanding how to store, handle, and use rifles and handguns responsibly
• Self-defense training: Practical scenarios and tactics for real-world preparedness
• Legal education: Knowing your rights and the responsibilities of gun ownership in South Carolina and beyond

If those FSU students truly want to reduce violence, perhaps they should turn their attention from the Capitol steps to the community classrooms. Education, not legislation, evolves behavior and strengthens communities. Let’s not trade liberty for a false sense of security.

A Call for Courage, Common Sense, and Constitutional Awareness

No one wants more gun violence—but the solution isn’t to punish responsible gun owners. It’s to invest in education and personal responsibility. Fortress Firearms Training invites individuals from all walks of life to learn the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to be a safe and confident gun owner.

If the student-led demand for stricter gun laws is any indication, we have work to do. Join us in defending common sense, constitutional rights, and American freedoms by learning the best practices in firearms safety and training. Learn more at Fortress Firearms Training.