When police fatally shot Breonna Taylor in her own home just two months ago, she was asleep next to her boyfriend, Marcus Lewis. Fortunately, Lewis survived, and his experience sheds light on a troubling pattern that has emerged following several police shootings. As a legal gun owner, Lewis used his firearm in self-defense before the police opened fire on Taylor. However, gun rights advocates have largely remained silent. This lack of support for Black gun owners asserting their constitutional right to bear arms is telling.
Rallies advocating for the Second Amendment predominantly feature white participants. It’s crucial to recognize that gun ownership isn’t exclusive to white individuals. Yet, the National Rifle Association (NRA) tends to favor white gun owners, providing them with attention and support that Black gun owners often do not receive. This discrepancy is a stark reflection of systemic racism.
Dr. Jonathan Metzl, a psychiatrist and sociologist at Vanderbilt University, highlighted this issue, stating, “The significance of carrying, owning, or purchasing a gun is anything but neutral. Over two centuries of history have defined these actions in explicitly racial terms.”
On the night Taylor lost her life, undercover police officers forced their way into her apartment without announcing themselves, thanks to a “no-knock” warrant obtained under dubious pretenses. Believing they were being robbed, Lewis fired a shot, prompting the officers to retaliate with lethal force, resulting in Taylor being shot eight times. Tragically, Lewis faced charges for attempted murder of a police officer.
It’s worth mentioning that not only was Lewis a legal gun owner, but Kentucky’s “stand your ground” law would have justified his actions had he genuinely believed intruders were breaking in. This law, which played a pivotal role in George Zimmerman’s acquittal after he killed Trayvon Martin, appears to apply selectively. Since Lewis’s arrest, we have yet to hear a single word of support from gun rights activists. This silence speaks volumes.
Dr. Metzl further noted that, for many in African American communities, the perception of guns is vastly different, often seen as a symbol of danger rather than privilege. Many in these communities associate gun ownership with the threat of police violence.
The case of Philando Castile, a Black gun owner who was shot by police during a traffic stop after he informed officers of his licensed firearm, exemplifies this tragic reality. Despite following protocol, he was killed while reaching for his identification. This could have been a pivotal moment for gun rights advocates to voice their support, yet their silence was deafening.
As the ACLU highlights, Black gun owners who heed the NRA’s advice to arm themselves may inadvertently increase their vulnerability. This is a troubling reality, considering the NRA’s supposed mission to protect rights.
In 2018, a Black man named Elijah Carter was killed by police in Alabama while legally carrying his firearm in an open carry state. Carter was escorting shoppers to safety during a mall shooting when he was shot by police, demonstrating the severe consequences faced by Black gun owners. The NRA’s only response was a tweet from spokesperson Dana Loesch, expressing her surprise at the police’s lack of transparency regarding bodycam footage.
Political scientist Alexandra Filindra commented that the NRA caters to a predominantly white membership base, which shapes its stance on gun rights and racial issues. This reality reinforces the notion that gun ownership is viewed as a privilege reserved for white individuals.
While the NRA has defended some Black gun owners, such as Otis McDonald, who challenged Chicago’s handgun ban, their advocacy often aligns with cases that serve their broader agenda. This selective support raises questions about their commitment to true civil rights.
The NRA’s failure to address the killings of Black gun owners like Castile and Carter reflects a broader issue of white supremacy and privilege. Their slow reactions and reluctance to confront police violence reveal a prioritization of conservative values over the sanctity of Black lives.
In essence, a group that claims to champion civil rights must not pick and choose who deserves those rights. Ignoring the plight of Black gun owners only serves to reinforce systemic racism and inequality. For those navigating the complexities of gun rights, it’s essential to recognize the disparities that exist and advocate for equitable treatment in the ongoing conversation around firearms.
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In summary, the NRA, while branding itself as a civil rights organization, fails to advocate for Black lives and their right to bear arms. This inconsistency highlights the organization’s prioritization of white interests over genuine civil rights for all.