The Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which affirmed the right to carry firearms outside the home for self-defense, is seeing an unprecedented rise in popularity.
Two years after the ruling, a recent Marquette Law School poll indicates a 70% approval rating for the decision—a notable achievement given the controversial nature of gun-related policies. But the Bruen decision isn’t just about public opinion. It’s playing a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of gun rights in America, and the Supreme Court’s latest actions reflect its ongoing influence.
The Surging Popularity of Bruen
Polling data shows that support for Bruen has increased over time, reaching 70% approval, with strong support among 40% of respondents. Even more interesting, 51% of Democrats also approve of the decision—a surprising finding given the typically polarized nature of gun rights issues. This shows a shift in cultural attitudes, particularly among younger people who have grown up in an era where concealed carry has become more common.
Despite ongoing efforts by gun control groups to counter this ruling, Bruen‘s popularity continues to grow, largely because it taps into a broader cultural shift toward self-defense. The rise in support comes at a time when the Supreme Court itself is experiencing a dip in approval ratings due to other controversial decisions. Nevertheless, Bruen stands as a stronghold of support across nearly all demographics, from race and gender to income level.
SCOTUS Revisits Pro-Gun Ruling: What’s Next?
In addition to the polling data, the Supreme Court recently made waves with a decision that impacts gun rights on a more technical level. The Court granted, vacated, and remanded (GVR) a Third Circuit ruling that struck down a Pennsylvania law restricting open carry during states of emergency. This GVR action means the lower court must reconsider its ruling in light of the Court’s recent Rahimi decision, a case involving firearm restrictions and Second Amendment rights.
For many gun rights advocates, this move was unexpected. There was hope that the Supreme Court would fully accept the case, potentially setting up a broader ruling on the rights of young adults (ages 18-20) to carry firearms. However, the Court’s decision to GVR the case signals that it may be waiting for lower courts to fully address these issues under the new framework set by Rahimi.
While this could delay definitive rulings on such cases, it’s clear that the Supreme Court is closely watching how lower courts apply the Bruen standard.
Gun Control Groups’ Response & Growing Tensions
As gun rights advocates celebrate the rise in support for Bruen and look to the future of pro-gun cases in court, gun control groups are ramping up their efforts to push back. Recent reports indicate that these groups are heavily investing in ad campaigns targeting key states and races. The spending blitz has intensified as they seek to counterbalance the growing momentum on the pro-gun side.
At the same time, pro-gun groups, like the NRA, are fighting internal battles, with animal cruelty scandals and infighting hampering their ability to match the spending power of gun control organizations. Despite these challenges, gun rights advocates remain hopeful that the Bruen decision and upcoming cases will continue to protect and expand Second Amendment rights.
What This Means for the Future of Gun Policy
The Bruen decision represents more than just a legal victory; it symbolizes a cultural shift in how Americans view their Second Amendment rights. The ongoing popularity of Bruen, even among some Democrats, highlights the changing landscape of gun rights in the U.S. For pro-gun advocates, this is an encouraging sign, especially as the Supreme Court continues to revisit lower court rulings that could further strengthen Second Amendment protections.
With only weeks left for Election 2024, the big question is how a future presidency, whether under Trump or Harris, could influence gun policy. Both sides have vastly different approaches, but the Bruen ruling has laid a strong foundation for protecting the right to carry firearms for self-defense, no matter who occupies the Oval Office.
Gun rights advocates, staying informed and engaged is key. As more cases come through the courts and public opinion continues to shift, the Bruen decision will remain a cornerstone in the fight for Second Amendment protections.
I don’t care if lying Democrats approve of the Bruen decision or not because I do not approve of Democrats or thier bullshit lies . Never trust a lying Democrat.
The GVR of the Third Circuit 18-20-year-old ban was not a great surprise, although it was greatly disappointing. The decision was issued before US v. Rahimi was decided. After Rahimi was decided, the 8th Circuit invalidated a similar 18-20-year-old ban (Worth v. Jacobson), but I couldn’t find a cert petition. So, it seems we will have to wait for the Third Circuit’s new decision and a new cert petition next year.