Bringing Guns to Protests Seen as Reckless, Not Empowering

Debate over Second Amendment rights and protest safety escalates in California

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A recent opinion piece in CalCoastNews argues that encouraging people to bring firearms to protests, as some local political figures have suggested, is reckless and ignores the real-world risks and consequences. The author, Erik Gorham, believes the Second Amendment protects a constitutional right, but says exercising that right in volatile protest situations can dramatically increase the chance of violence and tragedy.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between Second Amendment rights, public safety, and the role of firearms in political protests. As protests continue to be a flashpoint for confrontation, there are concerns that introducing more guns could lead to further escalation and loss of life, even if the intent is to empower protesters.

The details

The opinion piece responds to comments made on a local radio show, where a Tribune editor and the local Democratic Party chair suggested that 'Second Amendment people' should show up armed to protests to defend themselves against law enforcement. Gorham argues this advice ignores the realities of how quickly confusion and fear can take over when guns are present in tense situations, pointing to the Kyle Rittenhouse case as an example. He believes the Constitution protects liberty but doesn't cancel out consequences or the need for common sense.

  • The opinion piece was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

Erik Gorham

The author of the opinion piece and a supporter of Second Amendment rights who believes bringing firearms to protests is reckless.

Joe Terica

A Tribune editor who questioned how someone can support the right to bear arms while also urging restraint in bringing guns to protests.

Dan Dow

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney who has urged people not to bring guns to protests.

Tom Fulks

The local Democratic Party chair who asked 'Where are the Second Amendment people?' in reference to confronting federal law enforcement at protests.

Kyle Rittenhouse

A high-profile case that serves as a reminder of how quickly armed chaos can turn deadly at protests, according to the author.

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What they’re saying

“Encouraging people to bring guns to protests isn't empowerment. It's reckless advice from people who won't be there when shots are fired and won't be around for the legal bills or the funerals.”

— Erik Gorham, Author (CalCoastNews)

“The Second Amendment's reference to a militia was about structure, discipline, and accountability, not emotion or spur-of-the-moment decisions. It was never meant to describe loosely organized individuals bringing weapons into heated protests because someone suggested it on the radio or online.”

— Erik Gorham, Author (CalCoastNews)

What’s next

The debate over the role of firearms in protests is likely to continue, with both sides making their case heard in the media and through political channels. Lawmakers and law enforcement may also weigh in on how to balance public safety with constitutional rights.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the complex and often divisive nature of gun rights and their intersection with political protest. While the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, exercising that right in volatile protest situations can have severe unintended consequences that go against the spirit of the Constitution.