Women are increasingly joining the ranks of gun owners in the United States, seeking empowerment and self-defense in a time of rising crime rates. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance will hold a hearing on this topic, examining how gun ownership has empowered women across America. Three female gun experts and instructors will testify, advocating for Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
Beth Alcazar, a senior training counselor at the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), will be one of the witnesses. In her testimony, Alcazar highlights the personal choice she made as a mother to live with a gun, emphasizing that women should not be helpless victims of violent crimes. She asserts that women have taken self-defense matters into their own hands, refusing to stand by idle. Alcazar argues that every woman has the right to protect herself and her loved ones.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent social unrest in response to the death of George Floyd have contributed to a surge in gun sales. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reports that between 2019 and 2021, women accounted for half of all gun purchases, making them the fastest-growing demographic of new gun owners. Alcazar explains that women face violent criminals with evil intent, and owning a firearm gives them a better chance of defending themselves.
The USCCA, founded in 2003, provides training, education, and self-defense liability insurance to American gun owners. With over 10,000 instructors nationwide, the organization has witnessed an increase in women seeking gun training. Native American women, in particular, have shown interest in gun safety classes, driven by concerns over crime and violence.
Alcazar’s testimony underscores how gun ownership and training have transformed her as a person and a mother. She believes that being her own protector and her family’s first responder is of utmost importance. The hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, will also feature testimonies from Geneva Solomon, owner of Redstone Firearms, and firearms instructor Shirley Watral.
The rise of female gun ownership reflects a growing trend of women taking charge of their own safety and refusing to be victims. As crime rates continue to rise, many women are finding empowerment and peace of mind in owning firearms.
