Alabamians were able to legally carry guns with the start of the new year.
A new law went into effect on January 1 that allows people to carry concealed handguns without a permit.
Half of the 50 states now allow people to carry a handgun without a permit.
Over the past two decades, gun control rights have expanded in the US. Only two states allowed people to carry guns without a permit. Almost 24 states have passed similar laws in the last 13 years, 11 of which were greenlit in the last three years.
In the 20 years since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, state governments have relaxed gun control. According to data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, there were more than 600 mass shootings in the US in 2022.
The Marshall Project found that there were more mass shootings in the last half decade than in the previous five years.
The Center for American Progress found that states with weaker gun laws had higher homicides.
Pro-gun advocates and groups such as the National Rifle Association pressured the Alabama Legislature to pass the new law.
It's become popular with many Republicans. According to a New York Times analysis, over 100 GOP Midterm candidates have used guns in their television ads.
During her re- election campaign, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted her support for the law, which included an ad showing her pulling a gun out of her purse, followed by lipstick and a cell phone.
She says "Lipstick, an Apple device, maybe a Smith & Wesson.38."
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled last year that the US Constitution protects an individual's right to carry a gun outside the home for self-defense.
Guns have become a part of political protests, such as at an anti-trans rally attended by the Proud Boys, which the Southern Law Poverty Center considers a hate group.
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