Defending the Second Amendment: Rhode Island’s Assault Weapons Ban Threatens Law-Abiding Citizens

Across the country, recent years have seen a steady increase in regulations targeting legal gun owners rather than addressing the core roots of violence. The state of Rhode Island is the latest battleground for this troubling trend. On May 14, 2025, testimony is set to be heard on several new anti-gun bills — most notably, a proposed ban on so-called “assault weapons.” Supporters of the Second Amendment are not staying silent. Gun rights advocates are organizing a rally at the Rhode Island State House to voice their opposition to these blatant infringements on constitutional liberties.

The Assault on Law-Abiding Gun Owners

The proposed legislation in Rhode Island follows a growing list of attempts by progressive lawmakers nationwide to restrict access to firearms under the guise of public safety. But let’s call it what it is: an attack on the rights of responsible gun owners.

This “assault weapons” ban isn’t about keeping dangerous weapons off the streets — it’s about controlling lawful citizens. These bans typically define “assault weapons” by cosmetic features, not actual functionality or rate of fire.

To be clear, the firearms targeted by this legislation are commonly owned by Americans nationwide for self-defense, sport shooting, and hunting. By banning them, legislators aren’t disarming criminals. They’re targeting people who follow the law—people like our students at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC.

Facts vs. Fear-Mongering

Unfortunately, anti-gun advocates often rely on emotionally-driven arguments rather than facts. The reality is:

• AR-15-style rifles are used in a small fraction of gun crimes, as confirmed by FBI crime statistics.
• Lawful gun owners are among the most responsible segments of society, with extremely low rates of criminal misuse.
• Handguns are used in far more incidents of crime than rifles, yet remain less politically targeted.

So, why the focus on banning so-called “assault weapons”? It’s simple: they look scary. But that’s not a rational basis for legislation. Law should be driven by data, not fear.

Rallying to Defend Constitutional Rights

As pro-2A citizens, Americans are pushing back. On the same day the Senate Judiciary Committee hears testimony on these bills, Patriots will be rallying outside the State House in Providence, RI. Their message is clear: Do not infringe on our right to bear arms.

This isn’t just about Rhode Island. Every new gun control law that passes anywhere in the country sets a precedent. The fight to protect gun rights in New England matters just as much here in South Carolina. When one state’s rights are eroded, the ripple effect can — and typically does — reach us all.

A Southern Perspective on Liberty

Here in South Carolina, we know the value of freedom and personal responsibility. At Fortress Firearms Training, we train Americans how to responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights — because freedom without knowledge is dangerous, but knowledge without freedom is powerless. Our courses focus on gun safety, situational awareness, and confidence under pressure — not fantasy, not fear.

We understand that keeping our communities safe doesn’t come from restricting rights. It comes from education, preparedness, and holding criminals accountable — not punishing everyday citizens just trying to protect themselves and their families.

Why This Matters for Fortress Firearms Training Students

Whether you’re an experienced shooter or a newcomer just learning the ropes, what happens in Rhode Island may soon affect us all. New gun control measures often start small — with just one state, one category of guns, or one paper-thin justification. But they rarely stop there.

• Our students train for personal protection, not because they want violence, but because they want peace of mind.
• Responsible gun ownership is a right, not a privilege granted by government approval.
• Proper training, not regulation, is what truly prevents misuse and accidents.

That’s why Fortress Firearms Training stands behind those pushing back in Rhode Island — and wherever else liberty is on the line.

The Slippery Slope of Gun Control

History shows us time and again that gun control laws don’t lead to “safety” — they open the door to further restrictions and eventual confiscation. First they ban cosmetic features, then magazine capacities, then semiautomatic firearms altogether. When the Second Amendment is seen as negotiable, every other liberty becomes a little less permanent.

The Founders didn’t write the Second Amendment as a casual suggestion. They wrote it as a warning — to secure the rights of the people from a government that may turn hostile to their liberties. Gun ownership is a cornerstone of our republic, and eroding it — even one bill at a time — is an injustice that cannot stand.

Be a Part of the Solution

Here at Fortress Firearms Training, we don’t just train shooters; we cultivate informed citizens who understand the responsibility that comes with exercising their rights. If you’re concerned about where this country is headed — and how policies in places like Rhode Island may end up in your own backyard — the time to speak and act is now.

Join the movement. Stay educated. Get trained.

Because when freedom is under fire, silence is not an option.

Stand With Fortress

We invite you to explore our training programs at Fortress Firearms Training. Whether you’re looking to obtain a concealed weapons permit or refine your shooting skills, our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence you need to responsibly defend yourself and your loved ones.

America needs prepared patriots now more than ever. Let’s preserve what generations before us bled to defend: the God-given, constitutional right to keep and bear arms. And let it never be said that we stood by while our freedoms were stripped away.