Alabama Theater Shooting: Gun Control Advocates Miss the Mark Again

In light of the recent Mobile theater shooting in Alabama, the headlines are once again ablaze with rhetoric aimed squarely at gun owners and the lawful exercising of Second Amendment rights. The unfortunate incident—while tragic—has ignited a fresh wave of criticism against Alabama’s permitless carry law, a policy that reflects a growing national recognition of every citizen’s constitutional right to self-defense. But as expected, the anti-gun crowd is using this isolated event to push for more gun control policies that consistently fail to deliver results.

Focusing on Laws Instead of the Offender

Media outlets and progressive lawmakers have wasted no time in blaming Alabama’s permitless carry law for the violence, instead of focusing on the actual suspect: a 19-year-old who had been arrested just three months earlier for illegally carrying a firearm. Let that settle in. The suspect was already in violation of existing law when he previously carried a weapon without legal justification, and yet, thanks to a broken judicial system, he was released back into society without serving appropriate time. And now, anti-gun advocates want to punish law-abiding Americans in response.

This is where logic breaks down. You cannot legislate morality, and you cannot expect criminals—by definition—to follow any new gun control law passed. What you can do is ensure that responsible, trained citizens are equipped to defend themselves and others in dangerous situations. That’s precisely what permitless carry laws support, and it’s precisely what Fortress Firearms Training stands for in Fountain Inn, SC.

The Real Problem: Criminal Justice, Not Gun Ownership

Despite the media frenzy, Alabama’s permitless carry law isn’t the culprit here. The shooter had already demonstrated a disregard for the law, and local authorities failed to keep a known offender in custody. That failure had nothing to do with the policy of permitless carry and everything to do with weak prosecution. Blaming the law is nothing more than a deflection tactic—a way to avoid addressing systemic issues in the criminal justice system.

Instead of tightening restrictions on law-abiding gun owners, America needs to hold repeat offenders accountable. And we need to provide the tools and training so law-abiding citizens can take responsibility for their own safety. That’s where professional firearms training organizations like Fortress Firearms Training play a critical role in safeguarding freedom and public safety.

Permitless Carry Laws Support Self-Defense

The principle behind permitless carry laws is simple: your right to bear arms should not be encumbered by bureaucratic red tape. Our Founding Fathers didn’t say, “You have the right to bear arms only after completing a government-approved process.” The right to self-defense is inalienable and should not be contingent on arbitrary approval from the state.

Opponents of permitless carry often raise concerns about public safety, but the data tells a different story. In states where constitutional carry laws have been implemented, there has been no significant increase in gun crimes—and in many cases, crime has actually decreased. Well-trained, law-abiding gun owners serve as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we emphasize that permitless carry does not mean carry without responsibility. It means that responsible American citizens should not be required to jump through political hoops to exercise their rights. Instead, they should be encouraged to undergo rigorous training and education to do so safely and effectively.

Training is the Key to Responsible Gun Ownership

Regardless of the legal framework in place, proper training remains essential. That is one area where we can absolutely agree with both sides of the debate: guns in the hands of untrained individuals can be dangerous. But the solution isn’t to infringe upon rights—it’s to promote training, education, and self-discipline.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we offer instruction in:

• Constitutional Carry and Legal Education
• Basic and Advanced Handgun Skills
• Defensive Tactics and Personal Protection
• Scenario-based decision-making training

By providing structured, real-world firearms education, our mission is to ensure every gun owner in Fountain Inn—and throughout South Carolina—can safely and confidently protect themselves and their loved ones.

Time to Stop the Blame Game

The tragedy in Mobile is being weaponized to reignite old battles over permitless carry. Let’s be clear: the real issue is not law-abiding citizens who choose to carry responsibly. The problem is a failure to hold criminals accountable and a refusal by the left to look at the actual root causes of violence.

Every time an event like this occurs, anti-gun activists and politicians push for tighter restrictions without examining whether existing laws are being enforced. In the Mobile case, the previous arrest for illegal weapon possession should have been a red flag—and a moment for decisive action. Instead, the system failed. And now, the calls to restrict gun ownership risk punishing people who had nothing to do with the crime.

What Can We Learn From This?

Instead of using tragic incidents as political leverage, let’s work on actionable solutions—ones that empower individuals rather than disarm them. Permitless carry is not the enemy. In fact, it affirms what pro-2A citizens have always known: that the right to self-defense is timeless, essential, and non-negotiable.

Responsible gun ownership starts with education and training. That’s why Fortress Firearms Training exists—to ensure every citizen has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to carry safely and effectively. Don’t let the headlines mislead you. Let them motivate you to train harder, know your rights, and stand firmly in defense of liberty.

Final Thoughts

In Fountain Inn and beyond, Fortress Firearms Training continues the fight for our constitutional freedoms. The backlash over Alabama’s permitless carry law is nothing more than a misguided attempt to chip away at those freedoms under the guise of public safety. But make no mistake: giving up your rights won’t make you safer. Knowledge, preparation, and determination will.

To learn more or begin your training journey, visit us at Fortress Firearms Training. Join the many strong, patriotic Americans who believe that freedom, responsibility, and preparedness go hand-in-hand.