Understanding the Real Solutions to Gun Violence

As debates around gun violence and firearms legislation heat up yet again, we’re seeing more politicians lean heavily toward restrictive policies that threaten the very rights guaranteed by our Constitution. In a recent meeting in Media, PA, Pennsylvania State Senator Tim Kearney met with Race for Peace founder Tommy Armstrong to discuss “solutions” to gun violence—solutions that, once again, seem more likely to target law-abiding gun owners rather than criminal behavior.

The issue with many of these discussions is clear: they often lack a grounded, practical understanding of the root causes of crime. Rather than promoting personal responsibility, proper firearms education, and defensive preparedness, they push for more gun control legislation that strips away rights from the very citizens who are least likely to misuse firearms.

The Reality Behind Gun Violence

Senator Kearney admitted that while most gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, the public discussion continues to focus almost exclusively on mass shootings and so-called “assault weapons.” The media narrative cherry-picks these events to instill fear and push anti-2A agendas. But Kearney himself acknowledged that increased access to economic opportunity, mental health services, and community engagement are more effective solutions than restricting gun rights.

Let that sink in—the problem isn’t gun ownership, it’s socio-economic instability and mental health. So why do lawmakers continue to target responsible gun owners?

The Importance of Firearms Training in Preventing Violence

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we strongly believe that training, not legislation, is the key to reducing gun-related incidents. Here’s why:

• Firearms training builds competence and confidence: Knowledgeable gun owners are more responsible and safer. Education reduces fear and promotes mindful gun ownership.
• Self-defense is a basic human right: The ability to protect yourself and your family should never be compromised because of political discourse. Firearms training ensures you are capable and ready if the time comes.
• Proper instruction reduces accidents: Most unintentional firearm incidents are due to lack of basic safety training. Our courses emphasize safety protocols that prevent tragedy.

Instead of pushing for more gun bans—which do little to stop criminals and everything to endanger the law-abiding—why not invest in education and training centers like ours that actively teach responsible gun ownership?

Kearney’s Approach: Surface-Level Solutions and Political Optics

In his meeting with Race for Peace, Kearney stated that “it’s more than just policy, it’s about building relationships.” That’s a sentiment we can all agree with. But unfortunately, too often these conversations are hijacked to promote gun restrictions rather than empower communities to take charge of their own safety.

Policies aimed at banning certain firearms or restricting magazine capacity do nothing to stop criminals—who, by definition, do not obey the law. Instead, they turn law-abiding gun owners into criminals for simply exercising their Second Amendment rights.

What’s Actually Needed in Our Communities

If politicians were serious about reducing violence, they’d focus on core community needs:

• Support for mental health services—especially for veterans and youth.
• Job creation and economic development in at-risk communities.
• Stronger policing standards and community-based policing for better trust and accountability.
• Expansion of firearms education and training centers, like Fortress Firearms Training, as part of responsible citizenship programs.

Many of these approaches were acknowledged in the discussion, yet there is no indication that they’ll be prioritized over legislative attempts to disarm the very people bearing the responsibility of protecting their families.

A Right Worth Defending

The Second Amendment isn’t about hunting or sports shooting. It’s about guaranteeing that citizens retain the means to protect themselves—not just from criminals, but also from government overreach. While Kearney’s discussion with Race for Peace might sound well intentioned, history has shown that gun control laws fail time and time again to reduce violence. They only burden responsible gun owners with complicated regulations and unnecessary legal risk.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we stand firm in our belief that firearms safety, responsibility, and education are the best path forward. We don’t need more laws. We need more capable, informed citizens.

Join Us in Defending Our Rights Through Education

Our training facility in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, is committed to upholding your rights while building a safer and stronger community. Whether you’re a first-time shooter, interested in concealed carry certification, or looking to sharpen your skills, we offer professional, constitutional-focused firearms training tailored for every level.

When politicians like Kearney prioritize vague partnerships and virtue signaling over effective action, it’s up to organizations like ours to lead by example. Rhetoric won’t stop a home invasion. Empty legislation won’t keep your children safe. Knowledge, skill, and readiness will.

If their goal is truly to build peace, then our approach should be centered on empowerment, not control.

Visit Fortress Firearms Training and invest in your safety, your community, and your freedom.

The Bottom Line

True solutions to gun violence don’t come from restricting rights; they come from addressing root causes and empowering citizens. Events like the one between Kearney and Race for Peace often overlook the power of personal responsibility and the effectiveness of well-regulated—not government-annexed—firearms training programs in preventing violence.

Let’s stop pretending that banning guns or passing red-flag laws is going to fix deep societal issues. Let’s focus on real solutions—training, community engagement, mental health services, and defending our rights—not dismantling them.