Friday Finds
Our weekly roundup of the latest gun violence prevention news
Victims of the June 17, 2015, shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC; via News 2
On Fridays here at Armed With Reason, we highlight articles and videos from the gun violence prevention realm that might’ve been missed during your busy week. This week’s list includes a focus on the 10th Anniversary of the Charleston Church shooting.
‘No Kings’ Marches Attracted Gun-Wielding Counterprotesters
“Chillingly, in the hours after the [Minnesota] shootings, several people, at least some of them counterprotesters, were arrested with guns at “No Kings” demonstrations across the country.”
Project Runway Contestant Arthur Folasa Ah Loo Shot & Killed At No Kings Utah Protest; Police Say He Was “Innocent Bystander”
“The shooter was identified by police as a ‘peacekeeper’ who began firing when an attendee wearing a black mask at the rally pointed an AR-15-style rifle at the crowd. ‘Peacekeepers’ apparently were recruited by rally organizers, though a spokesperson for the organizers has said that the ‘safety teams’ were asked not to bring guns.”
Protesters hold up signs critiquing President Trump First Street in Los Angeles during the “No Kings” protest on June 14, 20205. (Photo by Ethan Cohen, via Long Beach Current)
Political Assassinations in Minnesota:
VIDEO: Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife wounded in politically motivated shootings, Gov. Walz says
“At a Saturday morning press conference, Walz called the deaths of Hortman and her husband ‘a political assassination,’ and has ordered flags to fly at half staff in their honor.”
‘Fearless’ Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman, Assassinated by Firearm, Leaves a Legacy of Gun Reform
“With the assassination of longtime State Representative and former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, the state lost a staunch gun reform advocate, according to advocates and her colleagues.”
The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had a 'hit list' of 45 officials
“Authorities found ‘voluminous writings’ in the suspect's vehicle and at his home. They theorize he'd been planning and researching lawmakers for several months.”
How U.S. senator falsely claimed Minnesota shooting suspect was ‘Marxist’
“His friends said he was right-leaning, a supporter of President Donald Trump and opposed abortion rights. While preaching in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a few years ago, he spoke against abortion.”
Devin Bruce places flowers at a memorial for U.S. Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. [Craig Lassig/EPA; via Aljazeera]
ASK Day, June 21, 2025:
A yearly reminder for parents to ask if there's a gun in the home
“A few resources, videos, and stories concerning the lifesaving act of simply asking about guns in the home.”
VIDEO: Do you know if a home your child is visiting has an unlocked gun? What you need to ask
“Kris Brown, president of Brady United, spoke to 7News at Noon Anchor Michelle Marsh about ‘Asking Saves Kids Day’ on June 21 during Gun Safety Awareness Month.”
Fourth Circuit shoots down challenge to age-based handgun sales restriction
“… Wilkinson and U.S. Circuit Judge Toby Heytens agreed with the government's argument that early state legislatures established an age qualification of 21 for citizens to exercise several rights, and that several states passed laws restricting handgun sales to young adults in the 19th century when handguns became more lethal and widespread.”
10th Anniversary of the Charleston Church Shooting:
VIDEO: Charleston church marks 10 years since deadly shooting
“It's been 10 years since a deadly mass shooting at the oldest Black church in the South. On June 17, 2015, a white supremacist gunned down nine people at the Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina.”
Survivors of Charleston Church Shooting Remember Loved Ones: 'Those 9 Lives Weren't in Vain'
“I remember walking out of the Bible study, and the police officer was like, 'Let’s play a game….’ And she was like, ‘Put your head in my shoulders and close your eyes, and see how long you can close your eyes.’ And she walked past where all the pools of blood were.”
VIDEO: Daughter of Charleston church shooting victim inspires resilience 10 years after massacre
10 years after Charleston church massacre, faith leaders lament that the country hasn’t changed
“‘On paper, the concept of the United States is a wonderful one. In reality, it is not successful right now,’ Rabbi Myers said.”
Mark Kelly finds a receptive audience to talk about gun violence
“As the nation reels from the latest outbreak of political violence, the senator from Arizona and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, recalled the horrific attack that tore apart their lives as they addressed an audience in Charleston, South Carolina, on the 10-year anniversary of the mass killing at Mother Emanuel AME church.”
Poet laureate reflects on 10 years since Charleston church shooting
“Marcus Amaker, the first poet laureate of Charleston, South Carolina, said many Black residents of South Carolina became afraid to go to church, a fear that lingers to this day.”
