2024 - BFA in the News

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Jan. 16, 2024

Ohio Capital Journal - Columbus continues gun safety fight with state of Ohio after getting court win

The City of Columbus has officially requested the Ohio Supreme Court to allow it to put forward gun safety regulations. This comes after a lower court gave them one win in their effort to combat gun violence.

Lawsuit after lawsuit, Columbus finally gets to keep one of their city-wide firearm regulations.

“The Constitution clearly articulates the rights of Ohioans to possess, carry, buy and have firearms to protect themselves,” Buckeye Firearms Association’s Rob Sexton said. “It is crystal clear.”

The courts have made the right call, Sexton added, saying the current lockbox requirement that Columbus and Cincinnati ban, one that Cleveland also wants, is unconstitutional, the lobbyist said.

Klein disagreed. Cities know what is best for their communities, which is why Ohio is a home rule state, the attorney said.

Sexton argued it doesn’t work like that.

“Ultimately, when it comes to home rule, it just doesn’t trump your right to protect yourself,” Sexton said.

Jan. 4, 2024

News 5 Cleveland - New study claims permitless carry didn't increase gun violence, but police argue against it

A new report from the state found that gun violence has actually decreased since a controversial firearm law took effect, but police warn it doesn't tell the full story.

Gun owners in Ohio were able to legally carry a firearm without a permit as of June 2022.

Police and gun safety advocates testified that it could cause an increase in gun violence. Now, the data is in.

The new study from the attorney general's office and Bowling Green State University proves police were wrong about fears of increased crimes, Buckeye Firearms Association's Rob Sexton said.

"This latest study on permitless carry demonstrates yet again that you can trust law-abiding people," Sexton said.