The gun lobby wants 18-year-olds to carry concealed guns everywhere

How federally mandated concealed carry reciprocity would allow teenagers, as young as 18, to carry loaded, hidden weapons into states where residents have to be 21 to purchase a gun.

As most children are taught, with age comes responsibility. This is especially relevant during high school, when young people’s brains are still developing and they’re learning and processing new information constantly: about algebra and history but also about socializing and dating. After taking written and practical tests, they can get their driver’s licenses, experiencing more independence and responsibility than ever before.

Graduating from high school — typically between the ages of 17 and 19 years old — is another developmental milestone. And of course, they must be at least 21 years old to legally purchase and consume alcohol.

But when it comes to some state gun laws, some teenagers don’t have to wait.

A gun dealer, known as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) can only sell handguns to individuals who are 21 and over. However, some states allow teenagers as young as 18 to lawfully possess firearms, including carrying them concealed.

People in the 18–20 age range are responsible for a disproportionate amount of gun crime: while they only make up only 4% of the population, they commit 17% of gun homicides. These young adults are four times more likely to commit gun homicides than other adults.

For this reason, 38 states and the District of Columbia currently prohibit people in this age range from carrying concealed guns in public. However, these laws would be overruled by a proposal pending before Congress, federally mandated concealed carry reciprocity, which would require each state to recognize the concealed weapons permits from every other state, even permits issued to 18, 19, and 20-year-olds.

Under the gun lobby’s desired scenario, untrained 18 year-olds would be able to travel nationwide carrying loaded, concealed firearms — even in states where local laws prohibit handgun possession prior to the age of 21.

In fact, this bill would mean that an 18-year-old from Pennsylvania could carry a concealed gun in Times Square, where a resident of the city can’t even own a gun until the age of 21.

The bottom line: Allowing untrained teenagers to carry concealed firearms in places where they can’t legally purchase firearms, alcohol, or even rent a car just doesn’t make sense. It’s irresponsible and will endanger our communities.

About Us: Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords has the strength and courage it will take to bring Americans together to find unity and challenge the forces that threaten our safety. At Giffords, we shift culture, change policy, and challenge injustice by fighting for the gun safety laws and programs proven to save lives.